Mary Fetzer

In January 2019, BuzzFeed laid off more than 200 workers across the nation. The way they approached the layoffs infuriated many of the workers and shined a new spotlight on paid time off laws in the U.S.
BuzzFeed Has the Law on Its Side
Paid time off (PTO) statutes differ dramatically from one state to another, and that’s where BuzzFeed felt the heat regarding its layoffs. Some states, like California and Montana, require companies to pay out accrued PTO as earned wages, but most states do no...

It’s that exciting time when major paint players announce their Colors of the Year. For 2019, there’s a departure from the bright, arresting colors of recent years toward muted, understated shades. Color experts describe their versatile selections as “happy” and “peaceful” in an era of uncertainty and unease. Find out how to incorporate one (or all!) of 2019’s stars into your next project.
Night Watch by PPG Paints®
Is it black or is it green? PPG’s Night Watch PPG1145-7 is a magnificent blen...

The goal of any design is to create a space that is visually pleasing and within budget. Fortunately, beautiful, versatile tile is a long-term, cost-effective investment for both residential and commercial building and renovation projects. There are as many tile options as there are budgets – it all comes down to understanding how tile prices are determined.
Tile Types
For every price point, there are a wide array of tile options. Porcelain tile, for example, runs the gamut from very economic...

Raising a glass or two in honor of the New Year is a great way to celebrate. Just make sure you have a designated driver or Uber/Lyft on standby. You’re far more likely to be busted for drinking and driving around the holidays than at any other time of the year. Having even one drink might not be worth the risk.
A first-offense DUI (no injuries or damage) is a misdemeanor, but the penalties can be stiff:
Fines can cost thousands of dollars
Your driver’s license could be suspended for weeks
Ja...

Ultra Violet, Pantone’s color of the year for 2018, is an exciting change from the blues and greens that have dominated design over the past few years. So, don’t be intimidated by this dramatic shade or its provocative name—embrace it and make a statement with your next home design project.
A Color For The Future
The color experts at Pantone describe Ultra Violet 18-3838 as an “inventive and imaginative” hue that “communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us towa...

There’s no one formula to designing the perfect space. It all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a homeowner, your ideal space might be open and airy. Maybe you’re a trade professional remodeling a tiny bathroom to be cozy and inviting. Should these spaces feature classic or modern lines? Should they include loads of color or simple neutral hues? If you were to list the features that match your needs or your client’s needs, you’d soon discover that they come together in a specific ...

It wasn’t so long ago that monochromatic kitchens were replaced by two-color kitchens. Homeowners embraced the idea of kitchens with two shades of cabinets or islands in a complementary hue, and trade pros were happy to make it happen.
The newest kitchen trend is even more exciting because it incorporates three cabinet colors into a single, cohesive space. The result is a beautiful, layered effect — and pulling it off, from a contractor and homeowner perspective, is easier than you think.
Mix...

No one ever said renovating a home was easy, especially with so many choices and directions to turn. It's true for designers and homeowners alike: Nailing down a solid plan is hard. Unless you have something exceptionally specific in mind, you can be overwhelmed when picking styles and determining all the things that go with it, such as flooring, paint colors, cabinet styles, furniture, and decor accents.
To help, here are home flooring ideas that align with some of today's most popular desig...

So many areas of the home are prone to water mishaps – kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, mud rooms. Fortunately, today’s waterproof flooring options are wide-ranging and provide a living space with beauty, durability, and peace of mind.
Luxury Vinyl Tile
Vinyl tile has come a long way over the years. The reliable, easy-to-care for flooring that graced the majority of kitchens and bathrooms in the past has evolved into modern luxury vinyl tile. LVT looks like natural materials (hardwood, sto...

Interior designers today must keep up with changing trends in fashion and home design. Creating a space that’s both fashionable and functional is easier than you think.
Kitchen
Before she begins a kitchen remodel, interior designer Charmaine Wynter gathers important details from the homeowner, specifics that include both style and usage. “I’ll get a response like, ‘I want stone countertops, more storage, and an open concept so I do not feel closed off when we’re entertaining,’” she says.
To “...

Designers are mixing it up, moving away from established design styles toward a more customized approach. New trends enable homeowners to mix their favorite materials, textures, colors, and patterns for one-of-a-kind results. And the kitchen – the heart of the home – is the best place to showcase that personal style.
“Mixing materials in the kitchen adds depth to your design and creates layers that make the space feel inviting,” says designer Nikki James of Ashton Woods Dallas. James likes th...

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Torn between the look of hard surface and the comfort of carpet? Marry the benefits of hard and soft surfaces with a beautifully crafted area rug. Whether there’s a preference for hardwood, tile, or an engineered hard surface, the addition of an area rug brings depth to a space and adds instant interest.
Mix Textures To Create Interest
High style is achieved by mixing a variety of textures. “The key to designing a space is to find a balance between design elements and visual...

ProSource of Milwaukee has helped trade pro members and their clients complete successful projects since 1994. As a showroom kitchen and bath designer, Samantha Castillo is a part of that process, providing the dedicated, personalized service for which ProSource Wholesale is known.
Tell us about your job as a ProSource Wholesale® kitchen and bath designer.
As kitchen and bath designer for ProSource Wholesale, I’m involved with a customer’s project from concept to completion. I’m able to provi...

Don Burns is a builder member at ProSource of Tempe. Below, she shares her insights on how she brings clients dreams to reality with ProSource Wholesale®.
Tell us about your job as a builder.
In high school, I entered a construction trade school. Then, I gained construction experience as a framing carpenter, where I developed an eye for quality, craftsmanship, and artistic design. In 2011, I started Cactus Valley Homes to further develop my talents and master the building of unique and elegan...