(ARA) – DIY. So last year. Now it’s GIY. As in green-it-yourself. And just like DIY projects, there are plenty of easy GIY weekend home improvement projects that will save energy and money and add value to your home. Oh, and we should mention you can help protect the planet while you’re at it.

Being green is easy and important. And fall’s a great time to tackle home improvement projects that will have an impact on the environment. People everywhere are taking small steps that make a difference in the fight against global warming. From buying energy-efficient appliances, to reusing grocery bags, to properly inflating tires, millions of Americans are clamoring to do their part for the earth.

So what are some GIY projects you can tackle now that will help save energy, money and the planet?

1. Insulating — One of the easiest GIY projects that delivers the biggest green payoff is upgrading your home’s insulation. By doing so, you can decreases your carbon footprint, increase your home’s energy efficiency and save up to 20 percent on your heating and cooling energy bills.1 Yet, nearly 80 million U.S. homes are estimated to be under insulated to the Department of Energy (DOE) standards.

The Department of Energy recommends attics — where 30 to 40 percent of a home’s total energy loss occurs — have up to an R-value of 60. To meet these standards, your attic should have at least 19 inches of fiberglass batt (roll) insulation or 22 inches of blown insulation. A good rule of thumb — if you can see the wood beams (joists) in your attic, you definitely don’t have enough insulation. Even if you can’t see the joists, you still may not have enough and with nearly 80 million American homes under insulated it’s likely we or our neighbors could use more. Owens Corning, makers of recognizable PINK insulation, offers a step-by-step guide to adding insulation to your attic at www.InsulateAndSave.com.

2. Heating & Sealing — Reap the most benefit from the insulation upgrade you just finished by ensuring that your furnace, ductwork and weather stripping around doors and windows are in good shape.

While it’s a good practice to have your furnace serviced by a professional each year before winter, you can improve your furnace’s operation and efficiency. Change the air filters throughout your house every 30 days and regularly vacuum dust from air return vents. Lubricate the blower motor following the instructions in the furnace’s owner’s guide.

Check weather stripping around doors and windows and repair or replace any cracked or faulty stripping. Don’t forget stripping around garage doors and the door from the garage into your house, as these areas can be major heat drains for your home.

3. Lighting – Once you’re done with the two projects above, replace those incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs — like compact fluorescent light bulbs – to decrease the amount of electricity you use for lighting as much as 75 percent. It’s a simple task to go through your home and replace light bulbs.

Although energy efficient styles may cost more, they last longer than incandescent bulbs and conserve so much energy that they quickly pay for themselves. Each bulb will save you about $30 over its lifetime and produce 75 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs. If changing all bulbs at once seems daunting, ENERGY STAR recommends replacing the most-used bulbs in your home, such as overhead lights in the kitchen, table and floor lamps in the living or family room, and outdoor porch or post lamps.

For more energy-saving, GIY home improvement ideas, visit www.energystar.gov.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Many of us have been February 2009hearing about the  digital TV transition for a long time now. With the date fast approaching, what does it mean for you and what are your plans for the TVs in your home?

According to the Federal Communications Commission, on February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital.

“If you use an antenna to receive broadcasts, you’ll need to either replace your TV with a newer model or get a separate converter box to continue watching your television,” says Maria Repole, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications at Toshiba America Consumer Products. “Those who subscribe to a cable or satellite service should check with their provider to make sure they are using updated digital equipment.”

For many people, the digital TV transition is an opportunity to take inventory of the TVs in your home and update some outdated equipment. Whether you need to replace the TV in your living room or those dated, smaller TVs in the bedroom or kitchen, many people are looking for deals and want to replace that 19-inch TV they’ve been watching for the last couple decades.

One option to consider is an LCD TV with a built-in DVD player — a perfect option when replacing your TV sets. Instead of being left with an obsolete and unattractive model, you’re investing in one that is designed to accent any room in your home.

Toshiba makes a range of smaller, space-saving TVs that are great choices for the digital transition. The models have built-in digital tuners that work for standard cable channels as well as off-air digital broadcasts. When the digital transition arrives, you won’t have to worry.

But perhaps the best feature of these smaller TVs is the built in DVD player that has easy-to-access control buttons in a convenient all-in-one space saving design. The flat screen and slim body make it a great option if you need a smaller TV; choose a glossy white finish for the kitchen and a sleek black color for the bedroom.

The February 2009 digital TV transition is a good thing. DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with better picture and sound quality. And now that you are prepared and have options for every TV throughout your home, you’ll be ready to enjoy a superior TV viewing experience.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Today’s modern fireplaces with stylized flames surrounded by colored glass and shiny metal are worlds away from the traditional brick fireplaces of yesteryear. Modern fireplace design is pushing boundaries with radical ideas that incorporate both function and beauty.

As the focal point of a room, fireplaces are where people gather, relax and enjoy time together. “Today’s contemporary style fireplaces with sleek, vogue designs gather crowds as readily as traditionally-designed fireplaces, except with an artistic allure,” says Dave Miller, Heat & Glo brand manager at Hearth & Home Technologies, the world’s leading fireplace manufacturer. “They are quickly gaining momentum, resembling something you’d see in a fine art museum, rather than a cabin in the woods. The rules have changed.”

Here are the top trends in modern style fireplaces today:

Shape:
The classic shape of traditional fireplaces gets an update with clever designs that stand out. For example, many European inspired styles are linear in shape, showcasing a panoramic flame pattern. This design trend is similar in proportion to today’s plasma screen TV, theater style. Non-traditional shapes are also hot right now, such as the metal-framed square design of Heat & Glo’s Soho model. These new fireplaces are also being reconfigured in a variety of sizes so they will fit into the smallest of rooms.

Materials:
Options are boundless when choosing materials to surround modern fireplaces. Think beyond brick and look at choices like black onyx stone, stainless steel and colorful tile. Even the glass fronts are changing and are now available in a variety of colors. They add a new, modish appearance that is attractive whether the fireplace is turned on or off.

Placement:
Traditional fireplaces rise from the floor, are surrounded by brick or stone and are topped with a mantle. Modern style fireplaces rebel by being placed higher up on the wall, resembling the placement of a piece of art. For example, the Heat & Glo Metro is a see-through model that can be placed at various heights to divide and warm two rooms. Fireplaces are also popping up in unique settings like between floor-to-ceiling columns and as focal points for home theatres and entertainment areas.

Flame:
Contemporary designs use gas technology in new and exciting ways. Frequently, log elements are not used and the fire emerges from below the frame so you see only the flames. These fire features are custom-created to complement the shape of the fireplace frame, creating real fire art that is captivating. For example, the Cosmo by Heat & Glo is a slender 48-by-18-inch landscape model with ribbons of flame that dance across the entire length of the fireplace box.

With all the benefits of a traditional hearth, these modern style fireplaces express your creativity and are, in essence, functional pieces of art. Whether you want a portrait fireplace in your living room, a small square option for your bedroom, or a see-through model between the kitchen and dining room, you can find the perfect fireplace for every location.

Design your dream fireplace online at www.fireplaces.com. In a matter of minutes, you can browse the many options and create a customized design that reflects your lifestyle. For additional information about modern fireplaces, visit http://www.heatnglo.com/modern.asp.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – “I just need to get organized.” How many times have you heard yourself recite this familiar refrain? With the coming of the New Year, now is a good time to resolve to actually do it. This year, instead of just thinking about ways to get it together, use some simple tips for organizing your home — and your life.

Get in the “Zone.”
Get in the organizing frame of mind by mentally dividing up rooms into various activity zones — this will help you create a basic plan of attack. For example, a kitchen typically has zones for food storage, food preparation and cooking, among others. Identify which zone needs to be organized from scratch, which zone needs an organizational tune-up and which zone, if any, works fine for now. With this information, begin choosing organization solutions.

De-clutter in chunks.
A first solution is to de-clutter the most critical zone. Start with the most visible items first, such as what’s on the countertops. Then go for the contents of that junk drawer, and so on. You’ll get a feeling of instant change and gain motivation to do the next chunk. Stay focused by seeking hidden treasure versus ditching the unwanted.

Divvy it up.
Now that you know what you want to keep and what to toss — at least in one area — consider how to divide it up. Today’s manufacturers are making this task easier by offering a variety of cabinetry products with built-in organization features, such the Diamond (R) Logix (TM) line. For example, if you want easy access cleaning supplies, but don’t want them to share a space with food or dishes, a Utility Cabinet is the perfect solution. At only six inches deep, the cabinet adds storage to an otherwise unused space at the end of a cabinetry run. Its four adjustable shelves allow for storage of cleaners and other small items while the broom holder ensures that brooms and mops stay in place.

Lay out a landing strip.
Designate an official “drop zone” where car keys, cell phones, sunglasses, and more can be placed without creating a pile on the counter. Line up beautiful baskets or colorful pottery to hold these items. Better yet, install a Mini Message Center cabinet. It has a hidden compartment for small items, plus a message board.

Discover drawers.
You’d also be amazed at what you can accomplish with an age-old storage solution that has taken on new organizational dimensions: the drawer. For example, a sink base cabinet is available with tilt down drawers to hold small items like sponges and dish wands; a kitchen/laundry deep drawer cabinet has the ability to hold large bottles upright, including full-sized containers of laundry detergent; and a bathroom vanity cosmetic cabinet is built with a two-tier, segmented drawer to hold makeup and small bathroom essentials. These ingenious drawer configurations can help you keep stored items neat and within easy reach.

Keep business at hand.
A home office, whether it’s a full-sized room or just a corner of a bedroom or den, can quickly disintegrate into a disorganized mess. Organize it with Diamond cabinetry such as solid-wood file drawer, a great help during tax season and throughout the year. For smaller office items, the corner cabinet is a perfect solution. Complete the workspace with a bookshelf to organize journals or photo albums.

Make organization part of your life.
Schedule a time for organizing in your daily routine, such as after the kids get home from school. Just 10 minutes a day can make that disorganized home seem “so last year.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – More and more Americans today are looking at their homes as a place of refuge in a stressful world of challenges and economic instability. Instead of going out to dinner or social events, they’re cocooning with their families. Now, more than ever, their homes need to be restful and soothing, yet stylish at the same time.

Interior designers and industry experts across the country have noted this trend as well, along with an increased focus on cost-consciousness as homeowners become more selective about how their money is spent.

Here are their top 10 home decor trends for 2009:

1. Color Your World
Colors will literally be across the spectrum next year. On their Web site, the Pantone Color Institute forecasts lively colors and sophisticated, grounded hues with Fuchsia Red, Salmon Rose, Palace Blue, Lavender, Rose Dust and Vibrant Green predicted to be popular.

Andrea Vollf, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), believes strongly in “transforming an ordinary home into a living oasis” using neutrals, especially warm and cool grays, along with bold accent pieces. Deep shades of blue are in demand by customers of Jan Hubbard, ASID, and Candice Mathers, Allied Member of ASID, with Hubbard also noting a draw to spice, bisque, toast and green/gold tones to create a warm ambiance. On a brighter note, both Mathers and Susan Pantaleo, ASID, see yellow emerging as a very versatile color. Popping up in every shade from Sunlight to Dijon Mustard, Pantaleo lauds yellow’s attention-getting appeal and ability to add life to any room.

2. Light up Your Life
Because residential interiors are incorporating more intense paint colors — not only as accent walls, but throughout an entire room — more light is needed to properly illuminate a room. According to Jeff Dross, senior product manager of Kichler Lighting, lighting manufacturers will introduce chandeliers with more arms or multiple lights per arm, as well as pendants and wall-mounted fixtures that accept higher-wattage bulbs.

3. We’ve Got You Covered
Wall murals will continue to be in high demand in 2009, according to Todd Imholte, president of www.MuralsYourWay.com a leader in the production of decorative wall murals for more than 35 years. “Wall murals are a very cost-effective way to completely transform the look of a room,” says Imholte. “We recently introduced 90 new mural designs including bold graphic patterns, contemporary designs and murals inspired by nature such as birch trees and bamboo.” Murals Your Way offers a gallery of more than 5,000 images, as well as the ability to personalize an existing gallery image or create a custom mural from a personal photo or artwork.

4. Establishing a Pattern
In a press release distributed earlier this year, Michelle Lamb — co-founder and chairman of Marketing Directions, Inc. and senior editor of “The Trend Curve” — stated that patterns are being constantly updated and reinvented. Some ways to keep them fresh include combining classic and contemporary styles in one piece; utilizing tiny, country patterns that include calico or patchwork; and trying distinctive materials, like foil, or embellishments that cluster and layer upon each other.

5. Comfort is Key
Vollf sees 2009 as being the year of comfort, with furniture that is comfortable and functional, yet still elegant. More and more people are interested in creating a personal refuge that is chic, peaceful, inviting and easy to maintain so that they can relax and unwind at the end of a busy day in an aesthetically pleasing environment.

6. Wood is Good
According to Kathy Peterson — celebrity design expert and co-host of Lifetime TV’s “The Balancing Act” — wood flooring is blending into an eclectic mix of wood tones. She also forecasts hardwood wall coverings (wood, resin, metals) with seamless panels of custom designs becoming focal points of a room. Dross echoes the popularity of wood throughout the home, seeing floors, walls, ceilings (bead board) and furniture incorporating wood at their center.

7. Shining Stars
Metals will continue to shine next year, according to Lamb. She envisions them being translated into modern metallic finishes and textures that create a sense of visual excitement and high energy. Particularly noteworthy are platinum, dark silver, rose golds and copper, and colorful metallics.

8. Hooray for Hollywood
Carmen Natschke — editor of “The Decorating Diva” — sees a revival of “Hollywood Regency.” According to her Web site, this style is “glamorous, classy and elegant; composed of an eclectic mix of styles like Neo-Classic, Asian, Baroque and Art Deco; sumptuous and luxury fabrics, shimmering finishes, mirrored furniture, chinoiserie, bamboo and lacquered furniture; bold color; clean lines and beautiful symmetry.”

9. Embrace the Outdoors
Seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor space are envisioned by Pantaleo, who says the most successful outdoor spaces will be an extension of the home’s interior style and color scheme. Using nature as a backdrop, she suggests pulling colors from adjacent rooms to maintain a visual connection. She also recommends accessorizing gourmet cook centers and plasma televisions with weather-resistant chandeliers, rugs and artwork to create a cozy, appealing and relaxed ambiance.

10. Go Green
Eco-friendly products will continue to be in demand by today’s energy-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. McKinley Adams, Allied member of ASID, predicts consumers will be interested in sustainable building materials that may cost a bit more up front, but will save money in the long run. He also sees a surge of interest in vintage furnishings for inside the home, while Mathers anticipates increased use of grass cloth and natural Sisal finishes.

Courtesy of ARAcontent