(ARA) - When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace's efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?

Here are five facts about fireplaces and stoves that may surprise you.

1. You can conserve energy, live a greener lifestyle and combat volatile heating costs with a high efficiency fireplace or stove.

Do you use every room in your house every day? If not, try zone heating the areas where you spend the most time with an efficient fireplace or stove. It will cut down on the amount of fuel consumed by your furnace and can reduce home heating bills by 20 to 40 percent, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. Simply turn down the central thermostat and let the fireplace heat where you live. This works whether your fireplace is fueled by natural gas, liquid propane, wood, pellets or other materials.

Renewable fuels like cord wood, pellets and other plant-derived materials are excellent sources of heat. The key is burning them in a high efficiency fireplace or stove, which makes the process much easier than it was for our grandparents. For example, a load of quality wood in a standard Quadra-Fire EPA-certified wood stove can produce heat for up to 15 hours, and in pellet stoves a single 40-pound bag of pellets can produce heat for up to 24 hours. In both cases, the amount of emissions and ash generated by these units has been dramatically reduced. There is also a U.S. tax credit in 2010 of up to $1,500 for the purchase of qualifying wood and pellet stoves.

2. A fireplace can be installed in your existing home without the hassles of adding a traditional chimney.

Don't have a fireplace?  In most homes, a beautiful and efficient gas fireplace can be added for as little as $3,500, including installation. Made possible by direct vent gas technology, the fireplace is vented to the outdoors via a single pipe that runs through the side of the house to the outdoors, drawing air needed for the fire and expelling its byproducts. Direct vent gas technology has brought warmth and ambience to millions of homes.

3. Your inefficient wood burning fireplace can be transformed into a powerful and beautiful heat producer.

If you have a masonry-built wood burning fireplace that is drafty and inefficient, consider updating it with an energy efficient fireplace insert. "It is a fairly simple process to transform these fireplaces into energy efficient powerhouses," says Jeni Forman of Quadra-Fire. "Professional installation can be completed within four to six hours, and it could make your fireplace up to 85 percent more efficient." The cost of adding an insert, including installation, can be as low as $2,900 for gas and wood-burning units, and $3,200 for pellet-burning inserts.

4. You can control the heat produced by today's fireplaces.

Many fireplaces and stoves can be thermostatically controlled - you decide how much heat you want and change it as desired. Some models also allow you to control the height of the flames and have LED lighting in the embers, which can be turned on or off. Controls are accessed either via remote control, on the unit, or they are wall-mounted.

5.  Modern fireplace design is pushing traditional boundaries.

If you prefer a traditional fireplace that burns real wood, or simulates it with gas, manufactured logs and burning embers, there are literally hundreds of models from which to choose. However, if your design style leans toward contemporary and you want some new options, today's modern style fireplaces offer simplistic beauty and elegance. Inspired by European design, many modern style fireplaces are linear in shape, showcasing a panoramic view of the flames that dance in unison with colored glass, shiny metal or other innovative materials like black onyx. Placement is also being redefined, as modern style fireplaces are often positioned at eye level, evoking a living piece of fine art.

It's winter and there's nothing better than cozying up to a warm fireplace. Investigate the possibilities at fireplaces.com. The site includes an online program that walks you through the process of designing your fireplace, mixing and matching options with rooms, flooring and wall colors.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity.

"Incorporating green elements into a kitchen remodel is no longer considered just a passing fad, but a way of life," says Dick Titus, executive vice president of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). "Homeowners feel a social responsibility to choose products that are safe for the environment and their family's welfare."

Kitchen cabinets could take up as much as half of a kitchen renovation budget, so it's vital for homeowners wanting to "green" their kitchens to choose a quality cabinet manufacturer with roots in environmental sustainability. KCMA's Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) can simplify the quest. ESP enables cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and helps consumers easily identify environmentally friendly products. After meeting the certification requirements in areas such as product resource management, air quality, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations, companies earn the ESP seal to display on their products. As a criterion in the NAHB Green Building Standard, the first ANSI approved green building rating system for residential construction in the U.S., ESP sets the standard for homeowners looking to integrate affordable eco-friendly cabinets into their home.

ESP encourages the following practices by awarding points to manufacturers who qualify:

Certified by a recognized sustainable forestry program
Wood products, especially cabinets, are an environmentally friendly choice for a number of reasons. One reason is that wood is a naturally renewable resource, meaning new trees will grow in place of those that have already been harvested. ESP certification awards points to manufacturers who use wood in their cabinets that is certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program. Programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) put a label on their wood products to show consumers that the resources removed from the forest are at a level the forest is capable of renewing without damaging its future. In doing so, these practices preserve the environment and valuable forest resources.

Use of materials with low levels of formaldehyde
To earn points in ESP's air quality category, manufacturers must prove that 80 percent of particleboard, medium density fiberboard, hardboard and plywood used in the cabinets meet the low formaldehyde emissions level of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Compwood ATCM. Such materials must be third-party certified by a CARB-approved lab to meet low formaldehyde emission standards. The CARB Compwood ATCM is the lowest formaldehyde standard in the world.  Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance that can be produced by the human body.  It is ubiquitous and a component of hundreds of consumer items.

Eco-friendly manufacturing process
When shopping for eco-friendly cabinets, it is important to not only examine the cabinets, but also the process that was used to manufacture them. Criteria for process resource management includes that the manufacturer have an active recycling program for wastes, an energy-conservation program or another form of environmental-management system. On top of conserving resources, these practices can reduce the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and aid in decreasing landfills, all of which have clear societal benefits.

Commitment to the environment and community
When purchasing ESP certified cabinets, homeowners can rest assured that the manufacturer is committed to both the environment and their community. ESP's environmental stewardship criteria require that the manufacturer have a written policy stating a firm commitment to protect the environment. The community relations category encourages the manufacturer to demonstrate community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations and observe all federal, state and local environmental requirements.

With almost  150 ESP certified cabinetry companies to choose from, homeowners have the ability to select environmentally responsible cabinetry tailored to their needs, no matter their price, style, finish and wood preference - just look for the ESP seal located on the base cabinet. For more information and tips on "greening" the home and finding environmentally friendly cabinetry visit www.greencabinetsource.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Even in the throes of winter, when most gardens are hibernating under a cold-weather blanket, it's easy to bring the warm, vibrant feelings of spring into the home with colors, textures and patterns.

From the saturated colors of fresh fruits and flowers to the neutral hues of pavers and fountains, the promise of new spring gardens can provide an endless source of decorating inspiration.

In fact, styling a home is much like planting a garden: Begin with a base color, then add pops of lively hues to complement the space. Reminiscent of violets in the garden, try purple vases on the fireplace mantel. Finally, add accents such as a green rug, as if there were freshly cut blades of grass underfoot.

The color experts at Sherwin-Williams have selected several botanical shades in the Refreshed palette of its Today's Colors collection. These bright hues look especially fresh when paired with light, natural wood tones.

"Our Refreshed palette is a playful exploration of a kaleidoscope of colors," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "It encourages the use of exuberant combinations like bright tangerine orange with sunny yellow - exactly what you would find in a springtime garden bouquet."

Using fabrics with botanical motifs is another way to reflect the cheery mood of spring renewal. Furniture upholstery, pillows and curtains can interweave organic elements into the home.

Experimenting with muted, natural colors is another twist on garden-style decorating. For example, the Treasured palette from the Today's Colors collection includes neutrals reminiscent of vintage, glazed pottery. Accent a room with an understated coral, yellow or green to give a home the feeling it has been well-loved for generations.

Relaxed neutrals are often at the center of nature's palettes, according to Jordan. Mixing in weathered browns or desert tans can add comfort and provide a serene backdrop for favorite flea market finds or energized colors, she says.

"To really bring a room to life, bring things that are living and growing into it; whether it be a beautiful orchid plant, magnolia leaves or a giant bowl of Granny Smith apples," says noted designer Larry Laslo, president of LL Designs.

Wonder whether a splash of spicy tomato red can add character to a living room or if weathered-stone grays can refine the walls of a master suite? Test colors without ever picking up a paint brush. The new Upload Your Own Photo feature at sherwin-williams.com allows do-it-yourselfers to experiment with the paint retailer's entire color spectrum, including interior and exterior facades.

To breathe easy while painting indoors in the midst of winter, try a low-odor, low-VOC paint. The paint's durability and ease of cleaning will keep a room looking as beautiful as the day it was painted.

To view the complete Sherwin-Williams Today's Colors collection, or to experiment with the new Upload Your Own photo feature on the Color Visualizer, visit sherwin-williams.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Economists predict the worst of the recession is over, but the housing market still has a way to go to complete recovery. It pays to think positively and improve your home, both to boost its value as the market recovers, and to enhance its livability for your family now.

Improving your home is usually a good investment, as long as you focus on improvements that offer high return on your dollar. Renovated kitchens and baths increase a home's value, as does a great deck or patio. Finishing the basement remains a good way to improve value and livability while also expanding square footage. Think of it as double the return on investment - not only are you creating an appealing space in your home, you're actually making the home bigger for potential buyers who want maximum living space.

Finishing a basement is a favorite technique of home flippers - investors who purchase distressed properties for a low price, renovate them and sell for a profit. While flipping may not be in your future, you can still borrow a page from the flipper's handbook and finish your basement to improve your home's value.

One hit home improvement TV show bought a home in Hamden, Conn. to flip. The 1,200 square foot Cape Cod-style home, built in 1950 had fallen into major disrepair. While extensive interior and exterior renovations could give the home curb appeal and entice buyers, the flippers knew that finishing the basement would be a fast, cost-effective way to add living space and square footage in a neighborhood where they were competing with homes that offered more updates.

Many unfinished basements are dark, damp and don't provide homeowners any enjoyment of the space other than use for storage. The flippers used the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System to quickly finish this basement, giving it a new life with light and usable space. Where normal drywall construction could have taken several weeks and blown the flippers' renovation schedule, using the Basement Finishing System allowed them to finish the basement in just two weeks.

The renovation added 500 square feet of finished living space to the small home, and ensured potential buyers found a bright, inviting space when they toured during the open house. Finishing a basement is also a great way to improve the healthfulness of a home. A dark, damp basement that could have been a breeding ground for mold and mildew associated with respiratory disorders instead became a dry, bright and tidy showpiece area of the home.

While you might not have your own full-time construction crew like a home flipper, or the spotlight of a national TV show, when it comes to finishing a basement you don't need to. Professional installers can finish a basement in about two weeks using the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System. The system features built-in thermal and acoustic benefits, and the walls are durable, resisting dents and stains. It easily turns a cold concrete basement (that might deter potential buyers) into a warm, comfortable space that can be used for bedrooms, baths, office space or family rooms. Finishing the basement quickly not only ensures you have an attractive space to show buyers at a time when market competition is fierce, it also affords you faster enjoyment of your current space now.

Visit www.basementfinishingsystem.com to learn more.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak."

Yet the same modern technologies that ensure windows keep water out are at work in modern skylights, says Joe Patrick, senior product manager with skylight manufacturer Velux. "The truth is, modern skylights are no more prone to leaks than any well-made, properly installed window in your home," he adds. "The only thing a properly installed modern skylight will allow to pour into your home is healthful natural light and fresh air."

Skylights are a great source of natural light, thermal heat or natural venting of stale indoor air, especially when paired with available blinds and controls. They are particularly useful in close, small areas where a window may not be practical, and are particularly popular for kitchens and baths for this reason. Skylights have been around for about as long as architecture has, but they enjoyed a heyday a few decades ago ... until homeowners began to focus on concerns about leaks.

Whether their fears were well founded or not, many homeowners began to equate skylights with leaks and energy loss. "That was sometimes a valid concern with poorly made or improperly installed skylights," Patrick says.

Modern skylight technology, however, including pre-engineered flashing kits (the metal "shield" that goes around an opening in a wall or roof) designed to work specifically with the roof type - shingles, tile or metal - makes properly installed skylights totally dependable. Modern skylights not only keep water out, they are energy efficient as well, with Energy Star qualified models available from leading manufacturers.

"Matched flashing systems and other improvements have done away with the number one fear of people who are considering cutting a hole in a perfectly good roof," says Roger LeBrun, Velux's product certification engineer. In fact, Velux markets "The No Leak Skylight" that features three layers of water protection. These new deck mounted skylights come with a no-leak product and installation warranty.

After three years of research, development and testing, Velux found that the top concern of homeowners, designers, architects and builders alike was the misconception that all skylights leak. Properly installed skylights shouldn't leak, even if they're not No Leak Skylights, Patrick says.

It's important to choose the right location for your skylight, being sure your roof pitch is matched with the appropriate unit and, once the location is set, to properly install the skylight. Proper flashing is a must so that the skylight can be flashed as dependably, or more so, as anything else that goes on a roof. Some skylights are "fixed," meaning they don't open, while others open to vent inside air.

Skylight technology has advanced to the point where Velux, a major producer and supplier of skylights throughout the country, was confident enough to dub its newest deck mounted product "No Leak." Features include three layers of water protection; advanced LoE3 glass for better energy efficiency and improved daylighting; pre-finished white frames and sashes to eliminate the expense of painting for the homeowner; pre-mounted brackets for quick installation of sunscreen blinds; a lower roof profile with an updated architectural design; and a neutral gray color preferred by consumers and builders for its ability to blend with most roof materials and colors.
           
"It is important to point out that existing Velux skylights, when properly installed, don't leak," Patrick says. "But others, especially older plastic bubble skylights, have, and our research shows that the whole skylight category has been stigmatized and held back because of that problem."  Patrick says that Velux has always warranted its skylights against leaking.

"The image of a skylight as a source of moisture and heat loss is just all wet," adds LeBrun. With the right product and proper installation, a new skylight can fill your home with natural light and thermal warmth, and passively vent stale indoor air, for years to come ... without a single leak.

Among the home-building community, the leak-free message is getting out there. A recent survey showed that nearly 100 percent of architects, builders, remodelers and roofers believe that current skylight technology is better than older technology. And more than two-thirds of all four groups believe that current technology is much better than older technology.

To learn more about skylights and proper installation, visit veluxusa.com, energystar.gov, nfrc.org, or efficientwindows.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn's grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home's decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz - especially if you're dealing with economy-induced stress.

"Fall is a great time to redecorate because as the weather cools people start heading indoors again," says Jonathon Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of "Walls that Wow."  "Home is more important again whereas summer was all about the outdoors. We want to make our homes comfortable, cozy and beautiful again. And when we decorate during the fall, we can show off our efforts at the holidays."

So what are the hot trends and easy do-it-yourself decorating upgrades that will be hot this fall? Fong and artist Matthew Lew offer a few tips:

Bright, aggressive color

"The hot colors in home décor this fall will be brighter, happier versions of traditional fall hues - butter yellow, orange, persimmon and all shades of blues," predicts Fong. "These are colors of optimism, and in the current economy, people want to be surrounded by hope. These happy colors put you in a good mood."

"The hottest colors for room redesigns this fall will be aggressive color combos, using colors like scandal red or lobster paired with yolk yellow or custard," says Lew, whose work has been featured on "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," HGTV's "Divine Design" and CBS's "The Early Show."

"People want a splash of color in their homes," Lew adds. "The aggressive color combinations are great because they can make a bold statement very simply without overdoing it. I think people are attracted to that, especially with the economy right now."

Texture that's easy to achieve

Adding texture to a wall is another trend, especially if it's a simple texture - such as stripes - that homeowners feel confident doing themselves, Fong says. Patterns, vinyl lettering or decals, and even wallpaper murals are great ways to add interest to boring walls.

Both designers agree wallpaper murals will continue to be popular, both for their versatility and ease installation by DIY homeowners. Fong has incorporated wallpaper murals from the Web site www.MuralsYourWay.com into his designs, and Lew's artistry is featured on several of the site's made-to-order wallpaper murals.

"Wallpaper murals are one of my favorite design options because they make a huge impact in a room at an affordable price," Fong says. "If you were to have a decorative painter replicate some of the great designs available in wallpaper murals, it would cost thousands of dollars."

If you're intimidated by the idea of a mural, you can start out smaller by adding wallpaper murals elsewhere in your décor, Fong suggests. "Cut the mural into smaller pieces and frame the individual pieces. Put it on a door. Mount it to a piece of wood and make a headboard or a dressing screen out of it," he says.

Finally, when you're ready for your fall design spruce up, Lew and Fong have a few tips for creating a design you can love:

* "Think baby steps," Fong says. Decorate a small wall or section of a large wall first. Give yourself a day to get used to your new wall.

* Consider your favorite colors and how you can use them to make your design "say what you want it to say," Lew suggests.

* Go beyond paint and texture. Try fabric, paper and metal, Fong urges. Get creative, but don't forget simple tricks too. "Sometimes the simplest thing is a mirror," Lew says. "It opens up the entire room and brings in light."

* Keep it real. "Look at your wall's dimensions and be realistic," Lew says. "Sometimes having the entire wall covered is too overpowering and a smaller scale would look better. For example, you might want to use part of the wall as a mural and then paint the other portions a similar color."

* "No matter how it turns out in the end," Fong says, "say you meant it to look that way."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - At one time or another, everyone has found herself racing around the house with an armful of cleaning supplies, scrambling to tidy up for unexpected guests. But the prospect of surprise visitors need not cause a full-scale panic.

Cleaning and organizing expert Donna Smallin offers practical tips for completing a vigorous, efficient cleaning routine when every minute matters.

* First things first. To make a great first impression, start with the entryway and then follow the path your guests will take. Think entryway, living area and bathroom. This is no time to reorganize your sock drawer. If you can, close doors or pronounce the upstairs or other section of the house off limits to guests, and you've cut your cleaning job in half.

* Conquer clutter. An uncluttered entryway is warm and inviting. Do a quick lap around your entryway and living area with a laundry basket and/or trash can, tossing junk mail and collecting out-of-place items to be organized later.

* Speed-dust at eye level. Microfiber picks up dirt like nobody's business. Grab a microfiber cleaner for a quick "dust-busting" of your bookshelves, lamp shades and coffee tables.

* Vacuum just the high-traffic areas. When you want to impress guests, nothing freshens up a room like clean carpet and rugs, and an ergonomically designed vacuum can make spontaneous carpet cleaning easier.

"I'm loving the PROlite Multi Cyclonic vacuum from BISSELL, which offers all the power of a full-sized upright unit, but in a sleek, lightweight design that makes it easier to use, lift and move from room to room," Smallin says.

* Speed clean mirrors. In the bath room, lightly wet a microfiber cloth and squeeze it dry to clean mirrors and glass surfaces.

* Give furniture a facelift. Take just two minutes to fluff sofa cushions and pillows to breathe a little freshness into your living room.

* Make countertops sparkle. Spritz kitchen and bathroom counters with a freshly scented all-purpose cleaner and quickly wipe away spots, crumbs and everyday grime.

* Rally the troops. When time is of the essence, divide and conquer. While one family member is vacuuming, a younger one can follow behind, wiping down baseboards. Or while one is taking out the garbage, the other can load the dishwasher. One way to motivate family members for these situations is to instigate a regular power cleaning competition. Make a game of timing how long it takes to tackle key cleaning chores, and you'll have your own family SWAT team ready to go when guests are on their way.

* Prepare for future speed-cleaning sprees. Speed cleaning is even easier when you're prepared, so get your supplies in order now. Keep a caddy of cleaning products ready to go, and you can save precious seconds when guests are en route. You may even want to stash cleaning supplies in spaces around your home so you can tidy up on the fly. Small cleaning supplies can easily be hidden behind the TV, behind books on bookshelves, in drawers, or even under your sofa.

Master this fast and furious cleaning routine and you'll always be ready to take on last-minute houseguests. You may even have time to give yourself a manicure before they arrive.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Whether it's the dog tracking in mud or the kids carrying in dirt and leaves, there are many ways floors can become dirty and unattractive. Unfortunately, for many people the process they use to clean their wood flooring might be doing more harm than good.

"There are a lot of misconceptions about floor care that lead to premature deterioration," says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the largest retailer of specialty hardwood flooring.

Some cleaning techniques to avoid, because they can damage hardwood flooring, are:

* Vacuuming. Contrary to the belief that vacuuming is the best way to rid wood flooring of dust and debris, it's actually harmful. The hard bristles on the rotating brush can scratch the wood, and small amounts of damage to the wood over time will make the surface look worn and uneven.

* Damp mopping. Many people think that damp mopping is a quick way to clean wood flooring, but the water in the mop causes deterioration of both the wood and the floor's finish. This increases the likelihood that the wood will warp or squeak in the future.

* Cleaning with vinegar and water. While many people clean wood flooring with a homemade mixture of vinegar and water, the acidic nature of the solution actually eats away at the wood finish. Corrosion of the wood finish detracts from its healthy appearance and increases vulnerability, making the wood more prone to wear and tear.

* Applying oil soaps. Although oil soaps are a typical way to clean wood flooring, these soaps and detergents can leave a harmful film. Eventually, this film causes the wood finish to yellow, "alligator" or crack, requiring refinishing.

Instead of using one of the above methods to clean hardwood floors, it is recommended that homeowners follow a few simple cleaning guidelines.

* Lightly sweep wood flooring with a soft-bristled broom twice a week. This is a quick and easy way to clear away debris particles so that they do not build up.

* Clean wood flooring once a week with a terry-cloth mop and a cleaner specifically made for wood flooring, like Bellawood's soy-based hardwood floor cleaner. This will get rid of the heavier dirt build-up that can cause a dull appearance.

"Soy-based products clean and shine hardwood flooring without being harsh on the finish and without producing harsh fumes that can irritate your family and pets," says Sullivan. "It doesn't take a lot of effort to give your floors the maintenance they deserve, and in doing so you'll not only improve the look of your home, but extend the lifespan of the flooring."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When you look out your window, what do you see: the cool gray steel of high-rise buildings ... or vast, open expanses of green land? You don't have to stick to an interior style that mimics your surroundings; especially if it doesn't suit your taste.

Whether you live in a penthouse or a farmhouse, you can create rooms that make you feel as if you're a city-dweller as soon as you step inside.

Open floor plan

The first step to thinking like an urbanite is coming up with creative ways to make small spaces appear larger. An open floor plan is a great way to achieve this. Take a look at your main living areas to determine where improvements can take place.

Is there a room that is being under-utilized? Consider removing a dividing wall to connect it with the adjoining space. Do you have narrow doorways between rooms? Expand these openings and remove doors, creating wider passageways. Is there untouched wall space? Take a cue from new glass-exterior loft spaces, like Werner Aisslinger's LoftCube, and add more windows on exterior walls, or even create window-like openings between rooms to join spaces and create a sense of community.

"Contemporary urban design is all about connectivity," says Judy Riley, vice president of design at  Moen Incorporated. "In today's modern home, we want to connect with our family, our surroundings and the outside world. To achieve this, we are knocking down walls and breaking the barriers built by earlier generations."

If you don't have the time - or budget - for more construction-intense projects, there are steps you can take to create the illusion of larger rooms. Choose smaller furniture and position it in a way that leaves as much floor space open as possible. Forgo large, heavy curtains and go for more airy fabrics or light-emitting shades to create a sense of illumination and openness. Choose lighter colors in a similar palette for your furniture, walls and floors.

Modern elements

To take your place from dreary and dated to city chic, incorporate contemporary elements into your decor. Start by adding some standout modern pieces in each room, then build your home's look around those unique items.

The kitchen and the bathroom are arguably the two most-used rooms in the house, seen by family members and guests alike. Let fashion and function go hand-in-hand with well-placed modern decor that serves a purpose in your home.

In the kitchen, the sink is the hub of all activity, used for everything from prepping dinner to filling your morning coffee pot or water bottle. To make a statement at your sink, add a faucet with geometric styling, like the 90-degree pullout kitchen faucet from Moen. With clean, contemporary styling, this single-handle faucet features an ergonomically designed pullout wand with multiple spray options, including stream, rinse and pause. The 90-degree pullout kitchen faucet is available in LifeShine Classic Stainless and Chrome finishes, to coordinate with contemporary kitchen fixtures and appliances. Because of its clean, single-handle design, the faucet pairs well with solid surface countertops and undermount sink styles.

In large living spaces, re-think traditional furniture and give it a modern twist. Instead of the everyday lumpy, space-hogging recliner, try a contemporary lounge chair. Rather than massive entertainment centers and bookshelves, try a hanging storage center that adds color and light to your room without taking up precious floor space. Or, try bookshelves that are built into the wall - housed between studs or simply on wall-mounted shelving units that allow for use of the floor space beneath.

Clean spaces

Your average city-dweller doesn't have the time or the space to accumulate home-cluttering extras. "The city is full of noise and disorder," Riley says. "Modern urban home design calls for a separation from the busyness of the outside world."

To mimic this minimalist approach in your own home, consider the number of extra gadgets that clutter your kitchen. For instance, do you really need a handheld blender, a countertop blender, a margarita maker and smoothie maker? When was the last time you used your fondue pot, quesadilla maker, juicer or waffle iron? Could you make do without some of these items, clearing precious countertop and cabinet space? If so, log on to freecycle.org and give the unused items away to someone who may actually use them.

Once you've removed what you don't need, you can create the attention and openness that your modern decor deserves. Treat your home as an art gallery, where the spotlight is on a small number of contemporary statement pieces, not scattered among an over-abundance of objects.

You don't have to pack up and move to the city to evoke an urban feeling in your home decor.  Think open, modern and sleek, and you can create a metropolitan vibe, no matter how far from the city you choose to live. For more information about the 90-degree kitchen collection from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800 289-6636).

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Function alone isn't enough to sell us on a new piece of technology anymore.  Americans increasingly want their technology to look good - stylish, even - in addition to working well.

"If you're old enough to remember the huge, clunky-looking 'car phones' of the late '80s and early '90s, or if you've seen them in the movies or on old TV shows, you'll have some perspective on how technology has evolved toward being beautiful as well as functional," says Jeanne Benedict, host of DIY Network's "Weekend Entertaining" and regular contributor to Celebrations.com.

Designers agree that a balance of form and function is essential to appealing and useful home decor. With new wafer-thin, high-definition flat-screen TVs, surround-sound systems with wireless speakers and sleek home telephones  that allow you to receive cell phone calls on your landline, modern home technology is trending toward beauty and usefulness.

If you're in the market to upgrade your home technology this holiday season, be sure to look for gadgets that blend style and practicality, including:

* LED high-definition, flat-screen TVs that are almost as thin as a sheet of glass. These TVs are ideal for mounting on the wall as a focal point of virtually any room. The flatter the better, and the new generation of TVs are so thin and light, they make their predecessors look like those '90s chunky car phones. Some manufacturers also offer flat screens in colors to match virtually any home decor - no more settling for just silver or black.

* Sleek new home phones like VTech's LS6245 combine advanced technology that lets you receive both landline and cellular calls on the cordless handset.  Its fashionable profile fits into virtually any home decor. The phone offers touch-sensitive buttons on the handset and base as well as capabilities that allow you to connect up to four wireless devices such as cellular phones or wireless headsets.

With the ability to make and receive cellular calls on the LS6245 handset or take landline calls with a wireless headset, this phone system helps eliminate problems typically associated with using a cell at home - dropped calls, poor call quality and limited range. The practical VTech LS6245 is available at www.vtechphones.com.

* Wireless technology has made it possible to enjoy surround sound and your favorite DVD without the visual distraction of wires running between the components. From wireless speakers that work with your surround sound system and stereo to flat screens and DVD players that can communicate with each other, technology has eliminated the old problem of ugly - and potentially hazardous - wires throughout your home.

"It's no longer necessary to sacrifice stylish design and decor-enhancing beauty to get the latest technology for your home," Benedict says. "Modern product makers are manufacturing better-looking technology that fits with our lifestyles and home decor."

Courtesy of ARAcontent