How to create a paver walkway or patio
Creating a walkway or patio out of paving stones can add aesthetic appeal to a property. Pavers are less permanent than concrete and decking. As a result, it is easier to change the design later on if you want to give the space a new look. Homeowners who install their own pavers can save a...
A stroke of genius: Paint finish helps make a kitchen family-friendly
Like a lot of homeowners, I keep a running slide show of dream kitchen photos in my head, periodically swapping out granite countertops for quartz, or tile flooring for wood. One photo that never changes, however, is the cabinets: they’re always a creamy white, Shaker style with old-fashioned brushed nickel hardware. Should the time come...
The Energy-Efficient Foundation
I began this monthly series of columns by taking a look at options for building energy-efficient walls and then moved on to attics and roofs. Now let’s complete our look at advanced thermal envelopes (TEs) by checking out foundations. Most homes in Fairfield County have foundations that include basements, so we will start there. Foundation...
5 fast fixes that add value to your home
By Olga Adler – an award-winning interior designer and creative director of Olga Adler Interiors - www.olgaadlerinteriors.com. With the real estate market warming up (according to all the sources), now may be the time to look at your home with a critical eye and see how you can take advantage of home improvement magic while...
Is your grill ready for your culinary imagination?
Recent improvements in the design and engineering of gas grills have transformed the art of grilling. From searing and rotisserie cooking to planking and smoking, gas grills now provide chefs with several different grilling techniques to develop flavors, textures and aromas. With a quality gas grill, the right set of features and these grilling methods,...
Can pools and lawns cohabitate peacefully?
The backyard has become a go-to destination for warm weather recreation. As the “staycation” has grown in popularity, more effort has been put forth in making the backyard a place where all members of the household can enjoy themselves. That means merging interests into one space. A pool may be competing for acreage along with...
The dos and don’t of fixing leaky pipes
It starts off as a stain on a ceiling. Then it turns into a bulge. Before you know it, the bulge is as ripe as an overblown balloon and just waiting to pop. That’s when you know you must puncture it or it is going to splatter all over the place. You’ve sprung a leak....
New Canaan CARES Kitchen and Home Tour: 21st tour features intimate spaces with big personalities
Seven New Canaan homeowners will open their doors to celebrate the 21stNew Canaan CARES Kitchen and Home Tour on Thursday, May 9. From multi-phase renovations to focused kitchen remodels, these homes showcase the latest in kitchen, home and interior design. Each house varies in style and setting, providing a unique and interesting experience for all...
Well water should be tested for arsenic, uranium
Darien residents who use well water are being advised by the state Department of Public Health to test their well for arsenic and uranium. These metals are found in groundwater in sporadic locations across the state and can lead to adverse health effects, the department said. “Recent well testing in various towns around Connecticut has...
Pave the way to a new driveway: choosing the right materials
When renovating a home, many homeowners look to increase the home’s curb appeal. “Curb appeal” is a term used to describe how the home’s exterior appears to buyers the moment they pull up to the curb. A home that impresses prospective buyers before they even go inside is said to have a strong curb appeal,...
Keeping the heat in
We know that warm air rises. Consequently, during the cold months it’s important to stop the flow of heat through the roof or, alternatively, the attic floor. To accomplish this, the same solutions that I described for walls in my previous columns will work. First, we want a high level of insulation. Second, we want...
