Most whole-home air purification systems utilize high-performance air filters installed in the home’s heating ductwork, which can be very effective at trapping airborne pollutants and allergens. Some systems go further, adding UV germicidal lights that can kill bacteria and germs in the air as that air passes by those lights. The limitation of such systems is that they are passive, treating only the air that passes through your heating/air conditioning system.
The next generation of indoor air purification is active rather than passive, neutralizing bacteria, mold, viruses, mildew, smoke, odors, and other contaminants throughout your home, even in air that doesn’t pass through the HVAC system. One such system is MicroPure® from Dust Free®. While this system also installs in the home’s HVAC system, MicroPure utilizes NASA-developed technology to naturally produce airborne “scrubbers,” circulated throughout the home through your ductwork that actively seek out and destroy pollutants in the air while also reducing contaminants on surfaces such as countertops and flooring. The MicroPure system comes in three sizes, 5″ (for 2-2.5 ton A/C systems), 9″ (for 3-5 ton A/C systems), and 14″ (for 5-ton and larger systems).
By definition, multi-generational households have at least two adult generations living in the home. Today, about 1 in 5 Americans live in multi-generational households. Traditionally, in-law suites were the design solution — in a pinch, mom and/or dad moved into one of the secondary bedrooms. But better for achieving both independence and togetherness is a bedroom suite with its own entertaining area, a private bathroom, and a generous closet. That way mom can have the ladies over without having to “schedule” the primary entertaining space.
Design Basics’ McAllister (42027) plan illustrates this arrangement beautifully. With the addition of its own exterior door off the front porch, plus its kitchenette, the in-law suite’s living area is sure to please. Increased natural light levels are paramount as we age and this plan delivers with windows on two sides of both the second suite’s bedroom and living space. With an older family member in that suite, you’ll also want to consider zoned heating and cooling, as older individuals typically need warmer temperatures to be comfortable. And, while tile continues to be the preferred flooring choice in bathrooms, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among seniors. Selecting slip-resistant tile flooring just makes sense.
Boomerang
According to PEW Research of U.S. Census data, 45% of college graduates move back in with their parents after graduation. Dubbed by some the “boomerang” generation, 7 in 10 college seniors graduated with student loan debt averaging nearly $30,000 each, as of 2013. At other times, adult children were moving back in with parents following a job loss or divorce.
These scenarios have given rise to the popularity of “casitas” – independent living quarters with private access – often found atop or behind the main home’s attached garage. Design Basics’ Petaluma (42290) and Westerly (42302) both exemplify these options.
Accessed from its own entrance/staircase behind the garage, the Petaluma’s casita over the garage presents a sizable living space, kitchen with eating bar and private bedroom suite with oversized shower and walk-in closet. Alternatively, the Westerly’s casita (at left) is positioned behind the garage and main home’s kitchen. Again, there is private access from behind the garage and this ground-level casita layout offers a pocket office, too.
Recently, the McAllister plan was re-designed as the McAllister Knoll OTB (42319) with the addition of a “roomer” off the rear covered porch. Think small studio apartment with private bedroom and bath plus modest living space equipped with kitchenette for your college student or perhaps your separate home office.
No matter what multi-generational living arrangement presents itself, our plan specialists can assist you in finding the right fit for your situation. Search Plans
The new Insynctive™ technology by Pella® is leading the way with smart window and door products that make life easier for your customers. Insynctive wireless Window and Door Sensors relay information to a compatible home automation system via the Insynctive Bridge. Homeowners can check whether their windows are open or closed from virtually anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Insynctive Entry Door Deadbolt Sensor can be integrated into a new Pella entry door. If the entry door is left open or unlocked, a compatible home automation system will let you know.
Couldn’t remember if your Garage Door was left open? Your smart device can bring you peace of mind. Ready for bed? You won’t have to get up to close your blinds or shades — program them to automatically lower at bedtime. In a home theater room, blinds and shades can be programmed to raise and lower when your home automation system raises and lowers the lights. The comfort of your home is enhanced when blinds and shades and doors with Insynctive technology are connected with other products through a compatible home automation system — to get the most out of life and the home where you live it.
Learn more about Pella’s Insynctive technology by visiting their website: www.pella.com
Note: Product spotlights are for informational purposes only; we do not formally endorse any product or service.
There are many design elements that can be added to your home at a later date, but some things should be incorporated during the planning stages. Here we present two such items – one is an almost impossible change after the fact, and one will simply save you time, money, and unnecessary headache.
Basement Design
Slightly less than one-half of the homes built in the U.S. are built on basements. If your new home will sit atop a basement foundation, before you build, do your best to determine future uses for your basement. For example, you’re probably going to want taller basement walls in order to have a ceiling height that is at least 8-feet. You’ll know where to rough in plumbing for a bathroom, where to optimally locate structural poles, and where a small kitchen or bar might be situated. You will also want to make sure you don’t finish off too much of that lower level at the expense of much needed storage!
Happy Feet
If your feet are warm, chances are you’ll feel warm all over. But the converse is also true. And few things at home are more dreaded than climbing out of a warm bed or after bathing and stepping onto cold floors! Concrete, stone, tile, and even wood floors can be quite cold to bare feet. Radiant floor heating, in which either warming electrical wires or recirculating hot water lines are installed under the flooring, creates a wonderful, warm floor. Importantly, the decision to spend money for warm floors must be made prior to construction!
About 13 years ago we did some remodeling. We chose a pleasant color scheme and then the art and decor to go with it. While I love the framed prints we have on our walls, sometimes I wish I could do something new or swap them out. But, to do that it takes time, money, and a little manual labor. To remedy the situation, here’s a great alternative — Meural!
Meural is a leader in the emerging industry of digital artwork display. The Meural Canvas features their signature TrueArt technology that delivers “an organic and lifelike art-viewing experience.” With a built-in ambient light sensor, the images automatically adjust to match the room lighting. The three styles of frames — black, white, or a lightbox version — complements any interior motif. The Meural Canvas houses a 27″ diagonal, 16:9 display with full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution and can be displayed in landscape or portrait orientations.
With 8 GB of storage, the Meural Canvas can store approximately 2,000 images, which can be your own photos or digital artwork, or select from over 30,000 licensed images available from Meural, from the great masters to contemporary. Changing which picture is displayed is as easy as a swipe of the hand or control from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Learn more about Meural by visiting their website: www.meural.com
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Most whole-home air purification systems utilize high-performance air filters installed in the home’s heating ductwork, which can be very effective at trapping airborne pollutants and allergens. Some systems go further, adding UV germicidal lights that can kill bacteria and germs in the air as that air passes by those lights. The limitation of such systems is that they are passive, treating only the air that passes through your heating/air conditioning system.
Design Basics’ McAllister (
These scenarios have given rise to the popularity of “casitas” – independent living quarters with private access – often found atop or behind the main home’s attached garage. Design Basics’ Petaluma (
The new Insynctive™ technology by Pella® is leading the way with smart window and door products that make life easier for your customers. Insynctive wireless Window and Door Sensors relay information to a compatible home automation system via the Insynctive Bridge. Homeowners can check whether their windows are open or closed from virtually anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The Insynctive Entry Door Deadbolt Sensor can be integrated into a new Pella entry door. If the entry door is left open or unlocked, a compatible home automation system will let you know.
Ready for bed? You won’t have to get up to close your blinds or shades — program them to automatically lower at bedtime. In a home theater room, blinds and shades can be programmed to raise and lower when your home automation system raises and lowers the lights. The comfort of your home is enhanced when blinds and shades and doors with Insynctive technology are connected with other products through a compatible home automation system — to get the most out of life and the home where you live it.
Slightly less than one-half of the homes built in the U.S. are built on basements. If your new home will sit atop a basement foundation, before you build, do your best to determine future uses for your basement. For example, you’re probably going to want taller basement walls in order to have a ceiling height that is at least 8-feet. You’ll know where to rough in plumbing for a bathroom, where to optimally locate structural poles, and where a small kitchen or bar might be situated. You will also want to make sure you don’t finish off too much of that lower level at the expense of much needed storage!
Happy Feet
Meural is a leader in the emerging industry of digital artwork display. The Meural Canvas features their signature TrueArt technology that delivers “an organic and lifelike art-viewing experience.” With a built-in ambient light sensor, the images automatically adjust to match the room lighting. The three styles of frames — black, white, or a lightbox version — complements any interior motif. The Meural Canvas houses a 27″ diagonal, 16:9 display with full 1920 x 1080 HD resolution and can be displayed in landscape or portrait orientations.