Pretty and practicalDutch Doors Are Back

A 400-year-old door style is enjoying new popularity. Dutch doors are split so the top half can operate independently from the bottom. Dutch doors have been in use in the United States since the early 1600s, the original purpose having been to let fresh air in while keeping barnyard animals out.

Dutch doors are popular now for their classic look and function. Homeowners can open the top door to keep in touch with what's happening outside and close the bottom to maintain security and privacy.

In laundry rooms, the top door can be open for ventilation or closed to block noise from appliances. Keeping the top half open a crack in children's rooms keeps parents within earshot during nap or playtime. Dutch doors also help keep some pets contained.

Jeld-Wen makes Dutch doors in low-maintenance fiberglass as well as a variety of woods. The doors are sold locally at Custom View, Ruffin & Payne and Stock Supply.

Grill may be answer for apartment dwellers

A compact electric convection grill may be the answer for apartment dwellers who can't cook outdoors.

The Cook Number Legacy Electric Grill can be used indoors or outside and meets fire and safety codes for most apartments and condos.

Its heating elements reach searing temperatures in only five to seven minutes. The HeatXchange system lets the chef alternate between searing and grilling, roasting, warming and baking.

The unit has 10 temperature settings monitored by inserting a probe into food. An alarm signals when food is done.

The grill plugs into regular 110-volt outlets. Check local fire and safety ordinances before using the grill in apartments, condos and multifamily dwellings or on balconies. It sells for $500 at www.homeinfatuation.com.

If you hope to sell it, tone it down, fix it up

Putting a house on the market this spring? Consider these tips from HGTV's "Designed to Sell":

-- Tone down wall colors. Crayon colors and bright tones can close in the space.

-- Make every space usable. House hunters are looking for square footage. If you have a junk room, clean it up. To declutter before an open house, consider renting a portable storage unit.

-- A little elbow grease goes a long way, so tackle overlooked projects and minor repairs.

-- Finesse your fixtures - lighting, cabinetry hardware and other small accents. Think about painting outdated wood cabinets.

ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO

MEMO: HOME WORKS

(c) 2007 Richmond Times - Dispatch. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.