Page 22 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • February 17, 2010 Home Improvement & Decorating Warm up your home with these natural touches (ARA) Today, more homeowners are improving and renovating their homes – updating the decor and functional ele- ments -- rather than taking on the challenge of selling and buying in the current market. Figuratively, bringing the outdoors in can have a warming effect on your home. Look to nature for inspiration on everything from color to materials to elements that reflect the landscape that surrounds your home. “Modern technology allows us to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors,” says Ray Johnston, an architect with John- ston Architects in the Pacific Northwest. “To enhance this blending, exterior materi- als can extend through windows to inside walls. This treatment welcomes the out- doors in and has the effect of expanding space. At the same time, the rich color and texture of a natural material, like a warm wood, adds great character and depth to an interior space.” Minor structural additions and interior treatments add appeal to a stagnant room. New, environmentally friendly clay treat- ments are available in a variety of colors, and add a rustic, subtle tactile quality. The rich color and attractive grain of western red cedar panel provide immediate interest without the added struggle of learning to create faux finishes with paint or mastering a trowel. If you want to add a unique touch of color, cedar takes stains exceptionally well. To preserve the natural color of the wood, sealing it will help it last for years. Adding smaller design touches is a great option for those who don’t feel comfortable tackling big projects. Many newer homes don’t have the classic character of houses from years gone by, but there are ways to incorporate it. “Homeowners are adding natural wood molding and trims as a low-cost way to add warmth and elegance to a simple room,” says Paul Mackie of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. Look for a stable wood that will not warp and twist over the years. Cedar is a great choice for ceiling, picture and floor moldings, and other trims, because of its uniform grain. Switching out older, hollow-core doors with new wood models will not only help to diminish noise, it will add a long-lasting extra bit of character to your home, no matter its age. Windows are a key design element in any home, too, and can be enhanced by adding new cedar frames, blinds, or shut- ters in styles ranging from embellished and traditional to minimalist and modern. The dynamic appeal of nature can be applied to floors as well. Add new inter- est to kitchens, foyers, bathrooms, and more with tiles made of natural materials like cork, bamboo, slate, wood (new or reclaimed), or travertine. The possibilities are almost endless. ����������������������������� BAREFOOT ��������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ������������������������������������������� ������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������� � ���������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������� ���������������������������������� ����������������������������� ����������������������� & FLOORING ���������������������� ������������ ��������������� �������������� ��������������������� �������������� ������������ ������������ ���������������� ������������ The Villadom TIMES is giving you the opportunity to present your quality services and merchandise in its special Home Improvement & Decorating section. In The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the exposure you need in 56,300 homes right in your market area. And, as always, your Villadom TIMES advertising message is conveniently delivered each week by US mail to every residence in the 12 Bergen County towns listed below. ������������� ��������� WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY ������������ �������� ��������� ��������� ����������� ����������� ������� �������� Call The Villadom TIMES today to place your advertisement. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER ������������ ZONE 1 - Wyckoff, Midland Park, Franklin Lakes ZONE 2 - Ridgewood, Glen Rock ZONE 3 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Waldwick, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, ZONE 4 - Ramsey, Mahwah