FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com THE COURIER SUN • FEBRUARY 16, 2017 37 at home The home design trend you need to know about With the new year underway, the housing world is buzzing about the next transformative trend in home design and remodeling. This year it seems certain the growing trend of mixing and layering materials, something many designers and architects noticed was growing in popularity over the past few years, will dominate the remodeling and design scene. When it comes to mixing materials, there’s no rule book; all you should do is find a combination to match your personality. This might be one of the biggest reasons why people have taken to mixing materials, as it truly allows you to create a home that is uniquely yours. Bold and innovative The most immediate effect of mixing materials is that it opens new possibilities and new ways of expression. An example of this can be likened to how hard stone surfaces in a room can be complemented by soft carpet and furniture, or how the highly textured wood on a ceiling can stand in stark contrast to polished stone. Some of the hottest looks today, such as the blending of unfinished industrial materials with modern floors and cabinets, would have been considered outlandish only a few years ago. Mixing materials gives you greater freedom to create a space that represents your style. Style on a budget Of all the rooms in a home, kitchens and bathrooms still get the most attention. Unfortunately, getting that dream kitchen or perfect bathroom isn’t always inexpensive. For those who have uncompromising taste, but are on a budget, mixing materials is the ideal solution. For instance, say you had your heart set on a marble island and surrounding countertops, but just can’t afford marble. Instead, you can choose from a variety of Wilsonart(R) Quartz for the island. Engineered to showcase the erratic veins and patterns prized in marble, quartz also has the Mix and layer materials used for surfaces at home to create dramatic, beautiful spaces - this kitchen features High Pressure Laminate on tabletop and cabinets, as well as Solid Surface and Quartz on countertops, island and backsplashes. advantage of being non-porous, so it won’t stain and requires virtually no maintenance. A timeless look that continues to win the popularity contest are nature’s neutrals in white, grey and black, offering flexibility to play with bold or demure colorful accents. You can complement the quartz island by mixing in an even more affordable material like Wilsonart(R) Laminate for the perimeter countertops and vertical applications such as backsplashes and walls. With numerous styles to choose from, you’ll be able to create a stunning contrast and dimensionality that will make your room pop. With today’s innovation in laminate manufacturing and fabrication, adding affordable luxury to your kitchen or bath has never been easier. Utility meets style Parents, in particular, face a constant dilemma: They want a home with rooms that can stand up to all the abuse toddlers and teenagers can throw at it, but still have it look good. The answer lies in Wilsonart(R) Solid Surface. This material is tough, non-porous, seamless and repairable without sacrificing beauty. With a wide variety of styles replicating stone, you can easily mix it with other material looks to make an intriguing statement. To explore hundreds of options, visit www. wilsonart.com and start mixing materials to see what’s possible in your home. Courtesy BPT 5 tips for safe space heater use During the coldest days of the year, space heaters are one of the easiest, most efficient ways to get warm fast. However, when not used correctly, they may also be one of the most dangerous. Space heaters accounted for 40 percent of all home heating fires and a staggering 84 percent of home heating fire deaths, according to research from the National Fire Protection Association. And, as you might expect, these tragic accidents most often occur during the year’s coldest months. The same research finds nearly half of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February. While these facts are sobering, it doesn’t mean you need to avoid using your space heater to find the comfort you need during the year’s coldest days. You just need to be careful when doing so. To help you keep yourself and your family safe while enjoying comfortable space heater use, Peter Duncanson, of ServiceMaster Restore, offers these five space heater safety tips. Stay warm and safe this winter by: • Reading the labels. When you’re out purchasing a new space heater, it’s important to know what to look for. Review each model thoroughly and look for a label from a recognized testing laboratory. This label should tell you if the heater’s construction and performance meets voluntary U.S. safety standards. • Choosing a model with a safety sensor. Before purchasing a space heater, make sure the unit has a safety sensor. This sensor will monitor the heater, shutting it off automatically if it overheats, reducing the risk of a fire. • Ensuring cords are in good working order. Whether you’re buying a new unit or monitoring your existing one, always check the condition of the cords as damage here increases the risk of fire. Once you’re sure the cords are in satisfactory condition, be sure to use them properly. Never plug a cord into a surge protector. Many surge protectors cannot handle the wattage, which could result in a fire. • Keeping drapes and flammable items away from your space heater. A draped linen can quickly catch fire, so protect against this by selecting a location for your space heater with at least three feet of clearance on all sides. The more room you provide your space heater, the safer you’ll be. • Unplugging it when not in use. Always remember to unplug your space heater when you’re not actively using it. This includes when you go to bed and even when you simply leave the room. A space heater is an effective way to stay warm and comfortable during the winter months, and if you use it correctly, it can also be safe. Follow the tips presented here and your space heater will make this winter your most comfortable yet. Courtesy BPT
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