A PEDIGREE British classic racing powerboat is currently being restored to its former glory at Isle of Wight-based Whittle Marine, with this years CowesTorquayCowes race very much still in focus, despite the Covid-19 lockdown.

On the eve of the August bank holiday last year, the team at Whittle Marine in Thorley launched a landmark, classic powerboat in Yarmouth Harbour.

It was a unique boat which had slumbered for ten years in dry storage, before it was test-launched by her new owners in time for the Cowes Classic Powerboat Rally an event that celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Round Britain Race.

The precise timing of the launch was deliberate.

Following a brief stay at Whittle Marines yard to undergo essential structural and mechanical work, Fordsport 707 took centre stage at the anniversary of an event in which this heavily race-prepared, Fairey Marine Huntsman 31, performed far beyond expectations.

The Fordsport 707 being test launched from Yarmouth Harbour.

Still carrying her original 1969 race number and bearing flaking and chipped paint, 707 was launched with caution.

Nick Whittle and his team checked 707 for water ingress around the recent repairs to the transom, the boats through-hull fittings, twin exhaust outlets and around the two propeller shafts, as the boat rested securely on its launching trailer feeling water lap around it for the first time since 2009.

Satisfied 707 would not sink, the two ignition keys were turned and the boats original, twin 180hp Ford Sabre engines coughed, barked, belched soot and rumbled into life.

Built in 1969 as a collaboration between Fairey Marine and Ford to promote the American companys entry into the European marine engine market, Fords powerboat fleet for the 1969 Round Britain Race fielded three Fairey Hunstman 28s, with 707 the largest of the Ford boats at 31 feet.

Fords 1969 racing fleet was specially designed to withstand the slamming and punishment the boats would experience during the 1,700-mile circumnavigation of Great Britain, with 707 fitted with forward water ballast tanks, extra internal bracing and additional ring frames through-bolted in the hull features absent in the leisure versions of Fairey Marine boats.

The Fordsport 707 being given a pontoon test launch.

Fords development produced a stunning, powerboat racing debut for the company, with 707 taking fourth place overall from 42 entries, just ahead of her smaller, sister boats.

It is worth noting, 707s success is also due to her highly-talented driver in the Round Britain Race the late Lt Cmdr Peter Twiss, a former fighter pilot, test pilot and 1956 world speed record holder as the first man to fly a jet aircraft over 1,000mph.

In 1963, Twiss also featured at the helm of a Fairey Marine speedboat in the Bond movie, From Russia with Love.

Lt Cdr Peter Twiss piloted the 707 in the Round Britain Race.

However, 707s spot in the limelight was very brief.

She raced in the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes in 1969 and again the following year under new ownership, but with race boats reaching 60, 70 and 100mph, 707 was dramatically outpaced and, generally, enthusiasm for racing in the cruiser class declined.

Very swiftly, 707 became a pleasure boat.

Unusually, though, over the past 50 years there has been no attempt to convert 707 from a purpose-built race boat to a comfortable cruiser.

She is still in her original racing trim, with the full cockpit padding remaining.

The original trim of the Fordsport 707.

The standing-only racing seats and extra, strategically positioned hand grabs are also still in place.

Without doubt, 707 is irreplaceable and, of Fords Fairey racing fleet, only the Huntsman 28 606 still survives, based in the Channel Islands.

Following her test launch in Yarmouth, 707s new owners, Sean Siddons and Rob Bingham, took the boat to Cowes for the Round Britain Race 50th anniversary, hitting 32 knots en route with ease a staggering speed, considering the boats original engines had not run for a decade and had only an oil change and new belts fitted at Whittle Marine.

This unexpected level of power also confirms the 180hp engine blocks were considerably uprated by Ford for racing.

Fordsport 707 was brought into Whittle Marine on the Island for restoration.

Following this successful outing, 707 returned to Whittle Marine and is currently undergoing a thorough restoration.

The Whittle Marine team are working top-downwards throughout the boat.

The cabin roof underwent rudimentary repairs and will be removed and replaced with mahogany lamination in cold moulding formation, while the cabins sides will be epoxy sheaved before it is painted in its exciting, original 1960s colours, with perhaps the most complicated repair being the interior area of the boats bow.

Its not a job for the fainthearted, Nick conceded.

Nick Whittle, of Whittle Marine, Thorley, who has spearheaded the boats restoration.

The boats cosmetic restoration is equally extensive, for a top spec finish and her racing number will be carefully traced, alongside the original Ford transfers producing a sympathetic restoration to show her off in all her glory, with the exact historical detailing and accuracy required for such a famous boat.

707 will certainly look spectacular, but with the firm intention of entering the boat in this years Cowes-Torquay-Cowes Race, to mark the events 60th anniversary, the boats twin Ford Sabre engines will be stripped back to the block with turbos, superchargers and coolers, rebuilt for maximum performance.

On Sunday, August 20, Fordsport 707 will be back on the race course where she belongs.

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Classic powerboat back in the game - Isle of Wight County Press

I partnered with Home Depot on a DIY small bathroom remodel. This bath renovation included how to install a shower surround with tile, installing a toilet, new vanity and lighting. The shower tile job uses a custom hexagon mosaic set in an acrylic surround. #bathroom #remodel #renovation

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DIY Small Bathroom Remodel | Bath Renovation Project

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Tired of your small, dark and uninspiring bathroom? Are you ready to finally give it an overhaul? Well, theres no better time to give your small bathroom a fresh look. Small bathroom design is finally stepping out of the cookie-cutter bathtub, sink cabinet, mirror and toilet combination.

The latest small bathroom design ideas are fresh and revolutionary, rethinking what we all expect a bathroom design to look like. Wall-mounted toilets and sinks defy gravity. Cabinet doors are gone. Bold texture and patterns take over a small bathroom space. Get ready to break some rules and open your mind to what your small bathroom should look like with the following nine concepts.

The first small bathroom design idea for 2017 is a big one: you really dont need more storage, just a more minimalist attitude! Think about this one for a minute. Those large vanities with the deep cabinet space under the sink are really an inefficient use of space. Things get lost at the back of the cabinet. And the scale takes up so much real estate in your small bathroom design that your bathroom ends up looking smaller. So how do you solve the issue?

Shop These Products Now: Washer Sink Faucet Mirror Floating Sink

Once you clear clutter and replace the oversized bathroom vanity with something more minimalist, think of all the useful things you can do with the space. Like adding an all-in-one washer and dryer. Or creating a vanity space.

Shop These Products Now: Towel Bar Sink Faucet Mirror

Some of the most expensive items in a bathroom design are the fixtures, tile and finishes. Since youre working with a smaller space, you need less. Its time to break out of thinking that a small bathroom isnt worth the money. Its time to splurge on making your small bathroom design look like a million bucks! Some ways to add more luxury on a little less budget include:

Heres a small bathroom design tip that may not sit well with traditionalists: tear out the bathtub and add a modern walk-in shower surrounded by seamless glass. Its a great way to save tons of space in your small bathroom. A seamless glass door may be more expensive than a shower curtain, but will definitely be more durable. Not to mention, it will open up the space and add value to your home.

Not ready to give up on the bathtub? You can still add a seamless glass shower or tub enclosure.

Shop These Products Now: Bathroom Tiles Sink Faucet Towels

Most designers tell you that dark colors or busy patterns are not a good idea in a small space. Think again. Strong patterns and textures add depth and play to a space, creating the illusion of more size and life.

Here are some of our favorite tile patterns and textures for your small bathroom

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The small bathroom design keyword for 2017 and beyond is: floating. Float everything, including the toilet, from your walls. Its a great way to make cleaning easier, when you can access the floor below. Not to mention the space looks bigger, because our eye tends to judge space by analyzing the floor area. You also maximize valuable wall space, which is often left bare. And lets be honest, it looks pretty fresh and cool!

Its time to tear up the walls (or add new ones) for cubbies. The inset wall cubby is an ingenious way to add integrated storage to a small bathroom without sacrificing space. Its also known as an alcove,niche or recessed niche.

Behind bathroom walls, between the studs, is just enough of a gap to create a useful cubby. And nowadays, you can even buy a DIY tile-ready niche at Lowes.

Dont want to tear up the walls? Find new ways to add cubbies to your small bathroom, by adding a shelf, wall mounting a floating cubby shelf or choosing a cabinet with open shelves to store extra items, like the bathroom below.

Mirrors do an incredible job at creating the illusion of more space. Want to add more space to your small bathroom design? Then add more mirrors, like the inspiration images above.

An all-white bathroom does feel brighter and lighter, but it can look a little cold or lack the depth your eye registers as space. Adding black to your bathroom, in the form of black walls or a black-and-white tile design or a black ceiling adds the POW! your small bathroom is begging for.

Which one of these new small bathroom design trends are you ready to try?

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New & Exciting Small Bathroom Design Ideas | Freshome.com

Good bathroom design should elevate a utilitarian space into a place for rejuvenation and self-care. Outdated, cramped or oddly outfitted bathrooms can disrupt the daily personal hygiene activities that lead to wellness. If you find yourself getting in and out of your small bathroom as quickly as possible each morning, it could be time for a redesign.

As you begin your search for small bathroom design ideas, it might seem that decorators only cater to those with the expansive bathrooms normally featured in decor magazines and home renovation television shows. Dont be disheartened! If your bathroom is barely big enough to accommodate one petite person, rest assured that youre not alone. Design divas all over the internet have tackled the problem of cramped bathroom quarters.

Weve selected a variety of the best small bathroom decorations below. Even if you only have a modest space in which to work, you can find ways to open up space and create an aesthetically pleasing respite by applying some inspiration from this collection small bathroom designs. Youll find modern, retro and classic looks in an array of color schemes and mood themes. With a little help from these lovely small bathroom dcor ideas, even a tiny washroom can become your sanctuary.

This is a beautiful, modern design with touches of elegance. It is simple, with a dark grey color scheme and clean lines, but the marble countertops add charm. The wood trim around the white cabinets also adds texture and depth to the area. The bathroom doesnt feel small, especially with all of the innovatively designed storage options in and around the room.

Step into the luxury of a 4-star hotel with this bathroom design. Marble tiling in the tub brings culture into the small space. The marble tile floor follows the pattern of the tub and provides a consistency to the room in a striking way. The deep soaking tub features a rain shower and a hand-held faucet feature, which adds a touch of luxury to your daily routine.The open towel storage solution will let you showcase your fluffiest towels, and remind you of your last stay in a luxury hotel.

This solution is perfect for any person who loves retro-charm. A clawfoot tub provides old-school appeal and is the perfect place to soak or read. The exposed pipes of the pedestal sink complete the old-fashioned look. This bathroom may not look out into a garden, but with plenty of light colors, and elements of nature, it can transport you to your own secret garden.

This modern bathroom is perfect for an in-city loft or contemporary home. The concrete flooring and exposed wooden ceiling provide amazing textures to this simplistic bathroom. These simple elements are mimicked in the designs of the tub and sink, making the space look larger with a cohesive design. Linens on the sink, rug, and shower curtain bring a touch of softness to this industrial design.

This Victorian bathroom design brings the appeal of times gone by. A classic clawfoot tub and simple pedestal sink are contrasted by extravagant brass light fixtures. The sunny yellow and white color schemes are mimicked in the fixtures and linens of the room. A beautiful stained glass framed window brings in light while completing the charm of this old-fashioned bathroom.

Wood textures are on display in this modern bathroom. A ladder leaned against the wall above the toilet adds a practical storage solution, while bringing rustic, farmhouse elements into the room. These elements are imitated in the raised porcelain basin of the farmhouse sink and the wicker baskets that serve as storage solutions under the vanity.

The beach is brought indoors in this ocean-inspired design. Nautical inspired wainscoting lines the ceiling and walls, in an ocean themed blue and white color scheme. The White tile flooring with grainy accents is reminiscent of the sand. Copper fixtures pop against the lighter colors and add richness to the room.

This tiny bathroom packs a lot of style in a small space. The white colors make the room seems brighter and bigger. Crown molding is placed below the ceiling line, which draws attention upwards, and adds height to the room. Rustic wooden shelves add open storage solutions, and a simple, geometric pattern adds texture without cluttering the room.

The over-sized mirror plays a starring role in this bathroom design. With its expansive size, it reflects the bright colors of the room and gives a sense of spaciousness. The plain lines leave the space feeling simple and uncluttered. The sink brings an extra level of interest and acts as an accent piece to the space. Simple metal shelving acts as open storage, providing a simple, but a visually pleasing solution.

Weathered-wood paneling lines the walls and floors of this bathroom, adding exciting details to the space. Contrasted by the dark walls, the white features of this bathroom pop. The white, plain ceiling ensures that the space does not feel too dark or overwhelmed by the wood. The dramatic effects of this bathroom make it the perfect solution for anyone who wants their small space to make a big impression.

You can feel like a regular mermaid in this bathroom. Glittering blue tiles encompass the room, creating an ocean of blue. The mosaic is only minimally interrupted by shining metal and subdued white colors. The antique-inspired vanity is the ideal addition to the mermaids hideaway, and the gently curved faucet is suggestive of a mermaids tail.

This outdoor-inspired bathroom feels like a natural hideaway. The rock-lined shower features a rain-head faucet, making you feel like you are washing in a waterfall. Wood floors extend the natural feel. The sink and toilet are kept simple so they dont interrupt the motif. Potted plants, pillar candles, and lots of natural light perfect the organic character of the space.

If your bathroom is becoming a bit out-of-date, this bathroom solution is ideal. A fresh coat of paint and some hardware upgrades give this basic vanity a modern feel. Painting old lightening fixtures in uniform black updates their look without having to replace them completely. Adding industrially inspired shelves with metal whicker baskets brings the look together and draws your bathroom into this century.

Simple white marble and gentle light make this bathroom the perfect, calming area for your home. The spa-like shower provides you a choice of a rain or hand-held shower head. The uniform look inspires you to quiet your mind, with no signs of clutter or stress in sight. Natural, relaxing light makes the space feel larger.

Cute and pretty accents are the main draw of this classy design. A lovely clear display case makes storage into a statement. The vase-like lamp adds a surprising, and unique lightening element to the room. Potted lavender and a richly textured shower curtain complete this well-appointed space.

This adorable bathroom is perfect for people who love modernist designs but hate boring colors. Pops of bright blue shine through the tiled wall. A unique yellow desk lamp serves as a quirky vanity light. A round mirror adds to the fun design and a free floating pedestal sink gives the illusion of extra space. This design uses unconventional features to create a cohesive, modern, and fun bathroom.

Who says wallpaper is dead? Far from looking dates, this woodlands themed wallpaper adds lines to this bathroom that draws attention to its height, and makes the room seem larger. The simple, geometric sink and clean, white backsplash prevent the wallpaper from making the room look cluttered. The nature theme is continued in the wood flooring and the artwork accents.

This simplistic bathroom uses a monochromatic color scheme to blend shelving into the walls. The shelves allow fully displays of collections of shells in this design, adding to the nautical feeling of the room. This design, however, can be modified to showcase whatever treasures you love. The barebones clawfoot tub, copper pipes, and chair and basin add rustic charm to the space without detracting attention from the highlight shelves.

If stark colors are more your speed, this bathroom is for you. A concrete based shower with metal siding acts as a strong focus of this design. The dark textiles and colors give the space a powerful feel. The distressed wood cabinets also add drama to the area.

Comfortable brown linens contrast bright blue walls in this rich scheme. The light blue walls provide light, while the brown wood vanity and ladder add darker elements. Rich, fluffy towels, and wicker baskets provide warmth. A clear blue vase with woody blooms ties the two looks together.

This gorgeous design brings the peace and tranquility of the spa into your home bathroom. Cedar wrapped ceilings and walls bring warmth and the healing properties of nature. The simplistic, neat lines provide unity to the room and inspire calming thoughts. The high window and white tiles in the shower afford lots of light to the room and add another touch of nature.

This minimalist design is anything but boring. The simple, bright colored room is interrupted by a mosaic pattern of colors. The pattern extends from the bath wall to the vanity, to the floor, and even to the candle holders. The repeated pattern adds a level of interest to the standard design, elevating the standard scheme to a truly unique space.

This bathroom provides a gorgeous upgrade to a standard home feature: the medicine cabinet. Rather than hiding your things behind a bulky, ugly mirror, this bathroom adds glass and paneling to the medicine cabinet. Clear shelves, a glass window, and white paneling turn something homeowners usually hide into a featured piece.

This bathroom is the perfect way to wake up in the morning. An energizing, lime green wainscoting gets you up and going. The green color scheme is mimicked in the potted plants and the natural element is reflected in the wooden toilet seat cover. The green glow is kept from overwhelming the space through simple, white colors.

Elegant, but minimalistic, this design takes its color scheme from the marble countertops. Silver walls and white trim mimic the marble countertops through the room. white storage bins and a rich, carved vanity bring elegance to the forefront without sacrificing the streamlined design.

City apartments can have beautiful bathrooms too. The charcoal greys and black bins in this design give the room an urban feel. The white counters and subway tiled bath give light to the space, and an oval mirror lends length and makes the space seem larger.

This beautiful bathroom is inspired by nature. Pebble flooring is reminiscent of gently flowing rivers, a motif which is mimicked in the gorgeous, blue, mosaic tiles lining the shower. Dark brown accents provide a wooded feel to the room. While the white sloped ceiling draws the eye upward and bathes the room in light.

It doesnt take a fortune to revamp a space, even garage sales can be a source of inspiration and decor for your bathroom. Showcased in this design, garage sale finds can be repurposed and upcycled to provide charm in your bathroom. Old license plate are reimagined as decor, lending a rustic quality to the design. The is complemented by a garden ladder which has been remodeled for towel storage, and a hand-woven wicker basket that is given new life as a bathroom shelf.

This tiny space turns its back on convention and gains space in the process. By forgoing a curtain, the room doesnt feel as divided, and the space seems larger. The uniform tile extending from the floor to the back wall of the shower also provides unity and ties the space together.

This modern bathroom is breezy and light. Large, horizontal tiling draws attention to the width of the space and makes it seem more expansive. Likewise, the clean, geometric lines leave the space feeling simple, modern, and inviting.

This beautiful blue bathroom is flooded with natural light. With gorgeous, white Venetian blinds, light can enter the room without sacrificing privacy. A pop of green on crisp, bright valances brings an element of contrast to the blue. A weathered white vanity affords rustic charm to the room.

One of the first things that catch the eye in this design is the unique toilet placement. This design feature utilizes the natural depth of the tub, and makes sure not a square foot of space is wasted. However, there is much more to see in this design than just the commode. Beautiful pops of orange come through clean white fixtures and gray walls. Chrome fixtures grant a mid-century modern feel to this quirky bathroom.

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32 Small Bathroom Design Ideas for Every Taste - Homebnc

While COVID-19 has created problems worldwide, there still have been a few positive outcomes. For instance, this is a great time to go for a home remodel. There are plenty of remodeling companies ready to go the extra mile during this time.

Of course, you might be questioning if dealing with a home remodel is a good idea under the current circumstances. You have to weigh the pros against the cons. Its fair to say that it all depends on the stage of the remodel you are in.

More Organized Planning

This calm period would give you enough time to plan out the entire project more minutely. You can even visit showrooms or ask for a virtual tour or even hold a meeting with the designer via Zoom or/and FaceTime for home guidance.

Discounts and Discounts

Take advantage of the discounts offered by a number of remodeling companies at the moment to lower the cost of your project.

Make sure that you have the money to afford the project. It doesnt make any sense to get into borrowing, considering the possibility of an economic recession.

If you are in the process of renovating, the situation is very different. Since you already have the required resources with you, along with your plan, to back up the project, you are distinctly at an advantage.

You may face a few hurdles like falling short of a certain material for your home. Also, there is no guarantee if you are going to be able to procure the needed stuff in time, given the lockdown. The solution is to make your contractor order all the supplies right away.

This is the best stage to be in! Since you are already there, theres no reason to look back. Plus, you will have all you need for your project in your possession by now. And even if you go short, your order will be considered a priority as you may have already placed the order long back.

You may have to pay extra for building protection against the coronavirus. Alternatively, you may ask the remodeling company if they plan on providing their crew with all the necessary sanitizing equipment.

Besides, your contractor at this stage will try to finish the task as soon as possible. However, you need to make sure that all the desired precautions are in place to avoid the infection.

In the end, it all depends on the precautions that your remodeling company takes to combat the issue.

If you plan to visit their showroom, find out if all the frequently used items are being sanitized regularly. This applies to commonly used phones, work stations, doorknobs, light switches, computers, all bathroom fixtures and the likes of those. Aside from that, the office personnel should be expected to sanitize themselves regularly before and after interacting with people.

At the job site, plastic must be used to separate the job site from your home. The crew must wash their hands before entering the worksite, while exiting and after using the bathroom.

You should also learn if the remodeling company can provide its workers with Port-a-Jon for sites where there are no extra bathrooms available. Finally, ensure that a sanitization station is parked outside each clients home for the workers to use.

*This article is posted by and in partnership with Dulles Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Fairfax, VA.

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Should I Continue With My Home Remodeling Project Amid Pandemic? - The DC Post

There may be tons of reasons for you to seek remodeling your kitchen. Perhaps your family has grown and you feel the present space can no longer serve the big crowd in your home. Or maybe youre just tired of the old, stale look and want to update your space.

How about some functional changes? For a kitchen to deliver fully, it needs to balance the aesthetic with the functional aspect.

But have you stopped to think if this personalization of your space is going to help when you decide to resell your home? Do not assume that every exorbitant change you bring about in your kitchen is going to pay you back. The point is to strike a balance where every update you make actually makes a difference without breaking the bank.

Relax! We dont expect you to go deep into the details. We are here to make it simple for you. After intense research on the subject, we feel that the following updates are worth considering as they may serve you well, as well as help you get a great return on your investment.

The right color in your kitchen can do wonders. A simple upgrade like painting the walls sometimes can weave the least expected change into your kitchen. Besides, the right shade and texture can make the rest of the elements stand out. So dont miss out on this one.

What do we have at maximum in the kitchen? Cabinets, of course! But if theyre all dull and ready to fall off, they dont do any credit to the rest of your kitchen.

Change their color or if they are in an irreparable condition, replace them.

Fixtures add greatly to the overall ambiance of your kitchen. Consider replacing them so that they fit well in your design scheme.

Although most homeowners find it difficult to think beyond granite for countertop, yet quartz has made a great foray in high-end design today and is considered as good as granite.

The material is stain-resistant, nonporous, durable, and very sleek. It also fits in wonderfully with the needed aesthetic prerequisites and is considered the most lucrative investment today.

Think of mirrored tiles on the walls for a glamorous visual experience or a cool gray marble backsplash that extends from the range to the hood that can be paired with polished concrete floors. Besides, they save your kitchen walls from oil stains easing the cleaning work, which is a massive blessing!

The floors in your kitchen probably take the maximum brunt with all that heavy foot traffic, dropped pans and all kinds of spills.

It means that you better invest in flooring thats durable and ultimately high on ROI. After careful research on different types of floorings that go in a kitchen, its vinyl we give full points to. Its tough and doesnt stain, scratch or fade. However, we dont recommend hardwood flooring in the bathroom.

Buying a house doesnt come cheap and when you present your house to the prospective buyers with the kitchen replete with energy-efficient appliances, they will know that they have hit the jackpot! Besides, the appliances are sure to add considerable value to your home that will serve you well at the time of reselling your house.

*This article is posted by and in partnership with GBC Kitchen and Bath, a kitchen and bathroom remodeling store in Alexandria, VA and Rockville, MD.

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Kitchen Remodeling Ideas With Highest Impact on Resale Value - The DC Post

One of the minor benefits to retailers during the coronavirus outbreak was that there were no strikes during peak selling times, such as during the holiday season. There is one notable exception. A $ 900 billion home renovation unit headed by Home Depot and Lowe.

As people replace bathroom tiles, install new kitchen cabinets, restore driveways at the end of winter, people catch up, home improvement springs are the busiest of the year, and the annual sales of the year. It accounts for about 30%. During the spring season, Home Depot and Rowe Christmas is Macys or Best Buy.

Home improvement retailers were among the lucky ones who were considered essential to enable them to be open. Also, the March business was lively and helped by millions of teleworkers.

People are at home and trying to get the project done in the house, says Sherry Cohan, professor of retail management at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

Lowe CEO Marvin Ellison told Fortune last month that customers are using electric appliances such as freezers to store food for long periods of time and buy cleaning supplies. The US Department of Commerce figures also reflect the surge in home remodeling in March. Last month, sales of building materials and garden equipment increased by 7.6%.

But as with other retailers, especially Walmart and Target, the need to stop the spread of the virus has now led to steps to put a brake on that surge.

For example, a small Sherwin Williams paint store on the Upper West Side of Manhattan only allows sidewalk pick-ups to a 100,000-square-foot large box store at Home Depot, with large and small stores holding 100 customers. Restricts shopper traffic. time. Lowe s also monitors store traffic.

Moreover, when Home Depot announced in early April that it would not hold a massive spring promotion to avoid increased traffic to stores, it would be more likely to stay ahead of any other major retailer. Ruining your business. That wouldnt be Black Fridays doorbuster, as Walmart says.

And Home Depot pays the price. For example, according to data from Placer.ai, a technology company that tracks store traffic, for example, on April 14, visits to home depots fell by more than 20% on the same day of 2019.

But the move is in line with Home Depots long-term outlook, analysts say. This allows our customers to feel safe and empathize with their consumers, says Cohan. It builds tremendous loyalty now.

In addition, she adds that her employees are morale.

Loews lag many years behind its rival Home Depot, but they are working differently. Its pulling back some of its marketing, but its not completely dropping sales events, and its probably sensing market share opportunities.

Affordability is more important than ever, said a Law spokesman. Placer.ai has discovered that Lowe traffic is increasing.

Home Depot, which spent $ 111 billion last year, and Loews, with $ 72 billion in revenue, rushed over the past few weeks to curb order automation and automation at nearly every US store, reducing sales losses. Home Depot, in particular, is a strong e-commerce powerhouse, with digital sales up 20% in the last quarter. Loews is far behind, but its completely overhauling e-commerce.

Joel Rampoldt, Managing Partner at Alix Partners, said:

Drive-up and curbside pickups offer shoppers additional options, but although they werent planning on buying one, theyd be better off with the impulsive sales that happened in the store, such as pillows in a cart while walking. It has an adverse effect.

Home decoration is a kind of impulse category. Home Depot recently set out to increase revenue per customer visit. Despite its sharp increase in sales since the last recession, it has not opened many new stores. We didnt need it: Sales per square foot increased 63% between 2009 and 2010 to $ 454.82.

So far, in the six weeks following the pandemic in the United States, analysts say there has been a relative increase in demand for home improvement retailers. Home appliances sell well and people seem to focus on refurbishing, as many other costs such as travel and restaurants have been reduced.

Large do-it-yourself projects will really thrive at the expense of vacation, says Lampot.

Of course, blockades can affect projects that require expert expertise. Restrictions may limit the renovation of apartment buildings or you may not want to invite others to your home. About 46% of Home Depots business is from professionals and 20% is from Lowes.

Still, eliminating the meltdown in the housing market, these stores have a tailwind. A massive wave of mortgages could mean increased maintenance and remodeling activity as historic low interest rates spurred, Bloomberg Intelligence wrote in a report this week in a survey. I am.

So far, FIT Cohan confirms the result that people are investing in their own homes.

-Retailers with the best shopping tech come to the top after the pandemic recedes What kind of refund do you have? This is how the industry handles things-How Starbucks is preparing to reopen US stores-How T.J.Maxx and Ross will [eventually] get even stronger from a pandemic-Listen to Leadership Next, examine the CEOs evolving role in a Fortune podcast. Watch: The best modern design

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What began as a utilitarian space for personal sanitation has, in modern times, transformed into one of the most coveted rooms in the house. Bathrooms have become a place to relax and unwind, and new bathrooms are on the tops of many homeowners wish lists. Bathrooms can be as lavish as budgets allow. Wish lists can include everything from luxurious soaking tubs to rainfall showerheads to chaise lounges to televisions or home entertainment systems contained in the space. Those contemplating their own bathroom renovations may draw inspiration from the following features.

Hot water recirculation system: Few things can be as disappointing as desiring a hot bath or shower only to find that the hot water tank has been drained. The home remodeling company Normandy Remodeling says water recirculation systems provide on-demand hot water. In such systems, hot water may continuously run through the pipes or there may be a pump underneath a sink. Either way, one neednt wait for the water to warm up any longer.

Double undermount sinks: Bathroom time is at a premium, especially when people must prepare and leave the house together. Rather than jockeying for position around a single sink, dual sinks enable more breathing room and time efficiency. Undermount sinks are easy to clean because there is no lip around where the sink meets the vanity, preventing the accumulation of grime and gunk.

Glass-free shower: Soap scum and water deposits can form on shower doors, even for homeowners who are diligent with cleaning. A sizable shower prevents water spray and affords the ability to forgo glass doors or curtains, thereby cutting down on cleaning and making the room feel more modern.

Multihead shower: When redoing the shower, account for various shower heads so the water can cascade across the body more completely. This provides a spa experience at home.

Touchless faucets and soap dispensers: These arent just for public bathrooms anymore. Touchless faucets and dispensers are more sanitary and convenient.

Separate toilet room: A shared bath almost necessitates this type of set-up. The toilet is housed inside its own small space and closed away from the rest of the bathroom. Its more private and convenient this way.

Heated flooring: You need not worry about stepping out of a warm shower onto a cold floor when heated flooring is part of the equation. This option is available in various flooring materials.

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Such are the cozy offices and other corners of the palace inhabited by Guillermo, Mxima and their three daughters.

The kings of Holland, Guillermo and Mxima, They continue with their usual activities, although many of them have been carried out from the comfort of their offices inside the Huis ten Bosch Palace, a construction dating from the 17th century and located in Hague.

The majestic building, which was ordered to be built by Federico Enrique, has been inhabited by Guillermo, Mxima and their three daughters, since March 2019, the date on which the rehabilitation works of the palace came to an end, the cost of which was $ 68 million.

Before moving to the Huis ten Bosch Palace, the royal couple lived for 15 years in the Villa Eikenhorst, located about 3.7 miles from your new home.

Through various photographs, the royal couple has not only allowed us to learn how they carry out their activities from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they have also taken us to visit some of the most emblematic corners of their palace.

The Dutch royal palace was completed in March 2019 after several years of construction.

In the postcards, Mxima and Guillermo are seen working in their offices with comfortable clothes, leaving for a better occasion the dress code they usually use in their official events.

Guillermos office, as well as other rooms, have on their walls a painting of Guillermo de Orange, considered the Father of the Fatherland.

In addition to the painting, in his office he also has a dark brown with black table, as well as a shelf where he not only has books, but also photographs with different members of his family.

The room also has a room with four individual red armchairs, a round coffee table, as well as an imposing wall clock.

In addition to this, the view towards the royal gardens is simply spectacular thanks to the three windows that you have in your office.

This is how the office in which Guillermo Alejandro performs his real work looks like.

Mximas office draws attention for the decoration of its walls, which are not painted in a single tone, but were designed with natural landscapes, thus giving a more welcoming tone to his office.

In addition to his desk, which is located in a corner of the room, it also has various antique furniture, as well as a round table with a capacity of five people, which is illuminated by a very original ceiling lamp.

This is the office from which Mxima is working from home.

The lamp and the walls with natural landscapes are also present in one of the rooms that the royal house has, which is striking for its blue tones, which are present in the bookcases, the room and even on the carpet.

The room, which is heated with the help of a fireplace, has a capacity for nine people and also in one of the corners it has a desk with two brown chairs with a blue seat.

The blue color dominates in one of the rooms that the royal palace has.

The Orange Hall, considered the most emblematic room of the building, was one of the few that did not undergo modifications with the remodeling, having preserved the 17th century paintings that adorn its walls and dome

This room is illuminated by four chandeliers, in addition to having natural lighting thanks to the large windows that it has and which overlook one of the fountains in its gardens.

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New Henderson Chamber of Commerce President Ellen Redding had been excited that the chambers new office at 114 N. Main St. provided visitors with ground-floor access. But less than three weeks after opening, the office had to be closed to the public because of the COVID-19 pandemic.(Photo: Photo by Chuck Stinnett)

HENDERSON, Ky. - From the first of the year into the very early spring, five people here stepped into significant new roles of community and regional leadership.

Ordinarily, their jobs would have put them in front of audiences at business gatherings or would have involved daily meetings with other people, even occasional ceremonies or events attracting hundreds of people.

But these are not ordinary times. The COVID-19 pandemic has upended expectations this spring, forcing these new hires to work inside locked offices, meet via web conferences and try to get business accomplished from home.

Here is a look at the new work lives of five people who normally would be, to varying degrees, public figures in and around Henderson.

Ellen Redding began performing chamber of commerce-related activities when she was hired by Kyndle about a year and a half ago, starting with promoting events and securing sponsors.

But with the dissolution of Kyndle at the end of 2019, Redding was put into the larger role of president of the newly re-formed Henderson Chamber of Commerce.

Being a chamber president is one of the most public roles in any community: presiding over business meetings and special events, hosting networking activities, speaking at ribbon-cuttings for new members and new businesses, meeting with chamber committees and interacting with public officials.

One of the first things the new chamber board of directors resolved is that the Henderson Chamber needed to be more accessible to the community, to the public, Redding said. Being on the fifth floor (as Kyndle was) was not ideal.

The chamber thought it accomplished that when it leased a ground-floor space at 114 N. Main St. Its new landlord began remodeling in late fall, and the chamber staff began moving into its new home over a weekend in late February.

But with the coronavirus outbreak rapidly spreading and beginning to take American lives, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an order March 17 that many public-facing businesses had to close starting March 19. With that, the chambers new visitor-friendly office was closed to visitors.

Over the preceding two weeks, We had one meeting, with our Education Committee, before we had to close to the public, Redding said. Only one group got to see our really nice board room.

Instead of being one of the more accessible people in town, Im 90-percent working from home, she said.

We had to cancel our Breakfast Club networking event, Redding said. We canceled our March Madness social networking event. We had to close our Brown Bag (seminar) and cancel its annual Legislative Review Breakfast.

The Henderson Chamber is even postponing its own open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

With mass gatherings prohibited by the governors orders, Weve had zero ribbon cuttings, she said. A couple that had been scheduled have been postponed.

Instead, the chamber shifted its emphasis to gathering and sharing information. It created an online COVID-19 Resource Guide for Employees and Employers and provided links on its website to a small-business resiliency guide, an employers guide to unemployment, and numerous other sources of important information.

The chamber also took over the daily Business Help Daily web conference on Lifesize for local small-business owners, renaming it Chamber Chat and scheduling guest speakers from health care, business, finance and more.

And while the chamber is at its core a membership organization, it helps non-members who reach out to it.

Redding said that while this pandemic has temporarily changed the chambers focus, its mission to enhance the business community continues.

She believes this outbreak could change the way people communicate. For example, instead of in-person meetings, people might prefer to use Zoom or GoToMeeting web conferencing platforms where they can stay in their own office and put documents up on the screen and not have to print them out.

But ribbon cuttings and promotions will still be what they are in-person celebrations and networking opportunities.

Someday, the Henderson Chamber will even get to host its own ribbon-cutting.

A lot of new Henderson Economic Development Executive Director Missy Vanderpools meetings take place online, although she does conduct them in the meeting room at her organizations new office at 207 N. Elm St. Hand sanitizer is close at hand.(Photo: Photo by Chuck Stinnett)

The breakup of Kyndle also created the need for forming a new organization to recruit new industries and help existing industries grow. Henderson Economic Development was the result, and its board wanted a Hendersonian passionate about their community to lead it.

Henderson resident Missy Vanderpool formerly association executive of the Henderson Audubon Board of Realtors with a track record of community involvement was hired as its executive director.

The organizations new offices at 207 N. Elm St. were still being remodeled when she started work on March 9. A week later, it closed to the public until further notice.

But that wasnt the most profound impact of the pandemic to Vanderpool and her organization.

What the plan from my board of directors was, lots of introductory meetings with people meet with our investors, meet with state economic development officials in Frankfort and so on, she said.

It was going to be the Missy Road Show, to work on building those relationships, along with a lot of training (through workshops around the state hosted by the Kentucky Association for Economic Development), which has all been canceled or postponed, Vanderpool said.

Instead of being out and about, We made the decision on March 18 after 7 days in the office that I would start working from home, she said.

Whitney (Risley, the organizations director of existing industry and workforce development) and I had committed to trying to be a resource to local industries, such as gathering best practices developed by larger companies and sharing them with smaller industries, Vanderpool said.

Henderson Economic Development has also worked with the state to identify local companies with the capability to manufacture emergency personal protective equipment for health-care workers and others who were running short of those crucial supplies. The last two or three weeks, that has probably been the focus, Vanderpool said.

One company here began producing face masks; another is exploring whether it can manufacture swab sticks used for COVID-19 nasal tests through 3-D printing.

If they can do it, theyre trying, she said.

Believe it or not, we had a Request for Information (from a prospective new industry) last week, Vanderpool said. Given the nations medical emergency, Whitney and I couldnt believe it. We submitted it on Friday.

Completing that RFI also provided an inspiration for another task to undertake how to make the process a little more efficient so Vanderpool and her small staff can be responsive on a timely basis.

New Henderson Audubon Board of Realtors Association Executive Bryan Russelburgs office allows a visitor to sit six feet away, but most of his interactions with his members and others are conducted through web conferencing.(Photo: Photo by Chuck Stinnett)

Vanderpools move to economic development created a vacancy in the association executive position at the Henderson Audubon Board of Realtors the professional association for local real estate agents and those in affiliated fields such as mortgage lending, appraisals, home inspection and insurance.

Bryan Russelburg, who had been a HABOR affiliate member in his previous role at a credit union here, landed the job and started in late February. The coronavirus outbreak was starting to make headlines.

The HABOR position isnt as public as some of the other recently filled positions, and Russelburg is a one-man staff. But hes not invisible. The associations monthly luncheons/business meetings attract around 60 local Realtors and affiliates.

I had one membership meeting when I first got here and a board meeting before gatherings were banned, he said.

He also expected to stay busy making sure that multi-list real estate listings are posted properly, providing community outreach such as through charitable events, planning continuing education for Realtors and keeping his members up to date on matters of interest. He also intended to work with his membership committee to build up affiliate memberships and keep his organization strong.

But just a week after being hired, the governor declared a state of emergency, with shutdowns ordered in the weeks to come. Like many others, Russelburg had to change his game plan and focus on providing his members with current information related to how COVID-19 affected their work and the housing market.

To do so, he attends multiple briefings each week by the national and state associations of Realtors. The pandemic prompted changes to unemployment benefits, such as allowing self-employed people and contractors such as Realtors to be eligible for the first time, which presented a learning curve. Ive learned more about unemployment insurance in the last three weeks than I ever thought possible, Russelburg said.

Hes been talking to lawyers about what liability Realtors might face in showing homes to prospective buyers during the outbreak; hes also been learning about virtual house showings.

Im an information hub, Russelburg said. Thats what Ive been doing the last six weeks.

To meet with his various committees and keep his members informed, hes hosted web conferences using the Google Hangout online conferencing platform.

I love these people, these Realtors, Russelburg said. Theyre great.

But he said, Theyre nervous. They dont know whats going on. This is supposed to be the busy time of the market.

Alex Caudill, hired in January as a field representative for the Office of the Governors Department for Local Government, initially spent most of working time on the road, traveling to meetings with city and county officials in his 15-county district. But once Gov. Andy Beshear ordered a halt to mass gatherings, Caudill was ordered to work from home.(Photo: Photo by Chuck Stinnett)

Among the early hires by the Beshear administration was selecting field representatives for the Office of the Governors Department for Local Government, which provides financial help to cities and counties through grants and loan assistance, as well as advising them on matters related to budget, personnel and other issues.

Hendersonian Alex Caudill, who had a successful three-year run as executive director of the Henderson Area Arts Alliance and has a background in political science, management of political campaigns and organizational management, landed just such a position.

Starting Jan. 16, Caudill began working not just around Henderson but across a 15-county region stretching from Union County east to Elizabethtown and from the Ohio River south to near Bowling Green.

The field representatives job requires attending gatherings and meeting regularly with officials in each county, meaning lots of time on the road.

I expected to be on the road five days a week, Caudill said. I expected to hit all my counties once a month and to hit as many cities as possible. Thats in large part because part of his job is helping to be the governors eyes and ears out in the state.

Initially, I wasnt at home very much. he said. Meeting face-to-face is what I prefer.

But within two months, social distancing and a ban on mass gatherings was ordered by his ultimate boss.

Instead of being a daily road warrior, Im working from home, Caudill said. Ive been ordered to stay at home.

During this pandemic, Im almost 100 percent dedicated to the virus and making sure the governors message is out there and to answer questions (from local officials) they have.

In addition, Caudill agreed to help HAAA complete the booking of its 2020-2021 performing arts season at the Preston Arts Center, an undertaking he began last October.

The Henderson Area Arts Alliance office in Downtown Henderson used to be open 4 1/2 days a week for visitors and ticket buyers. But with the pandemic, new Executive Director Natalie Singer works from behind a locked door, if not from home. HAAA is working to reschedule two stage shows that were to take place during the hunker-at-home period. (Photo by Chuck Stinnett)(Photo: Photo by Chuck Stinnett)

The domino effect extended to the Henderson Area Arts Alliance, which found a new executive director in Natalie Singer, who was a theater major and has experience in fundraising, which is vital to the nonprofit organization.

Her position requires lots of meetings and phone calls with her board of directors, event sponsors, donors, booking agents and others.

But since being hired March 30 in the midst of the coronavirus emergency, she hasnt even been able to introduce herself to all 16 members of her board of directors. The majority of them I have not met in person yet, she said.

Her downtown office is closed to visitors, and she and her assistant, Grace Henderson, often are working from home.

The timing is bad. I would like to be able to meet people face-to-face, Singer said. Being an Evansville resident, I would like to immerse myself in the community and meet as many people as I can. Its very different to meet people on Zoom.

She would also like to be directly meeting with sponsors, donors and current and prospective ticketholders. But that will have to wait for another day.

The pandemic has also forced the postponement of the last two shows of HAAAs 2019-2020 season: Dance Kaleidoscope: Music Men, which was scheduled for March 28, and The Color Purple, which was to be presented April 30.

Im working to get those rearranged and maintain the integrity of the organization, Singer said.

While five of next seasons shows are booked, two remain to be finalized. Shes counting on Caudill, her predecessor, to complete that.

Appropriate for the new normal during this pandemic, I havent had a chance to meet her, Caudill said of Singer. Weve been emailing back and forth.

He definitely keeps me updated, she said.

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