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Local businesses o er home improvement tips
HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
good light xture or two—not too many until you’ve been [in your home] a minute because those can be expensive. SHOULD HOME DESIGNERS INCORPORATE CERTAIN COLORS OR JUST FOCUS ON WHAT THEY LIKE? Neutrals are always good, especially in the beginning. Right now, there’s such a big shift because pastels have been crazy popular for a long time, and now there’s a resurgence of [other] colors. So there’s lots of color coming in. But I do prefer, most times, in a big piece like a couch, for it to be neutral and then have pops of color. You’re less likely to get tired of it. Rugs are a great place to put color. HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK MODERN ON A TIGHT BUDGET? Minimalism. That’s No. 1—get rid of most of your stu because that is modern. Modern is no junk. You can also nd modern furniture that’s very inexpensive. They may not last a lifetime, but you can do modern easily on a budget.
HOW CAN MAXIMALISTS BALANCE THEIR LOVE OF STUFF WITHOUT BEING CLUTTERED? Editing. Go through [your stu ] and take things that maybe you don’t like anymore, put it up for a while and see if you still like it. Maximalists might not be bothered by stacks of [stu ]. To a maximalist, ‘Enjoy all your stu .’ HOW DO YOU RECOMMEND MAKING A HOME LOOK WELCOMING AND WARM? Pillows, colors, plants and owers. HOW SHOULD THOSE WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT STYLE THEY WANT APPROACH HOME DESIGN? Let the architecture guide you somewhat. Talk about what you want with your partner or the people you live with, and make compromises. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE TIPS WHEN DESIGNING A HOME? Function, ow and what sparks joy. You need to make sure that your rooms ow well with furniture placement, accessibility and storage space.
COMPILED BY CECILIA LENZEN
ASK AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Kalee Fuqua Doche, who lives in the Junius Heights neighborhood adjacent to Lakewood, worked as an artist in partnership with interior designers for 20 years, creating murals and faux nishes. Four years ago, she pivoted to interior design herself and began working at her brother’s architectural rm, J Wilson Fuqua & Associates, Architects. She describes her own style as “eclectic,” but said she specializes in bringing clients’ own styles and visions to fruition. Here are her tips for homeowners looking to spruce up the interiors of their homes. Answers may have been edited for length and clarity.
OK to buy less expensive things and not make a big investment in furniture. When you get into a house, you want to focus on big items and your yard. We don’t think about how much it costs to take care of your yard, but you’re going to drive up to it daily. Think about your outside and how that looks, then gather ideas about things you want to collect, along with the bigger pieces. However, don’t invest too much on a lot of furniture in the beginning because you want to get adapted to your house. WHAT ARE ITEMS YOU RECOMMEND SPENDING EXTRA MONEY ON? A dining room table, a good rug and a
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES THAT AMATEUR HOME DESIGNERS MAKE? I would say going too trendy. Sometimes, trends last—like gray [paint] has lasted forever—but a lot don’t. A lot of people are painting their houses black, but that is such a huge mistake. Just because I’m old, I know that black is going to look [bad] in about two or three years. Also, [don’t go] too rogue—you’ve got to think about your neighborhood and your house. WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENCES IN DESIGNING AN APARTMENT VERSUS A HOUSE? When you’re renting an apartment, it’s
Kalee Fuqua Doche Interior designer
J Wilson Fuqua & Associates 3618 Fairmount St., Dallas 214-528-4663 www.wilsonfuqua.com
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WEATHER READY AT HOME In addition to preparing for disasters by stockpiling food and water, homeowners can prepare themselves and their homes for severe weather events through home maintenance and repairs.
Measures that can be taken:
Renovations: while updating appliances, ooring, walls and windows
Construction: during the design phase of a new home or addition
Now: immediately and are renter friendly
Walls & oors
Windows & doors
R C Plants Trees can protect
Roofs
Insulating pipes with foam sleeves can protect them from extreme temperatures. N R C
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Overhanging roofs can shade windows from the sun while still allowing indirect light in.
Weather stripping can protect doors and windows from rain and external moisture.
sunny sides of buildings. Native trees are best adapted to the home’s climate.
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Using mold-resistant insulation can improve air quality, especially in homes that are humid or prone to ooding.
Solar panel installation can be paired with a smart inverter for optimal energy use.
Thermal curtains can protect against both extreme heat and cold while conserving energy.
SOURCES: HOUSTON ADVANCED RESEARCH CENTER, TEXAS STATE ENERGY CONSERVATION OFFICE COMMUNITY IMPACT
EMPHASIZING ENERGY EFFICIENCY
While the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a professional assessment of a home’s energy eciency, it is also possible for homeowners to perform one on their own. Here is a list of areas to check when assessing a home’s energy usage.
AIR LEAKS Air leaks can save up to 20% on energy per year if addressed. In
INSULATION Depending on building ages, insulation may not be up to standard. Checking attics, walls near outlets and basements can ensure heat losses are kept to a minimum. Wall insulation may require a thermographic evaluation. APPLIANCES Energy use for appliances can be estimated using the energy guide label on the appliance itself or by using an electricity usage monitor. Unplugging appliances in between uses can keep them from drawing unused electricity.
LIGHTING When replacing bulbs, residents can consider LEDs as well as energy-saving incandescent bulbs. Electric utilities may o er rebates for purchasing energy-ecient lamps. HEATING AND COOLING The U.S. Department of Energy recommends upgrading systems older than 15 years. Checking ductwork for dirt streaks can reveal air leaks, which can be sealed.
addition to leaking windows and doors, check for leaks on baseboards or where di erent building materials meet. Leaks can be sealed or plugged with caulk or weather stripping.
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY COMMUNITY IMPACT
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