(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) - Preparing for a holiday gathering at your home, amid the hustle and bustle of the season, doesn't have to be daunting. Try these tips to take the pressure off your next get-together:

Start by getting organized. Build a guest list, menu, shopping list, and house project list. Prioritize tasks based on what is most important and, when possible, start with those. If you don't have enough time to get to everything, at least you'll have tackled the higher-priority items. Also, determine which recipes can be prepared before the day of the event. Making even a few dishes ahead of time can reduce stress and mess on the big day.

Since the kitchen is often the hub of activity, spend a little extra time getting this room ready. Remove clutter and excessive decor from countertops to create plenty of work space for rolling out dough and prep work. Dispose of out-dated ingredients in your pantry, spice cabinet or refrigerator to make room for fresh foods.

Give your kitchen a fresh look and improve efficiency with a few quick, cost-effective updates. Change your cabinet hardware, for example, or replace task lighting with an energy-efficient option. Also consider installing a new kitchen faucet. HomeFoodSafety.org found that, of the 60 percent of moms who ask for help in the kitchen, half enlist their children. This makes the holiday season a perfect time for reinforcing safety habits.

According to manufacturer research, the kitchen faucet is the most heavily used kitchen appliance - a family of four uses it, on average, about 100 to 150 times per day. Today's latest models offer innovations that make food prep and clean-up easier. The Pilar pull-down kitchen faucet by Delta incorporates Touch2O Technology. All it takes to turn on the Pilar faucet with Touch2O Technology is a simple tap - anywhere on the spout or handle. When hands get messy, the flow of water can be started with a forearm or wrist, helping to keep the faucet clean while reducing the potential for cross-contamination. The tap feature also makes it easier to turn off the water flow when it's not needed between tasks, saving water.

Take extra precautions to avoid spreading dirt and germs. Wash utensils, cutting boards and countertops after working with raw poultry or other proteins and thoroughly wash hands between tasks.

In the thick of cold and flu season, be sure to stock washrooms with full soap dispensers and set out a bottle or two of anti-microbial hand sanitizer in high-traffic areas.

While you may be tempted to set out a buffet for guests to graze throughout the gathering, remember that letting food sit out too long can invite the growth of unwanted bacteria. Set out smaller amounts of food, ice or heat accordingly and refresh often.

Of course, after all is said and done, you'll want to look back on the event and smile, so enjoy yourself. Remember that you may be the only person who knows if something doesn't turn out just as planned. Don't let small problems get you down and don't be afraid to ask for help. Happy entertaining.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Getting ready for winter often means changing to warmer clothes and taking stock of mittens and hats. But it's also a good idea to prepare your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system for winter, too - especially if you want to keep energy bills down.
 
Heating can account for almost half of the average family's winter energy bill, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Taking a few steps now will help your furnace and other heating components operate more efficiently throughout the winter, helping you save money. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers the following tips for winter home readiness:

Program your thermostat. If you don't have a programmable thermostat, this is the year to get one. Resetting the temperature from a constant 72 degrees to 65 degrees for eight hours a day (perhaps during the day while you and your family are less likely to be home) can cut your heating bill by up to 10 percent, according to energy.gov. Some models even allow you to pre-set different temperatures for every day of the week according to your family's schedules.

Seal heating and cooling ducts. Leaks in the ducts that move air within your system can be big energy wasters. Sealing the ducts that run through attics, crawl spaces, unheated basements and garages can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent. Use duct sealant or metal-backed tape to seal the seams and connections, and then wrap the ducts in insulation.

Upgrade to newer technology. If your furnace is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. One furnace that exceeds the government's energy standards is the Freedom (R) 95 Comfort-R Variable-Speed Modulating Communicating Furnace. Made by American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, it converts 95 percent or more of fuel you pay for into heat for your home. Instead of using on-again-off-again thermostat control, it uses temperature data from the thermostat to calculate its own heating cycle. It then adjusts the flame with a modulating valve for even, comfortable heat and precise fuel control. With the passage of the U.S. Economic Stimulus Bill, homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit if they purchase certain types of HVAC systems between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010. More information about the tax credit is available at www.americanstandardair.com and www.irs.gov.

Clean or replace filters. A dirty furnace filter can slow down the air flow in your heating system and make it work harder than necessary. Your furnace will work less hard, use less energy and last longer if you clean or replace filters monthly, or at minimum, every three months.

Schedule a winter checkup. As you schedule checkups to keep your family healthy, do the same for your home's heating system. An HVAC professional can perform a routine maintenance checkup to ensure all components of your heating and cooling system are operating properly and safely, and advise you on ways to improve energy efficiency. To locate an independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer, visit the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning online dealer locator at www.americanstandardair.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Aging in place - updating one's home to accommodate changing needs and abilities as one ages - doesn't have to mean sacrificing a home's style and decor. From attractive lighting designed to work well for aging eyes to barrier-free shower stalls that compete in beauty and practicality with what you might find in a luxury community for those 55 and older, plenty of home modifications now make it possible to age in place gracefully and stylishly.

"It's no longer necessary to give up your home's good looks for a more institutional-looking appearance just to achieve a safer, more usable house," says Eric Kozak of Premier Care In Bathing, leading makers of walk-in baths. "You can age in place and retain the style that makes living in your home comfortable and safe, and maintain your independence at the same time."

With more than 78 million baby boomers growing older in the United States, aging in place - and how to do it well - is a hot topic for many homeowners. If you're planning ahead or thinking it's now time to update your home to accommodate changing needs, keep a few things in mind:

Kitchens and baths are commonly the most challenging rooms in the house for people, like many seniors, with mobility issues. Updating these rooms can go a long way toward helping you stay in and enjoy your own home for as long as possible. "Bathrooms, in particular, pose safety issues. Falls are one of the leading reasons seniors must go into nursing homes and most home falls occur in the bathroom," Kozak says.

When renovating your bathroom, focus on the important elements, including low-level entryways, accessible grab bars, easy grip faucets and showers with safety screens. Other elements include safer, slip-resistant flooring; brighter, more flexible lighting; and safe access to the shower or bathtub.

Walk in showers

Stepping in and out of a tub or shower is one of the riskiest times for people with mobility challenges. Appropriately placed grab bars - now available in designer colors and textures - can help improve safety in these high-risk areas. Another option that's high on safety and style is to replace a current shower or tub with a  walk-in shower like those now offered by Premier Care In Bathing, whose walk-in bathtubs have made bathing safer and more convenient for thousands of Americans with mobility issues. The walk-in showers are a good option for wheelchair users or in rooms where a full-size tub is not practical.

Two size options, 48 inches and 60 inches, ensure convenience and luxury. A waist-high, folding screen, designed with proprietary technology, keeps water inside the shower and not on the bathroom floor. From the waist up, you can add your own decorative touch with the shower curtain design of your choice, hung on a gracefully curved rod like the ones found in quality hotel baths. Dual Delta showerheads provide the option of an overhead shower or a hand-held shower, and a safe and relaxing folding seat. Installation can often be done in just a day or two.

Visit www.premier-bathrooms.com or call (800) 578-2899 to learn more.

Flooring

That tile floor that you adored in your 40s can be a slip hazard when you reach your 70s. In fact, any hard bathroom floor surface such as linoleum, vinyl or tile can put you at increased risk of slipping and falling. Carpeting might be a better option, one that is slip resistant and warmer and softer on the feet. Many manufacturers now offer materials that are attractive and able to repel moisture. If installing carpeting isn't practical for you, use area rugs with sticky backing to help ensure safe footing in high traffic areas, like in front of the commode, sink and bathtub.

Lighting

Aging eyes not only need more light to see, they need better quality light, especially at night. Avoid dim lighting; older eyes need several times more light than younger eyes to see well, experts say. Increase the amount of light in your bathroom and consider using naturally brighter bulbs like compact fluorescent bulbs, which are also energy-efficient.

Be aware of glare, as well. Bright lights bouncing off all-white bathroom surfaces can create glare that makes it difficult to see and navigate for older people, especially at night when they may not be fully awake. If your bath is all white, paint the walls a light color in a finish that will help reduce glare. Use area rugs on white floors to help break up the expanse of white and reduce glare.

"Boomers aging in place will find more options than ever before to do so with style," Kozak says. "Safety should be your first concern, but you can also enjoy good style and beautiful design as well."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - No matter what part of the country you live in, the fall and winter months can be downright abusive on your home. From frozen Minnesotans dropping heaps of water-logged clothing on the floor after digging out of five feet of snow, to tanned Floridians grinding gritty sand into their carpeting, every home takes a beating in the winter.

As harsh as we can be on our most expensive investment, a variety of easy and inexpensive precautions can greatly diminish the amount of winter wear and tear imposed on our homes.

A foot in the door
It all starts at the doorway. For northerners, winter means traipsing in and out of the house with mud, salt and snow on your shoes. And, being bundled up carrying groceries many times means you nudge the door open with those muddy boots, leaving scratched paint and stains on perhaps the most visible part of your home. A simple solution to this is investing in a durable kickplate.

Kickplates are available in a variety of sizes, finishes and quality. Choose something that complements the door's hardware (doorknob and knocker) and will be an appropriate size. Standard 6 1/2-foot doors should use the corresponding 34 inch wide by 6 inch tall kickplate. Larger doors allow for taller and wider plates.

Baseboards that say "bring it on"
Baseboards are often overlooked until they are so dirty and worn that they stand out like a sore thumb. By design, baseboards are meant to preserve the lower portion of walls and withstand normal bumps and scuffs. However, choosing an appropriate paint for these baseboards can make all the difference when it comes to durability.

Paints designed especially for heavy traffic and easy cleaning are best for baseboards. Look for interior latex paints infused with stain resistant materials. One paint manufacturer, Pratt & Lambert, actually offers a line of paint called Porcelain, which contains tiny porcelain particles that bond together in such a way that stains cannot penetrate the surface of the paint. And, because of the paint's strength, if dirt or spills do splash the surface, you can scrub the paint without damaging the finish.

Clean carpets
Tile, laminate and wood flooring are incredibly easy to clean because they are not extremely porous.  Carpet, on the other hand, is designed to be lush, meaning there are ample nooks, crannies and spaces for dirt and grime to hide.

Investing in a stain-resistant carpet cleaner that repels such substances from entering your carpet will maintain your carpet's vitality and cleanliness. Keeping do-it-yourself spot carpet cleaners on hand when minor spills occur is essential when entertaining. Just a few sprays and a little elbow grease will diminish stains and not put a damper on the party.

Slip and slide
Even through your house may have tile, laminate or wood floors, tracking outdoor substances such as muddy water or slush on them can add wear and tear, especially during the holiday season. And constantly cleaning up after guests' muddy footprints can be exhausting.

Simple carpet runners can help prevent these unsightly and potentially dangerous issues. Many retail stores sell solid-colored and seasonally styled carpet runners that have a non-skid backing and are machine washable. Placing a few of these in heavily trafficked areas will reduce damage to all types of flooring and will provide safe pathways for walking.

Kitchen consideration
You might not think of it at first, but kitchens take quite a beating during the winter months. As the central point of congregation for holiday parties, dinners and simple evenings at home, kitchens see quite a bit of traffic during the winter.

Because of the increased use, kitchen cabinets endure a lot more bumps during the winter, but cabinet finishes can be spared with a few easy solutions. First, if your cabinets are not painted, apply a varnish that will act as a barrier against scuffing. If they are painted, reapply the color in a paint that is meant to withstand heavy traffic. A quality Purdy brush is critical to a flawless finish.

Any local hardware store should stock corner protectors. The edges of your kitchen cabinetry or islands often take the brunt of the damage because you have to maneuver around them. Wood or plastic corner protectors will help diminish this damage and can, if you like, be removed at the end of the winter.

These simple tips will protect some of your home's most frequently damaged areas, and help ensure a lasting durability.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - With the amount of time you spend in your kitchen, why settle for out-of-date features and decor - especially since it is easy to give your kitchen a 180-degree makeover? Try these six simple projects, and in no time at all you'll have a kitchen where you will want to spend more time. 

Home sweet kitchen
One of the easiest ways to make your kitchen feel warm and inviting is with updated lighting. And, luckily it can be an easy and quick project with the many conversion kits and lighting fixtures available today. Start by swapping any cold and unstylish fluorescent tube lighting with more decorative chandeliers or flush-mount lighting to flood your kitchen with ambient light. Next, fill in shadowy areas - or highlight objects you admire - with spot lights, such as recessed cans or dangling pendant lamps. Soon your kitchen - and your mood - will be glowing. 
Time: Two to six hours depending on the number of fixtures.

Update your sink with an eco-friendly faucet
When it comes to your kitchen faucet, you may think - it's not broke, why fix it? But as a workhorse and focal point of your kitchen, that shouldn't be the case. Instead, update your faucet with a functional, stylish and environmentally friendly model. Available at Lowe's, options such as Anabelle or Dorsey Eco-Performance kitchen faucets from Moen offer pullout/pulldown functionality with three unique settings - eco-performance stream or spray for tasks like washing dishes that require a constant, yet low-water flow, or a full-flow option when filling a pot or pitcher. This simple kitchen update can yield up to a 32 percent water savings - while also adding exquisite styling in to your kitchen. For more information about the Anabelle or Dorsey Eco-Performance faucets from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).
Time: Ninety minutes.

Shortage of storage
With so many gadgets, appliances and, don't forget food, kitchen storage can quickly become sparse. Start by organizing your current storage, purging any items that you haven't used in years. Next, if you have room, add a kitchen island or additional cabinets to provide more storage and work room. Or, if space or cash is limited, search your local flea market or online at Craigslist.com for alternative options, like a vintage china cabinet or an antique overhead pot rack to house all your necessities and reduce clutter. 
Time: Six hours.

Add sass with a backsplash
Tired of cleaning food or grease splashes from your kitchen walls? Spruce up drab or dirty-looking kitchen walls with a dynamic backsplash on walls near the sink or stove top. Hundreds of styles, textures and patterns can increase the sophistication in your kitchen and make it easier to clean. Plus, with step-by-step video instructions on how to apply the tiles available at Lowe's Creative Ideas Web site it's as easy as one, two, three. 
Time: Six hours.

Getting a new grip on cabinets
Over time, cabinets made of wood or metal materials can deteriorate if they're not properly maintained, making your kitchen look run-down or aged. Cleaning your cabinets with soap and water, then polishing, is the best way to make them look new again. To combat grime, fingerprints and other messy substances, apply cabinet cleaner such as Liquid Gold to a cloth and buff cabinets until they shine. Replacing old handles and hardware on your cabinets with a new stylish design and finish to match your new faucet will add the final polished look to your kitchen. 
Time: Two to five hours depending on the number of cabinets.

Advance the technology
Don't limit your technology to your phone and your TV - transform your kitchen with innovative appliances. Whether it's a microwave that fits in a drawer, a refrigerator with a TV, an oven that you can program  or a customized wine and beverage cooler, adding new upscale appliances can take enjoyment in your kitchen to a whole new level. However, if these high-end appliances are out of your budget, upgrade your current appliances with new energy-efficient models in the latest finishes.
Time: Two hours shopping plus waiting on deliveries.

In no time at all you can easily turn your kitchen from drab to fab with just a few simple projects.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - At first thought, winter might not conjure up words like spicy, bold or sunny. It should, though, at least when it comes to the inside of your home. While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.

Adding a shot of color to a space can be done quickly, but it can sometimes be confusing. In fact, mastering the ins and outs of decorating with color can be downright daunting.

"Although people love the idea of incorporating color into their homes, mixing and matching colors, patterns and textures can be an intimidating and overwhelming process," says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Martin-Senour Paints. "Whether it's wall paint, new furniture or accessories, consumers might not have the confidence to step outside of their 'color comfort zone' and experiment with shades they might not normally gravitate toward."

So, how do you break out of that "color comfort zone?" You can start by using available color tools such as those found in Martin-Senour's color selector. Not just about wall color, it offers unique tools designed to help you balance the entirety of a home's interior design as well as room-to-room balance and flow. From wall color to room accents, the color selector is a resource for complete home design.

Having a basic understanding of color and knowing what emotions different colors can evoke also helps. So, if you're thinking about warming up your home this winter and are contemplating using a paint color that you've always wanted to try, but weren't sure how or where to use it, these tips can help steer you in the right direction:

Red
As the strongest color in the spectrum, red has the greatest emotional impact. Depending on the hue and shade, red resonates with passion, romance, energy and courage. In recent years, it's become a popular color choice for dining room walls, but the drama of red is also ideal for entryways, living rooms and even bathrooms. The color combination of red with neutrals, such as tans and browns, results in warmth that is certain to carry you through those cold months.

Orange
Orange has evolved throughout the years; think terracotta and copper tones. It enlivens any space and can easily take center stage as a primary wall color, or as an accent color to give a refreshed decor a bit of much-needed punch. When paired with blues or purples, a spicier orange can be very powerful. For a more subdued effect, combine it with warmer colors like reds and deep, welcoming greens.

Yellow
There is no better color to radiate warmth in your home than yellow, but don't underestimate the intensity of this color. Bright, strong yellows on walls are almost always best saved for an area like the kitchen because they are said to increase attentiveness and have "wake up" qualities. Creamier yellows - think the paleness of fresh butter - are popular in living rooms and can even translate well into bedrooms when joined with a classic red or blue.
 
Purple
Purples have a powerful connection with our spiritual and introspective side. Because purple has varying degrees of red and blue in it, it's easily paired with many complementary colors such as yellow, orange and softer greens. When slightly redder, purple can be vivacious and exciting; when slightly bluer it can be restful. If you're using purple for a room, decide whether the room is designed to entice drama, as with an eggplant-hued purple, or cast an air of relaxation and reflection, as found in a hydrangea shade.

Red, orange, yellow or purple, no matter what color you decide to use to help shut out those dark, chilly winter days, keep in mind that all colors can evoke powerful effects in any room. Understanding the basic building blocks of color can help you harness that power and create the stunning color schemes you've always wanted.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Whether you are thinking about selling your home or planning to stay put a few more years, some simple updates with an eye on detail can make a big impact both visually and financially. 

As a seller, you want to get the most money for your home as quickly as possible. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so be sure it's a good one both inside and out. For those staying put, small changes can be the difference between a home you like and one you love.

Designing with doors

Some of the details homeowners should pay attention to include repainting a room, adding a chair rail and updating door and cabinet hardware. Another commonly overlooked and cost-effective way to spruce up a home is to install new interior doors.

Unlike standard, plain flush doors, raised- and flat-panel molded interior doors add charm, style and personality to any home. They come in many styles, finishes and sizes. 

"Interior doors play an important role in home decor," says Bob Merrill, president and CEO for Chicago-based CMI, which makes CraftMaster Interior Doors. "With advanced molded door technology, we can make doors with a range of panel configurations from clean, straight lines for contemporary styles to arched or curved tops for more elegant tastes. And, the finish can be flat and smooth, textured wood grain."

Beyond their functional role, doors also convey an initial impression of your home. The average home usually has around 20 interior doors. You also can replace standard, hollow doors with solid core doors to add weight and help keep noises in - or out.   

Merrill adds, "Molded interior doors are engineered to resist swelling, shrinking, cracking and splitting, which is an inexpensive way to add value to your home. Plus, CraftMaster doors are green - they are made with sustainable materials, recycled content and low VOC primers."

Trim that lasts

Your home's curb appeal is important, whether you are putting out the "For Sale" sign or intend to retire in a neighborhood you love. A house that is nicely landscaped and has a welcoming driveway is always appealing. However, replacing any damaged or outdated exterior trim with new freshly painted trim is a great way to quickly spruce up your home from the outside.

Take a close look at your home's exterior trim. There is a good chance parts may be warped, split or cracked, particularly around windows and doors, at the corners and along the roofline. Termite damage is also a problem in many parts of the country.

An engineered wood trim, such as MiraTEC trim, lasts long and provides excellent resistance to moisture, rot, termites and temperature extremes.  Plus, it has many green benefits.

"In today's tough economy, many homeowners are trying to add both value and personal style to their homes," says Merrill.  "MiraTEC trim is as durable as PVC trim, yet costs about half as much and holds paint better. And, most fiber cement trim costs about one-third more than MiraTEC, is harder to cut and nail, and it absorbs much more water."

MiraTEC trim also is recognized in the building industry as a very eco-friendly product.   It has a low impact on the environment, because it is made from sustainable materials and leftover wood that would simply rot or be sent to landfills, if left unused.

Whatever plans you have for your home, now is a good time to think about installing new interior doors or replacing exterior trim. You'll enjoy your house more and help add performance and value as well. To learn more about updating your home from the inside and out, visit www.craftmasterdoors.com or www.miratectrim.com. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - When it comes to brightening and freshening your home, it's smart to use natural light and passive ventilation.  Unlike earlier plastic bubble skylights that faded and leaked, modern glass skylights are dependable and offer nearly endless options for functional decorating.

According to Roger LeBrun, product certification engineer with VELUX America, today's skylights, properly installed, don't leak. "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," LeBrun says.

Skylights are useful in all areas of the home but are particularly popular in bathrooms and kitchens. According to an American Standard survey, American homeowners say if they had a choice of accessories for the ultimate dream bathroom, the number one option would be a skylight to bathe the room with more natural light. Add the privacy factor of light from above, plus the passive ventilation available with venting skylights, and you've dramatically upgraded one of the most used rooms in the home at a very reasonable price.

Aside from the aesthetic benefits of balanced natural light, there are health-related considerations. Studies show that 20 percent of our population suffers varying degrees of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Individuals with SAD may experience depression, lower energy, increased appetite and a need for more sleep. SAD is directly linked to insufficient daylight.

There are also other light-related health considerations, particularly for older adults. To accommodate the adaptation of the aging eye, the amount of light required for visual acuity doubles for each 13 years after the age of 20, according to research by Ross A. McFarland, Ph.D., and M. Bruce Fisher, Ph.D., in a Harvard School of Public Health publication. More natural light equals better sight, especially for seniors. 

Youngsters also benefit. Students perform significantly better in environments that are lit with natural rather than artificial light. A study directed by Heschong Mahone Group in California tracked test scores for 21,000 students in California, Colorado and Washington and found that learning rates were 26 percent higher in reading and 20 percent higher in math in rooms with the most natural light. 

Low-E energy-efficient glass in modern, ENERGY STAR-qualified units, is durable, reduces external noises and won't discolor as did older plastic bubble skylights. 

And skylights no longer just sit there. Light and heat gain or loss through skylights can be controlled as never before. Electric venting models are available with remote control, blinds, shades, awnings, insect screening and automatic rain sensors. 

For simple, quick installation in areas where traditional skylights may not be the best solution, VELUX Sun Tunnel tubular skylights may be the answer. They admit passive light through highly reflective rigid or flexible tubing to go around obstructions between the roof and ceiling and provide abundant natural light through diffusers for hallways, bathrooms, pantries, walk-in closets or other smaller, confined areas.

For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com.  For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency, visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent