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Custom Storage System Makes Beautiful Entertainment Center

A ‘home improvement' is only an ‘improvement' IF: style meets function within the established budget and the finished project truly enhances your lifestyle. I often make this point to clients as we work together to both solve the original issues of a space and to maximize the user experience in terms of comfort and mood. I kept it in mind as well when planning a recent project for my own home, and I'm thrilled and amazed at the result.

My mission was to update a basement recreation area primarily used by my children, transforming it into a family room that we could all enjoy. The existing space had issues in that it wasn't very comfortable for adults and it needed adequate storage for games, CD's and electronics without crowding the area. I decided to paint the walls in a medium tone, tan with a hint of chocolate to it, and to carpet the area in beige with a multicolored fleck. Replacing the doors leading into the space really helped to create an inviting first impression. Little details like new, neatly painted trim and subtle lighting elevate the overall effect.

Yet by far the best change is the entertainment center, a custom storage system from Otter Creek Custom Closets. The unit has a rich, cherry finish and fits precisely from floor to ceiling with crown molding. It's 14" deep although wider depths are available, and 8' long, giving us plenty of storage for books, music and other items without monopolizing the room. A pleasant surprise, this unit retails for $2,579 including professional installation. In contrast, the entertainment centers I found from traditional furniture makers were hundreds or even thousands of dollars more expensive and of course, they were not custom-sized. Like many basements, the height of our ceiling is not standard and we needed a particular length to fit the wall and make the best use of space. Now, we have a built-in entertainment system that looks clean and polished and fits in beautiful proportion to the room.

Initially I was most impressed by how the room looked, but now I am most impressed by how the room functions. We have found it to be a natural gathering place and truly a relaxing spot for both the kids and the adults in the family. Simply creating a space deliberately designed for hanging out, watching a movie or playing games has made such a positive difference in how we spend our family time together, and how much. A home is truly improved when the project meets budgetary considerations while combining style and function that results in greater use and pleasure in the space.

For a free estimate and design consultation on a custom entertainment center unit, contact Otter Creek at 802-864-3009 to schedule an appointment. If you are grappling with other storage needs, call to learn about the possibilities for all types of closets, pantries, mudrooms, playrooms, home offices, craft centers, and more!

Awning & Custom Closet Gift Certificates 20% off thru 12/23/09

 

Yes, it's that time of year again. Sometimes I have to stifle the little voice inside my head that gets grouchy under the pressure of hectic holiday schedules and the pursuit of the perfect gifts for the people on my list. Why am I finding myself wrapping presents at midnight (again)? Why don't we all, as a society, give gifts year-round instead of searching desperately for presents in time for a certain holiday party? ‘Shush,' I say to the little voice. The concept of giving gifts year-round is attractive and some people do manage it. But the fact is that many of us don't follow through to surprise a friend with that little trinket on a random day in May or September. Many of us don't take the time during the rest of the year to send out a greeting to every one of those people on the holiday card list. We're busy and preoccupied, so we depend on this holiday madness to remind us to make a gesture of appreciation or affection to the people in our lives.

If you're looking for an extra-special present this year, consider Otter Creek Gift Certificates on sale for 20% off through 12/23/09. Save yourself from wondering "will it fit her?" or "will he read it?"or -dare I mention it-whether your gift is destined for the ‘re-gifting' pile? Can you picture him reading or napping under the cool, comfortable shade of a retractable awning next summer? Keep the grill under the awning for shelter in case of a summer rainshower. Picture her entertaining friends under the new awning where everyone can be comfortable despite the summer heat. Give an Otter Creek Gift Certificate for a custom awning. It's a gift the whole household can appreciate for years to come.

Or, how about a gift certificate for Otter Creek Custom Closets? It's the perfect gift for anyone who likes to be organized (or who wants to try to be organized someday). It's perfect for anyone who loves fashion and needs a place to put it.  Best of all, closets are something we all use every day, year round, all the time. It's practical and yet it feels like a luxury to open the door to a beautiful, neatly appointed custom closet. Give an Otter Creek Gift Certificate and let your loved one personalize their space with our custom closet designer. Don't forget that our closet and storage options include pantry features too, if your culinary wonder would like to maximize space for gadgets, small appliances and food supplies.

Otter Creek makes it easy for you give the perfect gift: this holiday season Otter Creek gift certificates are 20% off through December 23, 2009. Stop by our showroom on South Brownell Road in Williston or call us to order over the phone. Avoid the crowds and standing in lines; enjoy more free time for the opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Happy Holidays from Otter Creek!

Otter Creek Sunrooms Introduces: The Planners

You would think that things wouldn't be so hectic during this time of year at Otter Creek Sunrooms.  After all, the holiday season has arrived and most of our sunroom construction projects have been completed for the year.  But as a design specialist, this is also the season when I consult with "The Planners," the folks thinking ahead and planning next year's outdoor living areas: decks, awnings, and sunroom projects for the spring.  

I really enjoy working with The Planners.  I always try to take as much time as customers need to work through the design and planning process of every project. It is not unusual for a potential client's initial consultation at their home to be followed by subsequent visits at our showroom or back at the site to review design ideas. Yet there is an urgency in the spring and summer months to reserve one of the remaining spots in our construction schedule. In December and January, The Planners and I have the luxury of a relaxed pace to design the details, knowing that we are working well in advance to schedule for a spring installation. I enjoy this relaxed pace and even feel that I'm able to get to know people better, which is one of my favorite parts of what I do. 

The Planners also get the additional benefit of discounts that are not available during the hectic spring and summer.  Our company appreciates the ability to schedule spring projects over the winter and we gladly extend a discount in gratitude for that consideration.  But the best advantage to using the winter months for planning a project is that as the first installations of the year, these homeowners will not miss even one warm day enjoying their new outdoor living areas complete with sun room, deck or awning for the entire outdoor season! 

If you're contemplating improvements to your outdoor living area for next spring, give us a call or visit the form on our web site to request a free estimate and design consultation. It isn't too early to research your options and establish your preferences, and it may be just the thing to look forward to during those cold days of February.

Custom Closets Anyone? Trends In Home Interiors

by Carol Carruth & Elizabeth Warren, edited by Megan Houston

It's a common theme in today's world: how to do more in less time. The desire to manage time and schedules most effectively, to meet obligations and still relax once in a while, influences the realm of home design and décor in terms of organization and efficiency in closets, offices, pantries and more. Not too long ago, homes were built without much thought to closets and storage. At Otter Creek we work with clients in their existing homes as well as new construction, and we've seen everything from closets without enough depth to fit a shirt hanger, to no closets at all. But the current trend in homebuilding allots 1%-2% of the construction costs to closet and storage systems, or $3,000-$6,000 for a $300,000 home.

The benefits of this investment are clear, since busy people do not have time to deal with disorganized homes. We all want to grab what we need -- when we need it -- without having to dispatch a coordinated search party. No one wants to be late for work because two matching shoes eluded us again. Compartmentalized storage systems allow us to see everything at a glance, reducing stress and anxiety and getting us out the door on time.

Here's another benefit: custom closet systems store so much more than a traditional rod and shelf that many people are able to give up the dressers in the bedroom. Wouldn't you rather have a comfy sitting area, a nice cozy armchair or perhaps a writing desk in the bedroom instead of a boring bank of drawers? Enlist the help of an experienced professional closet designer and enjoy an average gain of 30-50% more storage capacity, using adjustable shelving, multiple hanging heights, drawer units, and accessory storage options to create spaces that accommodate the specific wardrobe of your lifestyle.

These days, organization at home also includes the home office. Now that most households contain at least one computer, many homeowners dedicate a full room for office space, customized with the appropriate size and number of file drawers and shelves. In other homes where space is at a premium, transform an alcove or reach-in closet into an efficient office with a built-in desk and wall unit fitting the space precisely. Some families even incorporate other needs like arts and crafts centers or even a gift wrapping area.

People who love to cook and spend a lot of free time in the kitchen often come to us for help with pantry storage. If there isn't a designated pantry space, wall units can be created with pull-out trays for canned goods, pull-out rattan baskets for perishables, racks designed for trays and cookie sheets, wine racks, stemware holders, spice racks and multiple drawer sizes.

Garage systems and mudrooms are also important for home organization. Durable materials like heavy duty dovetailed drawers with aluminum edges and slat walls with an array of hooks, bins, and magnets to accommodate all kinds of tools and gear in the garage. We find that mudrooms are especially efficient when designed with personal spaces for each family member. When each person has their own area for coats, shoes, backpacks, and other personal belongings, the space stays neat, organized and functional. Built-in benches are a favorite with our clients for added for convenience and extra storage underneath.

Custom closet and storage trends are all about creating a place for everything to store items more efficiently and attractively. Maximize the spaces you use every day and reap the benefits of your investment in time saved and less stress.

Otter Creek Awnings Uses Facebook to Fight Hunger

At Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets we believe that businesses share part of the responsibility for a healthy community, so we support a number of non profit organizations in the endeavor to make a positive impact on the community around us. Today we mailed our donation to the Vermont National Guard Charitable Foundation for Operation: Holiday Homecoming.  We pitched in to help with The American Cancer Society's ‘Daffodil Days' and participated in the walk for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation earlier this year. We support Rebuilding Together, a committee of the Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Northern Vermont that provides desperately needed home maintenance to low-income Vermonters. We always enjoy assembling a gift basket for the ‘Bushels of Baskets' fundraiser held annually by the Fletcher Allen Health Care Auxiliary and we also sponsored the Vermont Children's Hospital Golf Tournament. This fall, we are proud to sponsor the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf using Facebook to help raise awareness about hunger in our area and spread the word about our mission. For every new ‘fan' of our Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms & Custom Closets' Facebook page, we will give $1 to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf (up to $1000) through December 1^st 2009.

This is the best time of year to support the food shelf because the demand is always greatest when the weather gets colder. "We have seen an increased need so far this year and we are bracing ourselves for the busy fall and winter season" explains Rachel Moss, Development and Communication Director of the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. "The economy is affecting everyone. We see 350 people a day at the Food Shelf and 150 to 200 people a day in our Soup Kitchen" she adds. The Food Shelf program provides five days' worth of groceries to families while the Soup Kitchen provides a hot meal every day, plus the organization runs several additional programs to reach other groups. For example, the Homebound Grocery Delivery program serves people with limited mobility while Project Angel Food coordinates the pick up and distribution of excess perishable foods from local grocery stores to a variety of social services and hunger relief programs.

The economy is affecting everyone and we all need to find creative ways to keep supporting community service organizations. It is easy to contribute to the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf at the receptacles for food items in the supermarkets or through one of the forty-five food drives planned for Chittenden County this fall. For more information about planning a food drive in your neighborhood, church, or school please contact Bob Maritano at fooddrive@cvoeo.org or (802) 655-2643. There is a guide to planning a successful food drive at http://www.feedingchittenden.org/.

It is hard to face the fact that even here in beautiful northwest Vermont, people do not have enough to eat. Otter Creek Awnings, Sunrooms and Custom Closets is pleased to have the opportunity, using the help of the publicity generated by our company's media resources, to make a significant donation to this organization. Please log in to Facebook and then click or copy/paste this link to become our fan and support the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, and please urge your friends and contacts to do the same!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Williston-VT/Otter-Creek-Awnings-Sunrooms-and-Custom-Closets/99086545307?ref=ts

Awning Care & Cleaning and How to Remove Your Valance

In Vermont, fall brings beautiful foliage colors, flavorful apples and crisp, cool, invigorating mornings. It also brings seasonal chores! It's the time of year to wrap up any lingering outdoor projects and get weatherized and buttoned up for the coming winter. Here at Otter Creek, it means a fond farewell to another awning season ("Come back soon!") and the opportunity to connect with past customers who call to inquire about the care of their awning.

Fortunately, awnings do not require a lot of maintenance; they are more or less a worry-free product and Otter Creek's are the best of the best. Yet even the most durable materials can benefit from a little care and attention, enhancing appearance and extending the lifetime of the product:

• Fall is a great time to clean the awning and the best way to make fabric last longest is to keep awnings clean. It is the best protection against mildew. Even on mildew-resistant fabric, mildew can grow on accumulated dirt or foreign materials, which will eventually stain the fabric. Don't wait until awning is too dirty to clean. Wash the awning by brushing lightly with a cloth or soft brush. Use a solution of lukewarm water (at least a gallon) and non-detergent soap like Ivory or Dreft, found in the supermarket. IF your awning is made from Sunbrella fabric like Otter Creek's Awnings, you can add 1 cup of bleach to the solution to kill mildew because Sunbrella is a color-fast fabric (don't worry, we've tested this ourselves).
• Do not overlook small rips or tears. Usually they can be handled on site with a repair tape manufactured specifically for different types of fabric.
• Wipe down the frame and hood with a sponge and some Simple Green or a similar solution (just don't use a detergent on the fabric).
• Remove the valance of the awning and store it for the winter so it does not get weather beaten. To remove: use a screwdriver to take off the plastic end cap of the front bar. Loosen the screws inside the track on each end of the valance, using a screwdriver or an allen wrench depending on the type of screw. Slide the valance out of the track and replace the end cap. Be sure to store the screws from the track in a safe place- we get a few calls every year from people who've lost them. ROLL the awning up to store in the garage or the basement; do NOT remove the pvc piping from the hem of the valance to fold it because this piping is much harder to get back into the valance in spring than one would think.

Additional tips to help preserve the life of your awning:

• Hose awning down occasionally with a garden hose on a hot summer day (be sure it is dry again before you retract it).
• Keep the underside of awning free from spiders, cobwebs, and bird nests. Simply brush them away with a household broom.
• Keep shrubbery and vines away from awnings since many bushes contain an acid that can be harmful to fabric.
• Do not allow water to stand on awning as it could cause the fabric to stretch.

If you have other questions or if you would like information about professional awning cleaning, give Otter Creek a call at 802-864-3009 or 888-284-4680. Good luck with your fall chores; the snow will be here before you know it!

Closet Know-How: Storage Tips for Seasonal Clothing

It's early October, which means it's time for me to put away my summer wardrobe and take out my warm winter clothes. As much as I feel cheated by the cloudy wet summer we had, I've got to get a grip on the fact that it's just too nippy for fun sleeveless tops and summer colors. It's time to exchange the whites and brights for the autumnal cranberry reds and chocolate browns of my fall/winter wardrobe. And once I see them again, I remember how much I enjoy the rich colors and cozy textured knits. In Vermont, it's never a dull moment with the wardrobe because you've got to have clothing for each distinct season. Just when I start to grow bored with my selection, it's time to switch! 

I also enjoy the process of editing my closet and getting it organized once again. There are always items to put away in storage so my closet won't be crowded (because there's nothing worse than fighting with my hangers to get to a piece of clothing, only to find it hopelessly wrinkled from being packed too tightly). In this case it's the summer dresses, sweaters, and shorts I won't wear again till next year, but I am never quite sure how to store seasonal clothes so they will look great the next time I want to wear them. How about all that white? And the expensive linen pants, or that pink and white dress? So this year, I inquired with my dry cleaner about the care of such items and they gave me the following suggestions:

According to Marc Gadue, owner of the well-known local Vermont business Gadue's Dry Cleaning, the most important points to remember about storing summer clothes are: cool, dry, dark and clean.

• Cool and dry: Clothing should be stored in a place that will be consistently cool and dry, without shifts in temperature that can lead to condensation. Many people make the mistake of storing off-season clothing in their basement or attic. Despite the need to get these items out of the way, basements and attics are two places in the home where temperature fluctuates most. Basements, in particular are prone to moisture.
• Dark: Light can be damaging to fabrics as well, especially to whites, so darkness is key for optimum preservation. A couple of years ago, I ruined one of my absolute favorite white blouses by storing it in one of those plastic containers with a clear bottom. When I unpacked it I was heartbroken to find that the collar and shoulders had yellowed. Now I know it was because those areas had been on the outside edge, where light had hit the side of the storage bin.
• Clean: It is also important to clean the clothes before storing them because insects are not attracted to the fabric itself but to food sources on the fabric. Clean clothing stored in boxes, in a cedar trunk or in a closet, is your best bet at preventing fabric damage. In fact, Gadue's happily provides storage boxes for folks who bring their seasonal clothing to be dry cleaned. For more information about Gadue's locations and services, visit www.Gadues.com

It eased my mind to understand the best way to store my clothing, as well as the importance of professionally cleaning my summer best before I pack it away till next year. This way I don't have to wonder what disasters I'll find when I dig them out again. And now for the fun part: mixing, matching and creating outfits with my fall wardrobe and looking for accessories to update the basics. It's not the same as sandals and summer skirts, but a favorite sweater is the perfect thing on a crisp autumn morning.

 

How to Edit Your Closet & What to Do with the Discarded Items

When the kids go back to school and the seasons start to change, I get an urge to start cleaning out my closets. In Vermont where we live, this is an especially important chore because it is necessary to have a wardrobe for each of the four seasons, with winters snowy and quite cold ranging to warm and humid summers. Such a large amount of clothing and gear for a family can get disorganized and out of hand pretty easily, so I make sure to clean out the closets at least once a year. The challenge is not only to edit the contents but to figure out what to do with the unwanted items. I've come up with a game plan that works well when I attack almost any closet in my house.

First, I take everything out. It's amazing how much bigger the closet space seems with nothing in it, a misleading optical illusion!

Second, I make three piles: one to keep, one to give away, and one for the garbage (torn clothes, really worn shoes, items that don't work or are broken beyond repair). In my work at Otter Creek Custom Closets I've learned that many people have the most trouble with the give-away pile, oftentimes keeping things they don't really want just in case they may want them weeks or months down the road. I've conquered this problem with a simple rule that I strictly follow: If I have not worn the shoes, coat, blouse, pants, etc. in the last year it is unlikely I will in the future, so it has to go. Master Organizer Porter Knight gave a great presentation a while back at the Otter Creek Custom Closets showroom about how to purge and part with old belongings, and she's right--it really does feel good.

Third, I clean the closet. I vacuum or sweep the floor and wipe down the shelving for dust. I also remove any marks from the walls, easily done with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser from the grocery store.

Lastly, I put back everything I want to keep and organize it by clothing type and then by color (yes, I really do this and it saves so much time when getting dressed!) If a closet is used for equipment or supplies instead of clothing, I simply group like items together and keep everything visible so that it will be easy to locate.

At this point, all that is left is to find new homes for the give-away items. I have several options for this which I have listed below. It does take a little time to get things where I want them to go, but I always feel great about it when I am done.

Clothes: Some go to friends and neighbors, the rest to various non profits: The Salvation Army in Burlington VT, The Goodwill in Williston, VT, the First Congregational Church resale shop in Essex Junction, VT.

Coats and other outerwear including boots:   I generally bring these to the schools. The school nurses give them to kids who show up to school without.

Household items: The Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program in Colchester, Vermont or COTS in Burlington, Vermont can often use items like sheets, bedding, lighting, small furniture, etc. Call to see if they need the items you may have to donate. The Salvation Army also takes household items.

Do you know of another good place for donating used items OR do you have a good closet organizing tip? Please share it in the comment section! If cleaning out the closets is something you dread, try doing it the way I do and enjoy the extra storage space you create. And remember, the time you spend on this task will be saved many times over when you don't have to rummage around through old stuff you don't use, looking for items you can't seem to find. Good luck!

Otter Creek Awnings & the Flynn Fine Wine & Food Festival

By Elizabeth Warren 

Looking for something special to do this weekend? Otter Creek Awnings is sponsoring the Flynn Fine Wine and Food Festival again this year on Saturday, September 19^th and Sunday, September 20^th. It happens to be one of our absolute favorite events to attend and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a chance to dress up for a scrumptious meal in support of the arts community. I'm especially looking forward to the Premier Tasting Dinner at the Flynn Center Main Stage on Saturday evening. We'll be greeted with appetizers and champagne in the lobby, followed by an elegant dinner on the stage. This year's cuisine features many of the restaurants at the top of my list, including Leunigs, A Single Pebble, Paulines, the Windjammer and Bluebird Tavern. Delicious --I can't wait to try their creations!

The event continues at Sunday's Festival at the Shelburne Farms Coach Barn. From 2pm-5pm we can sample fine wines and locally made cheeses, meats, sauces, coffees, and other products. This is a more casual, fun and social afternoon enhanced by music and a raffle of food baskets.

The Fine Wine and Food Festival event appeals to me on several different levels. First and foremost, the proceeds from the weekend help subsidize cultural and educational programs that are offered to members of the community by the Flynn. Every year, hundreds of students attend professional arts performances that they may not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend. We are so fortunate to have this venue enriching our lifestyles and to know that they are committed to sharing the arts with our children.

Beyond that, it's such fun to go to a formal event! We don't have as many occasions in Vermont to dress up, and it is a treat to spend a unique evening on the actual performance stage visiting with folks, many of whom keep coming back from year to year.

Please join us in celebrating the Flynn Theater and in supporting their outreach programs by attending the Fine Wine and Food Festival this weekend. We'll be easy to spot on Sunday at the Coach Barn: just look for the big, beautiful awning display and stop to say hello to Otter Creek design specialists David and Carol. For more information about the event go to http://www.ottercreekawnings.com/www.flynncenter.org/events/benefit.shtml

Hope to see you there!