SPECIAL SECTION HOME IMPROVEMENT
• Importance of keeping IoT devices secure : IoT devices are growing exponentially , and security features aren ’ t necessarily keeping up . There are only a few regulatory standards set in place for IoT devices , elevating risk for security breaches . It ’ s important to always authenticate your devices with unique usernames and passwords .
OUTDOOR
Outdoor trends for 2018 are focusing on using nature to nurture . From flower gardens and modern green spaces to reflection pools and water features , outdoor spaces are bringing serenity to your home . Create an outdoor living area that calls you in with cushioned sectionals , accent pillows and outdoor rugs that are inviting and functional . Add a focal piece such as a fireplace or fire pit to add warmth and a relaxing ambiance to the space .
• Patios that add style : When choosing your concrete style , less is more . Paving in sections allows you to add interest to the space . Whether it ’ s using a combination of concrete and grass , or concrete and gravel , add depth and dimension by varying shapes or sizes of concrete sections .
• Back decks get a facelift : Decks are getting a lot of love and attention this year with more people wanting to spend their time entertaining outdoors . Add multiple levels to a deck to create separate spaces for dining , cooking , and relaxation . No room for adding on to your deck ? Get the same effect by grouping different types of furniture together to create distinction between the spaces . Water features are also making a splash this year . Small whimsical fountains have a calming flow of water to bring serenity to any area . Looking for more ? Create your own outdoor spa , with a hot tub integrated into your deck design .
• Trends in landscaping : With homeowners spending more time outside , ambiance is important . Whether you have a sprawling lawn or a quaint space for outdoor living , creating a welcoming space can be easy . Smaller areas should make use of multipurpose features , such as container combinations , arranging multiple plants into one pot to add interest and depth . No grass ? Add green to the space with a plant wall and succulents , requiring little maintenance and minimal space . Have a lot of space to work with ? Think about planting many of the same type of plant to create a community garden . This way you ’ ll only need to manage one type of plant , rather than tend to the distinct needs of several types .
WINDOWS / DOORS
Homeowners are veering toward natural , clean looks this year , focusing on bringing the beauty of the outdoors into the home . Bright , airy rooms are trending in all areas of the home , from living rooms to bathrooms — the more natural light , the better . By lowering energy costs and brightening up your day , homeowners are designing with daylight in mind .
• Transforming windows to doors : If you ’ re looking to lighten and brighten up a room , do it with natural light . Adding windows or creating larger , more expansive windows will not only bring in more of the outdoors , but can also change the look of a room . Large windows that were once a custom option
are now available in mainstream models , with some that can expand up to 24 feet wide .
• Allowing the fresh air in : ‘ Tis the season for spring cleaning ! When you ’ re working in the garage this spring , you may find it helpful to have a retractable screen door for the garage . Whether you are doing projects , or using the space as a place to hang out , garage screens keep fresh air in and bugs out .
• Smart windows with auto tinting : Gone are the days of having blinds to dust , with the introduction of auto-tinting windows . Newer on the market , smart windows are equipped with sensors that can read room occupancy , sunlight , and weather conditions to tint your windows appropriately . While they are still a somewhat costly option , manufacturers are marketing them as a way to save up to 20 percent on monthly energy bills .
• Going solar : The cost of going solar has dropped every year since 2009 , providing more homeowners with the option of harnessing solar energy to power their homes . Solar installations are increasing in Pennsylvania , but solar currently produces less than one percent of net electricity generation , according to the state Department of Environmental Protection . The main type of technology used to turn sunlight into energy is photovoltaics ( PV ). You ’ ll see PV devices in fields or on the rooftops of homes where panel cells absorb sunlight and create an electric field that allows electricity to flow into the home . Individual PV cells , each producing up to two watts of power , are connected to form differentsized modules to fit any home ’ s needs . The module is then connected to an electrical grid , converting direct-current electricity into alternating-current electricity that is used to power your home . Although Pittsburgh may seem to be often cloudy , there is enough sun to make investing in the technology worthwhile .
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KEYSTONE OAKS ❘ SPRING 2018 25