Everything Home December 2010

2 | Everything Home/Winter 2010/2011 Everything Home/Winter 2010/2011 | 39


4 | Everything Home/Winter 2010/2011

DDeeccoorraattiinngg

66 Avoid the post-holiday letdown

88 High Point Furniture MarketReport: Fall 2010

HHoommee IImmpprroovveemmeenntt1100 20 Best ways metal will beautifyyour home with metal

1144 5 Projects to take your home fromcookie cutter to custom

1166 Deck the Halls and your bedroomwhile your at it

1188 Divine Design: Washed outbathroom gets ready for guests

1199 It’s beginning to smell a lot like a cozy winter

2244 Brighten winter’s dark days with simple home safety security steps

CCoommmmuunniittyy2222 When God sad jump, these volunteers said...

TTeecchhnnoollooggyy2266 Deciphering the technical lingo when buying a new TV

MMaaiinntteennaannccee2277 Are you throwing money out the(energy inefficient) window?

2288 Hot Home Helpers Under $100

2299 Find, Fix and forget - simple steps to weatherizeyour home this winter

3300 Federal tax credits set to expire by end of year

3322 Keep warm and dry by sealing your home

3333 Avoiding water damage

WINTER 2010

Everyone has his or her ownsense of style. Whether yours isclassic, trendy, bohemian oreven retro, you know whatlooks and feels great for you.Another way to express thatpersonal style is through yourhome's decor.

By incorporating elements andcolors that reflect your person-ality, you'll be sure to create ahome that's comfortable anduniquely you.With a few simpletips, you can easily transformyour home into a more stylishspace.

If you like classic colors andshapes, stick to a neutral shadefor a subdued backdrop. Preferlouder looks? Try an accentwall in one of your favoritehues, like a bright red, burntorange or regal purple.Regardless of your taste, a newcolor that reflects your stylewill easily update any room soit's perfect for you.

Accessorize wisely It's the little details that make a

big difference and many optionsare available to meet any designtaste. Updating the hardware inyour kitchen or bath is a greatway to make an impact quicklyand inexpensively. It's like thejewelry for your home.

If you like a clean look, stickwith sleek metal accents likechrome or stainless steel. If youprefer something more ornate,try knobs or pulls with an intri-cate design in an old world fin-ish, like oil-rubbed bronze.

Lighting is another way tomake a stylish statement.Candles add soft lighting to anyspace, and you can find a shape,height and scent that's perfectfor anyone. Pendant lights in abold color add character andpizzazz, whereas chandeliersare perfect to add drama andglamour to more formal spaces.

Materials matterThe types of materials you usein your home say a lot aboutwho you are and your style. Tobring warmth and a sense of tra-ditional styling, add some woodaccent pieces to any room -frames, a bench or even a bas-ket for magazines. If you'remore minimal and like a trendy,contemporary look, try usingmetal as your showcased mate-rial. From end tables to vases toartwork, you can find metalpieces anywhere

Fabrics found in your homeshould also reflect your person-al style. If you're a "no-fuss, no-muss" type, cotton blends are amust when it comes to blanketsand slipcovers. Do you likethings that have a more luxuri-ous feel to them, heavier fabrics,like velvet or chenille, are moreup your alley. The choices are truly endlesswhen it comes to personalizingyour home. By selecting ele-ments that are reflective of yourtastes and styles, not only willyou be satisfied with your space,but you'll be sure to impress allwho visit your home.

PUBLISHER:Jeff Vanderbeck

SECTION DESIGN: Special Publications Manager

Tracie VanderbeckADVERTISING & LAYOUT DESIGN:

Jordan Hampton

A Special Supplement to the Appalachian News-Express201 Caroline Avenue, Pikeville, Kentucky

606-437-4054

HOME

By Tracie Vanderbeck

ContentsYYoouurr hhoommee,, yyoouurr ssttyyllee::mmeerrggee yyoouurr ppeerrssoonnaall ssttyylleewwiitthh yyoouurr hhoommee''ss ssttyyllee

Use metal accessories toupdate your decor. See moreideas for decorating withmetal on page 10. Photocourtesy of Crate and Barrel.

E V E R Y T H I N G

Everything Home/Winter 2010/2011 | 37



(ARA) - It happens every year. Yourhouse looks its absolute best, inside andout, between November and New Year'sday. After all, it's the holiday season andthe time of year when you want to putyour home's best face forward for visit-ing friends and family. Everything'sclean, bright and festooned with cheer-ful holiday decorations. It looks great.No, wait ... that's an understatement. Itlooks fantastic.

Before you know it, it's January. Thetree comes down. The garlands havewilted. The guests have gone home.You've put the gifts away, and the kidshave gone back to school. Suddenlyyour house looks as quiet, stark andboring as a grey winter day ‚Ä¶ andpost-holiday letdown begins to set in.

Don't let it. By brightening up yourinteriors as soon as the holidays areover, you'll create surroundings that willhelp keep the winter blues at bay andmake your house as warm and invitingas it was during all of your year-endfestivities. And, don't worry - you cando it even on the tightest post-holidaybudget. Creating a cozy space for win-ter days doesn't require any major con-struction or costs. Just a few smallchanges can make a big difference.

Paint truly is one of the easiest andmost cost-effective ways to brighten a

room. Nothing transforms a seeminglydreary space more than a fresh coat ofcolor. A high-quality wall paint also canhide any scuffs and scrapes caused bytoo much holiday cheer or during the"un-decorating" process.

"The right paint color can make a tiredroom look cozy and inviting," saysPeggy Van Allen, color specialist forPratt & Lambert. "It also can serve asthe canvas that ties the rest of your dec-orating scheme together - once youbrighten tired walls, you can get inspira-tion for other design elements through-out the space."

Consider selecting rich, saturated wallcolors to warm up the space. Warm,burnished golds. Succulent reds andcranberries. Smooth mochas and boldFrench roast browns. Set off dark colorswith a creamy, white trim for a soft,stylish effect.

When selecting paint, think aboutselecting a coating that has low odorand low VOCs (volatile organic com-pounds) so you can paint indoors, evenin the winter - a time when you don'tnecessarily want to open all the win-dows for extra ventilation. Stain resist-ance is another factor to consider inpaint selection, particularly in high-traf-fic areas, such as kitchens and familyrooms.

The Porcelain paint line from Pratt &Lambert offers both of these options,delivering excellent coverage and stainresistance in a low-odor, low-VOC for-mula that's available in more than 1,000colors.

Paint is just the first step, however.Once you have finished warming upyour rooms with a fresh canvas, youcan add some finishing touches to cre-ate a haven from the cold weather out-side.

"Think of the month or two after thehectic holiday season as a time of rest,relaxation and recovery," Van Allensays. "Chances are you'll spend much ofyour time indoors during these months,so instead of bemoaning the fact thetree is down and it looks bare, makeyour rooms as cozy as possible."

One of the first things you might wantto do is rearrange the furniture in yourmost-used rooms to lessen the feeling ofemptiness in the space. You can giveyour room a new look for free, simplyby moving a few key pieces to newlocations. Also, by moving furniturecloser together, rooms can look particu-larly cozy on a cold day.

Next, think texture. If your windowtreatments are sheer and summery,maybe you'll want to swap them out forsome inexpensive velvet drapes or

enhance existing blinds with a luxuriousvalance. Remove light-colored linen orcotton slipcovers and instead use heav-ier, winter-friendly fabrics in jewel- orfire-inspired tones. Accent them withfluffy throws and embellished decora-tive pillows for the look of extrawarmth. Area rugs can reduce the starklook of a room. Pick rugs with bold col-ors and patterns that complement, butnot necessarily match, your wall color.

In the bedrooms, replace light quiltswith heavier comforters and duvets andconsider using flannel sheets. Add a fewextra pillows to the beds to furtherenhance the cuddle factor. Hang thick,plush towels in rich colors in the bath-rooms and replace existing bath matswith ones that have a thick, luxuriouspile. A new, fabric shower curtain alsowill go a long way toward warming upthe space, despite all of that cold porce-lain and chrome.

With a few simple and inexpensivechanges such as these, there's no needfor you, or your house, to suffer frompost-holiday letdown. Rich color, warmtextures and clever room arrangementscan keep your home looking spectacularand inviting throughout winter's dreari-est months - no holiday decorationsneeded.

decorating

AAvvooiiddiinngg tthhee ppoosstt--hhoolliiddaayy lleettddoowwnn




Patina• Vintage-inspired looks are a staple at High Point,and this season is no different• Pieces ranging from seating to case goods sportfaded paint in patchwork configurations

Height conscious tables• Clusters of side and coffee tables provide a lay-ered look with height and size variations• Many showrooms are displaying these tables inclusters of two and three.• Natuzzi’s new brand Italsofa showcased variedheight side tables that popped with colors like tealand green

decorating

Dovetail Furniture at High Point 2010, North Carolina

HHiigghh PPooiinntt FFuurrnniittuurree MMaarrkkeett RReeppoorrtt:: FFaallll 22001100

Natuzzi at High Point 2010, North Carolina

Vintage print• Printed vintage text is a commonstyling choice for cushions, sofas andchairs• Printing is done on rustic canvas orlinen, largely solid, but also seen inAmericana blue or red stripes

Peninsula Home Collection at HighPoint 2010, North Carolina

Vintage Revival• Vintage and antique inspired pieces were seen with fresh detailsand twists• At The Bramble Co. printed wood from vintage crate boxes wererepurposed into a writing desk• Patina and chipped paint blurs the line between authenticantiques, repurposed materials and reproductions

Metal work• Metal work is an important category at the market, and this season,

wrought iron table legs, lamps and accents dominated• Bronze was seen in lighting at Julian Chichester

• Aged metal was used widely to create an antiqued aesthetic

Julian Chichester at High Point 2010, North Carolina

The Bramble Co. at High Point 2010, North Carolina

Contemporary touch• Contemporary design

popped in a market that isdominated by traditional

and vintage-inspired style• Modern lines and clean

finishes were compli-mented by white, wood

and black

American Leather atHigh Point 2010,

North Carolina

(ARA) - Being a homeowner meansbeing vigilant. From the roof to thefoundation, you need to keep a closeeye on your house to guard againstdamage to your investment and to pro-tect the place your family calls home.

Water damage is one of the most com-mon problems that homeowners need towatch for. Home appliances, like dish-washers and washing machines, can besome of the leading causes of waterdamage inside the home. That's why it'sequally important to look for potentialsources of water damage inside yourhome as it is to check for outdoor prob-lems.

If you catch water damage early, youcan save yourself a lot of stress andmoney, but letting it slide can cost you:Safeco Insurance estimates that theaverage cost of repairing water damageis around $5,000, a significant figure forany homeowner. However, if you takeaction to prevent water damage in thefirst place, you'll give yourself extrapeace of mind for the future.

Signs of water damage can be subtle: aripple in your wallpaper, a hint of a yel-low stain. If you see signs like these, it'sbest to start investigating them as soonas possible. But where should you bewatching for water damage in yourhome? Use this check list to protectyour home - once you've gone throughit, you'll be able to relax, knowing thatyour home is water tight.

• The kitchen. While kitchens are typi-cally a place of warm memories sur-rounding the dinner table, many of itscomponents have the potential to causecostly water damage to your home.Using your appliances is essential and ifsomething goes wrong, it is nice to havethe peace of mind that you'll be protect-ed. You can protect yourself by invest-ing in a dishwasher that has built-inleak-protection technology. Dishwashersfrom Bosch home appliances, like theBosch 800 Plus Dishwasher, areequipped with the comprehensiveAquaStop Leak Protection System. Thesystem features a double walled inlethose that immediately stops water at the

source upon recognizing a leak in thehose. Should the leak occur at the baseof the dishwasher, the system will auto-matically shut off the machine if itdetects water and will pump the excesswater out to avoid a leak. In addition toyour appliances, you should check forand repair any sink leaks and pull outyour refrigerator to make sure no wateris collecting behind it.

• The utility room. Check your washingmachine's hoses for bulging, crackingand leaks, and keep in mind that theyshould be changed every three to fiveyears as part of regular maintenance.Bosch home appliances also offers itscomprehensive AquaStop LeakProtection System on their Vision wash-ers, which offers homeowners the peaceof mind that their washer will not causecostly damage. Also be sure to checkyour water heater for wet spots on thefloor or rust on the tank. If your homehas a sump pump, test it periodically tomake sure it's functioning properly.

• The bathroom. Sealants are a keymethod of protection in this water-friendly room, but if they aren't in goodcondition, problems can arise. If thecaulk around your shower or bathtub iscracking or coming apart from the wall,remove and replace it. You should alsocheck under your sink and around thetoilet for any loosened fittings or exist-ing leaks.

Once you've checked the inside ofyour home for potential causes of waterdamage, you should also go outside andcheck your home's exterior. Give theroof, walls and gutters a detailed inspec-tion for any cracks or damage that couldlet water in.

By carefully checking your home forsigns of water damage, you can saveyourself the time, money and stress thatcome with having to make majorrepairs. And when you're confident thatyour property is protected against costlydamage, you can sit back and enjoy thecomfort of your home.

maintenance

HHooww wwaatteerr ddaammaaggee ccaauusseeddbbyy yyoouurr cclleeaanniinngg aapppplliiaanncceessccoouulldd cclleeaann oouutt yyoouurr wwaalllleett



(ARA) - Winter may cause manyhomeowners to contemplate a newheating system or other majorinvestments, but some small, smartinvestments can often go just as fartoward protecting your home andsaving you cash. Through the prop-er home maintenance techniques,you can keep typical damagecaused by snow, ice and rain at bayand avoid major home repairs.

One of the best ways to protectyour property from the elements isby sealing surfaces where rain, ice,wind and melting snow canintrude. You can save thousands inrepair costs when spring arrives bysealing windows, doors, the roofand even the driveway now, beforethe damage occurs.

Seal from the top downWinter elements - from tempera-

ture extremes, ice and snow, towind, rain and water intrusion - cancause extensive damage to roofs,exterior walls, garages, windows,driveways, patios and pavers, side-

walks and other exposed areas.Sealing cracks in these areas cankeep out winter's intrusive, damag-ing elements and prevent costlyproblems.

Fall sealing prevents spring leaksMany expensive, major spring

roof repairs start as simple leaksthat could have been solvedthrough sealing. The most commonroof leaks begin around chimneys,skylights, pipes, flashing and vents.

As part of your fall maintenanceroutine, seal these potential prob-lem areas by troweling on asphaltcement such as Leak Stopper orAll-Weather Roof Cement. Or try anew product - Black Jack NeopreneFlashing Cement, a 100 percentrubber formula that gets tougherover time.

For flat or low-slope asphalt roofsthat are cracking at the seams,reseal with Black Jack Roof &Foundation Coating.Take the chill off winter energybills

Heat loss is a major cause of high

winter energy bills. But accordingto Energy Star, you can save up to20 percent on heating and coolingcosts - or up to 10 percent on yourtotal annual energy bill - simply bysealing and insulating.

Outside, use 100 percent acryliccaulk to seal around windows, out-door water spigots, door frames,wall seams and corners, garagedoors and under eaves. Caulk any-where pipes, ducts or vents enterthe home. Seal around any seamsor cracks in walls and ceilings.Indoors, seal any breaks in walls orceilings with fume-free SMARTzero-VOC elastomeric caulk. Alsoseal dryer vents, exhaust fans,pipes, ceiling ducts, recessed light-ing and attic hatches.

Don't forget the drivewayRoad salt and driveway ice melt

products may do the trick to keepdriveways and sidewalks frombeing slippery, but they take a toll

on asphalt and cement surfaces.Pitting and cracks from winterwater happen, and salt and chemi-cals can intrude into small drive-way or sidewalk cracks, creatingmajor repair issues come spring.Sealing your driveway, sidewalkand patio can help prevent damage.

To avoid expensive problems,caulk cracks in asphalt or concretewith Black Jack or Gardner crackfillers. Then seal concrete (cement)driveways, patios and sidewalkswith Krystal Brilliance, a 100 per-cent acrylic clear sealer that effec-tively stops salt and water damage.For asphalt (blacktop) surfaces, usea long-lasting sealer like GardnerPro7 or Black Jack Ultra-Maxx1000 to reseal your driveway.

The time and money spent onsealing your home now can saveyou thousands more when warmweather arrives. Visit www.gard-ner-gibson.com to learn more aboutsealant products.

decorating

KKeeeepp wwaarrmm aanndd ddrryy bbyy sseeaalliinngg yyoouurr hhoommee



From the exterior of your home to the interior,metals have been used to beautify homes sincethe beginning of time. Metals are one of themost precious materials found on Earth, andwhen used in the home they can representstrength, beauty, and status. Depending on thefinish and how the metal is used, your interiordécor and exterior detailing can be trans-formed instantly with timeless metals. Checkout these 20 best ways to beautify your homewith metals, you will love the result!

1.) Galvanized metal and recycled aluminumare perfect for décor: Metals can have a shinyfinish to reflect light and give a formal look todécor. When galvanized metal is left unfin-ished a rustic and worn finished is leftexposed. Perfect for shelving, and accent trimon furniture, cabinetry and doors.

2.) Metal grills have many exterior uses: Onoutdoor porches and sun rooms, metal grillsare commonplace as wall ornaments. Usethem to welcome guests at your front door orgroup them on a long bare wall leading to theentrance of your home. Metal grills can befound at art supply stores, as well as homeimprovement centers in the garden area.

3.) Use metal in your kitchen/bath backsplashto add glimmer: When used in small quantitiesshiny metal tiles for a backsplash make for apop of excitement to a kitchen wall. If youdon’t want the all over ‘glam’ opt for usingaccent metal copper or bronze tiles, amongstmatte finish tiles. Some mosaic tiles haverandom metallic tile sheets that make a back-splash more visually appealing and easier toinstall on your own.

home improvement

2200 BBeesstt WWaayyss MMeettaall wwiillllBBeeaauuttiiffyy yyoouurr HHoommee

Metal Wall Grill

Metal Roofing

Metal tile backsplash



(ARA) - Putting off that homeimprovement project? Waiting toolong could be detrimental to yourwallet.

On Dec. 31, the federal tax creditworth up to $1,500 for energy-effi-cient home improvements willexpire, leaving procrastinatinghomeowners out in the cold - or atleast chilly from their old, draftywindows.

In addition to tax credit savings,many window sellers are offeringsavings on qualifying windows dur-ing October, which happens to beNational Energy Awareness month.

"The timing couldn't be better forvalue shoppers to make the invest-ment into new energy efficient win-dows for their homes," says ErinJohnson, window expert forEdgetech I.G. "Special offers andtax credits will add up throughDecember, but the long-term sav-ings on energy bills will be long-lasting if consumers do their home-work to find the right windows tomeet all of their needs."

Shopping for replacement win-dowsThe first rule of thumb when shop-ping for new sustainable windowsis to understand what the labelsmean, and to read them carefully.Windows that bear the ENERGYSTAR label are proven to reduceheating and cooling costs, and areNational Fenestration RatingsCouncil (NFRC) approved for U-factor (the rate of heat loss throughthe window) and solar heat gain(how well the window blocks heatfrom the sun).

To meet the federal tax creditrequirements, windows mustachieve a .30 U-factor and .30 solarheat gain coefficient, and this infor-mation should be clearly marked onthe windows. But to ensure thelong-term performance of replace-ments, there are a number of otherfactors that should be considered,including condensation resistance.

"The existence of condensation onwindows is a sign that a window isinefficient," Johnson says. "Thiscan even occur in newer, poorlyconstructed windows and will leadto other problems, including moldand damage to curtains, walls, car-pet and the window itself. Mostimportantly, moisture can lead toseal failure and the need to replacethe entire window system."

Some NFRC labels include con-densation resistance (CR), which isreported on a scale from one to100, and measures the ability of aproduct to resist formation of con-densation on the interior surface ofthe product. The higher the CR rat-ing, the better that product is atresisting condensation formation.While this rating cannot predictcondensation, it can provide a cred-ible method of comparing thepotential of various products forcondensation formation. This ratingis not required to be posted on newwindows - so be sure to do yourhomework if it isn't there.

The primary component to watchfor to prevent condensation is thespacer - the window componentthat separates and seals the twopanes of glass. According to theNFRC, an important step towardreducing the potential for condensa-tion is the use of a warm edge spac-er system that reduces the conduc-tivity through the edge of the win-dow.

"Non-metal, dual-sealed warmedge spacer systems, such as SuperSpacer, are less conductive thanmetal spacers, which leads to lesscondensation in insulating glasswindows," Johnson says. "Becauseof its all-foam, no-metal design,Super Spacer offers the highestcondensation resistance in theindustry."According to Johnson, all-foam

spacers have other benefits that willensure the long-term energy per-formance of replacement windows."Rigid, metal spacers do not bend,so over time stress from wind,snow and barometric pressurechanges can cause the seal to crack.A flexible spacer will expand andcontract with weather changes,keeping the seal intact and the win-dow performing longer," she says.A survey conducted by the

Alliance to Save Energy found that64 percent of homes in the U.S.have single-pane windows, whichcontribute up to 35 percent of ener-gy wasted in buildings. In cold cli-mates, energy-efficient, dual-panewindows with low-e coatings canreduce heating bills by as much as34 percent. In warm climates, theycan cut cooling costs by 38 percent.

For more energy-efficient windowbuying tips and tax credit informa-tion, visit www.sustainaview.com.

home improvement

FFeeddeerraall ttaaxx ccrreeddiittss sseett ttooeexxppiirree bbyy eenndd ooff yyeeaarr

home improvement4.) Add décor to your garden with metal orna-mentation: Ever thought of re-using an oldwheel barrow as a planter in your garden?Metal pails, over sized watering cans and rus-tic metal trash cans make for creative décor inthe yard and garden areas. Plant seasonalflowers in them, or consider adding a splash ofcolor with paints or stains. Brighten up theexterior or your home with metal planters andsee how a dismal garden is suddenly livelier.

5.) Metal office furniture looks great in thehome: It may sound odd, but office furniture inthe home has a huge trend in décor today,especially metal furniture. Especially chairsthat have been repurposed and finishes thathave been painted over in metallic paints orleft unchanged are big for dining rooms. Lookat office consignment and second hand furni-ture shops for office furniture that might beslightly worn, but can be resurfaced. It iscommon for offices will change a furniturestyle and get rid of hundreds of chairs at onetime!

6) Exposed metal can add an industrial feel todécor: Exposed concrete floors, and visiblemetal heat/air conditioning duct work can addan industrial feel to a loft or studio apartment.Open floor plans that show off stainless steelappliances, and metal furnishings can bring asense of masculinity to your home. Considerusing streamlined furniture and minimalisticdécor to up play the metal accents in yoururban retreat.

7.) Metal architectural brackets add decorativeemphasis to shelving: Want to add pizazz to agenerally ordinary shelf? Consider buyingmetal brackets to compliment the existingmetal touches in your space. For an inexpen-sive touch, buy metallic spray paint in varyingshades to give old brackets a new look. Bymixing shades your finished product will havean antiqued look as though it’s aged. Makesure and wait for complete drying betweencoats, before applying a new coat.

8.) Add a metal bench to your front entry towelcome in guests: Whether it is a grand parkbench or a smaller version, benches in a frontentry, gardens or under a tree makes a wel-come addition to your home. For wood andmetal benches seal the wood with a water sealproduct and use a polyurethane sealant on themetal to preserve the finish and reduce rustbuildup.

9.) Use metal hand rail to bring decorativestyling into your home: hand rail range inmaterials from rod iron to steel tension cablevarieties. Depending on your décor, select

hand rail that contrast your interiors. Darkhand rail look striking when paired with neu-tral and light colors. Ornate and intricate handrail can bring a sense of tradition while simpleand clean lined hand rail fit more modern andcontemporary décor.

10.) Door hardware comes in a variety of gor-geous metals: Have you ever noticed how anordinary door can be transformed by addingbeautiful hardware? Change out your front entrydoor hardware for a contrasting metal finish, andsee how your front door will take on new life.For interior doors visit your local hardware orhome improvement store. Hardware can rangefrom brushed nickel to aged bronze. For easiergripping for elderly, children or handicapped, optfor a pull down handle hardware as opposed toturn knob handles.

11.) Light up your home with metal lightingfixtures: Lighting plays a huge role in how

comfortable your home is. Chandeliers, wallsconces and pendant lighting in complimentarymetals to your décor can be formal or casual.An ornate metal iron chandelier with crystalcan make for an ‘oxymoron’ fixture. The rusticmetal combined with faux candles or hangingcrystals is a mix of conflicting materials thatwill make a grand foyer or dining room stun-ning.

12.) Metal ceilings add grandeur to a room:Embossed tin paneling is common in homelibraries and entertaining areas. Metal panelsalso have faux finishes that look like preciousmetals as well as steel ceilings can give anindustrial or high tech feeling to a room. Thehigher the ceiling you intend to put the metalpanel on the more stately the

continued on page 12


continued from page 11room will feel. Lower ceilings will feel cozierbecause the metal has reflective properties thatwill pull your space inward. Depending on theambiance you want to create, metal ceilingsare a great architectural feature to add.

13.) Metal picture frames can be subtle orbold: For years in home decorating, metal pic-ture frames came in a few styles and were notthought of as ‘décor’. In modern day, pictureframes come in a variety of big and bold stylesas well as unconventional minimalistic detailedvarieties. When decorating your home usegroups of varying sizes of picture frames toadd visual interest on a wall, or table. For bar-gains, visit discount home décor stores andbrowse through their clearance area. Pictureframes are always on sale, you just might haveto dig!

14.) Metal bed framing and headboards cancompliment your bedroom: Wrought iron headand foot boards give a romantic and femininefeel to a bedroom. To add more romanticdetailing opt for a wrought iron canopy bedand consider draping sheer material from thetop of the canopy to the bottom at the four cor-ners. When paired with soft bedding, and fab-rics, wrought iron loses its hard edge andbecomes a welcome addition in a romanticbedroom.

15.) Cabinet door pulls in kitchen and bathsmakes a design statement: Cabinetry in yourhome can look simple and refined withoutpulls, or it can be accessorized by adding doorpulls in complimentary metals. If your design

style is sleek and modern, consider using long,thin brushed nickel cabinetry and drawer pulls.Do you prefer a more traditional and detailedoption? Try using large, dark bronze pulls thatwill attract the eye instantly. Often forgotten,cabinet and drawer pulls can be mixed andmatched for an eclectic punch to your kitchenas well.

16.) Metal roofing lasts longer than traditionalroofing: Metal roofing doesn’t have to meanthe industrial standing seam metal roofs foundon commercial buildings. In residential design,copper, and even steel modular shingles arebecoming increasingly popular for their dura-bility and color choices. If you’re in the marketto choose roofing materials, research metalroof manufacturers to see the vast variety thatthey have. The options will surprise you, andmetal roofing will last longer than asphaltroofing.

17.) Do it yourself projects can make house-hold items metallic: By using do it yourselfmethods you can take an ordinary vase andadd gilding or faux paint techniques. From fur-niture to picture frames, coordinate your décoritems with complimentary metallic styles.Metal leafing is a popular arts and crafts tech-nique that you brush on metal ‘leafs’ and thenbrush away pieces, leaving a gold, silver orbronze shine to any surface. Visit garage salesand antique stores to get inexpensive décorthat you can later add your own artsy touch to!

18.) Metal kitchen counters are popular inhomes: Stainless steel counters are the staplecounter material in professional kitchens and

restaurants, but they are becoming more com-mon now in residential design. Stainless steelcomes in a variety of finishes and styles. Ifyou prefer a matte finish that shows less wearand tear or if you like the highly reflective tra-ditional style, there is a stainless steel thatmeets your décor needs. Remember that metalconducts heat, if you choose a stainless steelcounter, have trivets or an area to place hotpots and pans to prevent the entire counterheating up and becoming unsafe to touch.

19.) Add curb appeal to your home with metalhouse numbers: Architectural lettering,plaques, and signs displaying your addressnumbers are an attractive way to add visualinterest to your front entry. Plaques can be per-sonalized with the last name and/or initial ofthe family to symbolize the homestead. Metalnumbers can be added to the facade of yourhome, or freestanding in your yard or at yourmailbox. Visit your local home improvementstore in the signage area for more options andcustom made-to-order options.

20.) Update your plumbing fixtures to archi-

tectural metals: To add definition to yourkitchen and bathroom update plumbing fix-tures with modern metal. Choose from copper,bronze, nickel, brass and many other metaloptions. Shiny, brushed, or matte finishes canbe varied throughout your home or choosecomplimentary styles at you sinks, tub andshower. Start with one room at a time to ensurethe right look and to save money!

Your home can always be improved withadding metal accents or architectural details.Depending on your taste and decorative style,metal can be a major component to your home,or left for minute details. Bring metals intoyour home and see how it will transform yourspace for the better.


Stainless Steel Countertops

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware


(ARA) - The weather outside isabout to get frigid and frightful,but inside, many homeowners canstill enjoy the comfort and cozi-ness of warmth ... if they don'thave to worry about cold air draftsand leaks causing the temperatureinside to plummet like the climateoutside.

Luckily, for many homeowners,problem areas where cold air issneaking in - and warm air may beescaping - can easily be found,fixed and then forgotten.According to the U.S. Departmentof Energy, the annual energy billfor a typical single family home isabout $2,200. By properly sealingand insulating your home, you cansave up to 10 percent on homeenergy costs. And, you don't needa permanent - and more expensive- draft-blocking solution, such asinstalling new windows, addingmore insulation or replacing olddoors with insulated versions, tostay warm and reap the financialrewards.

Here are a few simple do-it-yourself steps to keep the warmair - and cost savings - in yourhome this winter:

• Find. Perform a home energyaudit to determine where youmight have some issues. Whileyou can pay a professional, thiscan also be done quickly with asimple list and a few householditems.

To start, make a list of potentialproblem areas, including windowsand doors, as well as places wherepipes, electrical outlets, vents andmail slots are located.

To complete the audit, make sureall doors, windows and fireplacechutes are closed, shut off allcombustion appliances, and turnon exhaust fans (in the kitchenand bathrooms, if you have them).Then, take a lit incense stick orcandle and hold it in front of theareas you listed as possible prob-lem sources - leaks and drafts will

cause the smoke or flame to flowin the direction of the air leak. Besure to keep track of any areas inneed of sealing.

You can also shine a flashlightaround doors and windows to lookfor gaps and cracks - if you seelight shining through, you've like-ly found an area in need of fixing.

• Fix. Once you've determined theareas that need attention, look forDIY weatherization products thatcan help. Many cost-effective,easy-to-install solutions are on themarket today, with many formu-lated for specific problem areas.

For leaks around pipes, electricaloutlets, vents or mail slots, con-sider caulk or other specializedproducts, like foam seals, to blockthe drafts.

Drafts around windows can befixed with a window insulationkit, typically a clear plastic filmthat can be placed on the inside oroutside of the window to create adraft-proof seal that can easily beremoved when the cold air clearsout.

Additionally, many window anddoor seals can be applied quicklyand easily, but don't forget aboutthe bottom, where cold air mightbe creeping in.

For leaks under doors and win-dows, look for a solution that will"hug" the bottom to create an air-tight barrier. The Double DraftSeal from Duck brand offers twolayers of protection from drafts,sealing underneath doors and win-dows from both sides, for maxi-mum energy efficiency and ther-mal protection.

• Forget. Take the time to fix theproblem areas now and you'll for-get you had any air leaks anddrafts by the time the weatherturns frigid and frightful.

For DIYers, it's as simple as tak-ing the time to find the cold airsources, choosing the right prod-ucts to block the drafts and

installing them properly.The fall offers many perfect

opportunities to get DIY weather-ization done. And, many of theseprojects can be completed in aweekend and then forgottenthroughout the cold winter months

- all without breaking the bank.For more information and tips towinterize your home, visitDuckBrand.com/HomeSmart.

maintenance

FFiinndd,, ffiixx aanndd ffoorrggeett -- ssiimmppllee sstteeppss ttoo wweeaatthheerriizzeeyyoouurr hhoommee tthhiiss wwiinntteerr


(ARA) - Feel like there'snever enough room in yourhome to store everything?Chances are you don't needmore square footage, you justneed to get organized.

"Luckily, getting organizeddoesn't have to be difficult orexpensive," says DannyLipford, home improvementexpert and host of "Today'sHomeowner." "The key is tofind products that marry inno-vation and practicality to helpmake home organization easy."

While overhauling your wholehome may seem intimidating,start with the three rooms thattend to be the culprits of chaos- the kitchen, bathroom andgarage. Check out these hothome helpers that will soonmake your spaces more organ-ized and enjoyable, all at anaffordable price.

In the kitchen

Savvy storageWhen it's time to put away left-overs, do you struggle to findmatching lids and bowls? Or doyour plastic storage containersseem to take over your entirestorage space? Update yourmismatched wares with SmartSpin Storage Containers. Theyoffer three different storagesizes and a holder keeps all thestorage containers and univer-sal-sized lids organized in lessthan one square foot ($20).

Use unused spaceMost bathrooms are equippedwith accessories to keep towelsneat and at your fingertips, sowhy not use the same organiza-tion tools in the kitchen? Forless than $25, you can add atowel bar, towel ring or robehook, such as the Sage or Reedcollections at Bed Bath &Beyond, on the side of a cabi-net or an island to keep dishtowels handy (and off thefloor), while adding a stylish

look to the kitchen.

In the bathroom

Shower and storageSpace and storage are key con-cerns in bathroom design; luck-ily, you can create up to 5 1/2additional inches of elbow roomin the shower, while alsoadding extra hanging space fordaily essentials with the newDouble Curved Shower Rodfrom Moen ($59.99). DoubleCurved Shower Rods, availableat Bed Bath & Beyond, alsooffer visual appeal with a sepa-rate rod for the decorativeshower curtain - or provide eas-ily accessible space to hangyour towels.

Simple space solutionNo matter how organized yourbathroom, it's always tough tofind a place for the many dailynecessities that we want at ourfingertips. Now, you can easilykeep these items within arm'sreach - yet off the vanity - withnew Towel Bar Hooks andShower Rod Hooks from Moen($10). These ingenious, S-shaped hooks snap right ontoyour current towel bar or show-er rod to offer convenientaccess for a variety of items,such as clothing, jewelry, tow-els, travel bags and more.

In the garage

Up and outWhen looking for more storagespace in the garage, don't forgetto look up. Often overlooked,the overhead area is ideal tosuspend a variety of largeritems, such as bikes, that takeup coveted floor space. Foronly a few dollars, you can pur-chase large plastic-coated hooksthat easily screw into the ceil-ing joist and allow you to hangthe bicycle upside down by thetires. Or try a bike hoist ($39)that also suspends the bike from

the ceiling - but uses a pulleyto make lifting the bike easier.

Balls, bats and shovels, oh myUnfortunately, most itemsstored in the garage are largeand irregularly shaped, makingit difficult to neatly store themon shelves. Specialized organi-zation systems for sportinggoods and lawn equipment areavailable to confine anythingfrom bats and balls to shovelsand rakes. The RacorPro X-Rack Sports EquipmentOrganizer ($79.99) sets up

quickly and easily and the bas-ket design will entice anyone totoss their items in. Or, try theFunnel Fits Long Handle ToolStorage System ($26) that snapsgarden tools like shovels, rakesand brooms onto the wall andout of the way.

With a few innovative, practicaland affordable products, yourhome will be more organized inno time. For more informationabout Moen products, visitwww.moen.com or www.bed-bathandbeyond.com.

home improvement

HHoott hhoommee hheellppeerrss uunnddeerr $$110000:: EEaassyy,, aaffffoorrddaabblleeoorrggaanniizzaattiioonn ssoolluuttiioonnss



(ARA) - A new home: It's yourchance to personalize your livingspace with details that suit yourtaste and personality. Or, so youthink. Many builders only allowyou to choose colors; and offerlimited options beyond theirbuilders' grade materials. Or, ifyou've purchased a previouslyowned home, it too is most likelyequipped with many basic options.

Luckily, it's easy to bust out ofbuilder basics and add a few easyand inexpensive updates to makeyour cookie-cutter home stand outfrom the rest. And what betterplace to start than the heart of yourhome - the kitchen?

"A minor kitchen remodel is real-ly one of the easiest ways you canmake the most of your home -while also giving it your own per-sonal style," says Danny Lipford,renowned home improvementexpert and host of the nationallysyndicated TV show, Today'sHomeowner with Danny Lipford."Plus, according to Remodelingmagazine, it's one of the top fiveprojects that will recoup yourinvestment when it comes time tosell."

Not sure where to start? Lipford

recommends these five projects:

Cool countertops. If your kitchenis like most, you probably havelaminate countertops, since theyare available in a variety of colorsand patterns and are relativelyinexpensive ($10 - $30 per squarefoot). However, they lack style andscratch and buckle easily. To giveyour kitchen a high-end look, con-sider updating your countertopswith a more resistant surface, suchas solid surface, a molded resinthat is stain-resistant and mimicsthe look of concrete ($35 - 80 persquare foot); marble, which inaddition to its natural beauty isheat-resistant ($40 - $100 persquare foot); or engineered stone,which is a mix of quartz and resinsto create an extremely durable andfashionable surface ($45 -$90 persquare foot).

Fabulous faucets. Does yourfaucet have a pullout spout with abeautiful finish that coordinateswith the rest of your decor? If not,it's time for an upgrade. For lessthan $200, you can easily swapyour no-frills faucet for one thatadds functionality and fashion.

Moen offers a variety of stylishhigh-arc pullout kitchen faucetswith new innovative finishes, suchas the Neva pullout faucet.Available at Lowe's.

Luxurious lighting. Fluorescentlighting in the kitchen is a staplefor many builders since it's func-tional and inexpensive. However,it's not very aesthetically pleasing.Luckily, replacing fluorescentlighting is a simple project that willinstantly make a style statement inyour kitchen. Try one of theseoptions: Track lighting, which is afixture that sits close to the ceiling,but features multiple decorativelamps in a row; pendant lamps,which extend down from the ceil-ing like a chandelier; or mini pen-dant lamps, which offer a smallerversion of a pendant and are avail-able in a variety of styles anddesigns; are all ideal and easy-to-install options.

Wonderful walls. Are your wallsstill white or beige, plain slabs?Adding color and texture is an easyway to make a dramatic difference.Painting is the simplest tactic - andby using a high-quality paint, in a

semi-gloss or eggshell finish, youcan additionally make your wallseasier to clean. However, don't stopthere. Adding textures withupdates, such as wainscoting,crown molding or even a tile back-splash are easy enough for a DIYer- and can be cost effective as well.

Fabulous floors. As the foundationof the room, you want your kitchenfloor to sweep you off your feet -not send you packing. So, if yoursis more "blah" than "beautiful," it'stime for an update. Luckily, thereare many choices available - fromhigh-end choices, such as hard-wood or natural stone; to moreaffordable options, such as ceramictile and laminate. And, with thewide array of colors, designs andtextures available with each, youcan create a dramatic update thatfits your budget and your uniquedesign style.

With a few simple updates the onlything cookie-cutter about yourkitchen is what you're baking. Formore information about Moen prod-ucts, visit www.moen.com.

home improvement

FFiivvee pprroojjeeccttss ttoo ttaakkee yyoouurr hhoommee ffrroomm ccooookkiiee ccuutttteerr ttoo ccuussttoomm


(ARA) - They frame your favoriteview and are key to making your homecomfortable in summer and winter, yetmost people don't think about them untilthey stop working properly. But, if yourwindows aren't performing as well asthey should, now is a great time to con-sider replacing them.

Until the end of 2010, the U.S. govern-ment's Residential Energy EfficiencyTax Credit can credit you with 30 per-cent of window material costs, up to$1,500, for making qualifying efficiencyupgrades to your home.

Poorly performing windows canaccount for 35 to 40 percent of yourhome's heat loss in the winter and areoften even less effective at keeping yourhome cool in summer. That's literallythrowing your money out the window.Today's double and triple-pane windowsare worlds apart from the windows soldjust 10 years ago.

Replacement window frames offerimproved protection from air and waterinfiltration over older windows, and theenergy-efficient innovations in glass

options can really make a difference inyour home's comfort. To meet the quali-fications for the Energy Efficiency TaxCredit, Milgard Windows & Doorsincorporates advanced technologies toimprove your home's energy efficiency.Its SunCoat Low-E glass and EdgeGardthermal spacers provide the insulatingpower needed to keep your home com-fortable all year round. But the hundredsof combinations and choices can beoverwhelming. To avoid dealing with anoverly-confusing list of window choic-es, the company offers energy packagesthat configure the window's individualcomponents for you, based on yourdesired energy performance level andgeographic location.

When looking for energy efficient win-dows, most manufacturers recommendstarting with the ENERGY STAR stick-er. A good window will have a labelfrom the National Fenestration RatingsCouncil (NFRC) and have ENERGYSTAR ratings as well. On the NFRClabel you'll see the manufacturer's name,a description of the window, plus a U-

value and solar heat gain coefficient(SHGC) numbers. Lower U-values andSHGC numbers mean better insulation,but look closely. To qualify for theEnergy Efficiency Tax Credit, each ofyour windows must have a U-value of.30 or less and SHGC of .30 as well.You also should consider the manufac-

turer's warranty when shopping for win-dows. Just as some windows work hard-er than others to keep your home com-fortable, some manufacturers are morewilling than others to stand behind theirproducts with the service and support

you expect from a major home pur-chase. Look for a full lifetime warranty,and check to see if labor costs and glassbreakage is included.Winter is right around the corner and, if

you act soon, you can take advantage ofthe soon-to-expire tax credit for makingvaluable improvements to your ownhome with replacement windows. To getstarted, you can find a qualified replace-ment window dealer by visitingwww.milgard.com or by calling (800)645-4273.

AArree yyoouu tthhrroowwiinngg mmoonneeyyoouutt tthhee ((eenneerrggyy iinneeffffiicciieenntt)) wwiinnddooww??


(ARA) - Today's TVs can domore than most of us could haveever imagined, from displaying3D images to connecting to theInternet. But those advances intechnology have also made itmore complicated for the aver-age person shopping for a newtelevision.

Are you having trouble tellingthe difference between LED andPlasma TVs? Perhaps you coulduse help with some of the tech-nical terms used to describe theTVs right now.

Richard Doherty, researchdirector for The EnvisioneeringGroup, has his finger on thepulse of today's latest technolo-gies and the challenges con-sumers face when shopping for anew TV.

"The good news is that con-sumers have incredible optionswhen it comes to buying HDTVsthis season," says Doherty. "Butchoosing the ideal one can getsomewhat intimidating if youdon't know exactly what you arelooking for and what works bestin your home."

Here is a guide to help makesure the next TV you buy is theright one for you:

Display typesUnderstanding what your TV

will most be used for will helpyou decide what type of TVworks best for you.

Plasma or PDP (PlasmaDisplay Panel): These screensuse a combination of phosphorsand plasma gas which lights upto create an image; similar tohow a fluorescent light works.Many experts consider plasmadisplays the better choice forhome theater enthusiasts becausethey provide deep black levels,extremely accurate color repro-duction and a wider viewingangle than most LCD sets, soalmost no matter where you'resitting in the room, you can still

enjoy a natural, vivid HDTVpicture. Plasma will also appealto people who watch a lot of fastaction, such as sports due totheir ultra-fast response timewhich creates smoother, morenatural motion.

LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display):This type of display uses a com-bination of liquid crystal cells acolor filter and a fluorescentbacklight unit to create the pic-ture. LCD can produce abrighter picture which makes it agood choice for use in a brightroom or areas where ambientlight cannot be avoided. LCDTVs come in many sizes, rang-ing from 22-inch class TVs forthe kitchen to 26- and 32-inchclass sets for the bedroom to 42-, 47- and 55-inch class sizes foryour main viewing room.

LED (LCD with LED Lighting):This type of LCD replaces fluo-rescent backlighting with anarray of light emitting diodes(LEDs). This type of lightingenables the set to have a thinnerprofile (some as thin as 1 inch indepth), bright vivid picture andthey are generally more energyefficient. LG offers advancedsets using Full LED backlightingwhich means improved contrast,a very high brightness level anda pristine picture, in an extreme-ly thin and more energy efficientpackage.

Picture qualityPicture quality is a very broad

term and can mean differentthings to different people. Hereare a few key terms/features tobe familiar with when buyingyour next TV:

Resolution: Most wide screenHDTVs will have a resolution ofeither 720p or 1080p. Oftenreferred to as "Full HD", 1080presolution means a TV canaccept and display incoming sig-

nals at full HD resolution fromsources such as a BluRay Discplayer. Utilizing over 2 millionpixels to display the images pro-vides the most clear and detailedpicture available today. 720presolution is also a high defini-tion format, and can also acceptthe "Full HD" signals; howeverthe picture will be displayed uti-lizing approximately 1 millionpixels, still a stunning experi-ence.

Refresh rate: For sports fans, afast refresh rate (expressed inhertz or Hz) is very important.This helps to reduce motion blurno matter how fast the actiongets. Standard LED and LCDsets have a refresh rate of 60Hzand those equipped with LGTrueMotion, offer faster speedsof 120Hz, 240Hz and 480Hz.Most Plasma TVs feature 600Hzsub-field driving and are greatfor watching fast-action sports.

THX certification: THX, theorganization that created thedesign and certification pro-grams for cinemas, also hasdeveloped a program to certifypicture quality. To receive thiscertification, TVs must undergorigorous testing to prove that thetelevision is able to recreate thevivid contrast, bright colors, anddetail present when a movieleaves the director's studio.Currently, LG is the only TVmanufacturer in North Americato have garnered 2D certificationfor an LED (LE8500 andLX9500) and its 3D Plasma isthe first 3D TV to receive 3DCertification from THX(PX950).

Advanced featuresToday's TVs come with other

incredible features and under-standing everything a TV can dowill certainly help steer you inthe right direction when its timeto buy your next TV.

3DTV: The ability to deliverHDTV's supreme detail has beenaround for more than decadenow, but some of the latest TVsalso are 3D capable. More sta-tions are jumping on the trend,as ESPN will broadcast a num-ber of football games this seasonin 3D and more and moremovies will become available on3D Blu-ray discs. 3D is avail-able on Plasma and LCD screensand LG's PX950 Plasma 3D TVis the first ever 3D TV toachieve the THX certificationfor picture quality. With theaction literally jumping off thescreen, the 3D experience isgreat for viewing with familyand friends.

Internet connectivity: Tappinginto the Internet's virtually end-less options for entertainmentand information no longerrequires a computer. TVs withLG's NetCast technology allowusers to access some of the bestmedia and entertainment outletsthat the Web has to offer. On thebest screen in your home, youcan now enjoy Netflix, Yahoo!,VUDU, Cinema Now, YouTubeand Picasa.

"Even with all the options outthere, the tried-and-true methodof going with what looks best,feels right and will last a longtime, still works when pickingout a TV," Doherty says. "Butit's always best to arm yourselfwith some technical knowledgebefore making your decision."

technology

DDeecciipphheerriinngg tthhee tteecchhnniiccaall lliinnggoo wwhheennbbuuyyiinngg aa nneeww TTVV



By Kendall Atkins Livick StaffWriter

Around a time when many peo-ple begin to think about newyear’s resolutions and newchanges they would like tomake, what could be a betterway to start a new year, than abedroom makeover? Most wouldagree a new look for the homeenvironment can make a personfeel brand new.

Big Sandy Superstore has spe-cials going on throughout themonth of December, and theywant East Kentuckians to takeadvantage.

From mattresses, to entire bed-room suites, Big Sandy has avariety of bedroom supplies.

“We're about to enter into ourDecember to Remember promo-tion,” said Bedding SpecialistMichael Babb. “Basically we'redoing no interests with 12months financing.”

For bedding selections, BigSandy has all types — Tempur-Pedics, Latex Beds, Dr. BreusBeds (designed by an actualsleep doctor), Sealy, Paramountand Stearns and Foster.

“Bedding in general has comea long way, (with) how innovat-ed it's all become,” Babb said.“We'd probably lean moretowards the specialty beddinglike memory foam or latex, justbecause it's basically pressurefree — no coils, no steel in thebed, so you feel no pressurewhatsoever.”

Babb said these beds offerabsolute comfort because theyform to the body, rather thanrequiring the body to form tothem.

“That way, you're supportedhead to toe and worry free,” hesaid. “You get a plentifulnight's rest and wake up feelinggood in the morning.”

Babb said part of theDecember to Remember promo-tion is the give away of freegifts, such as Blu-ray players,

iPod items and iPads, withselect purchases.But mattresses are only one areaof bedroom makeover possibili-ties. Big Sandy is offering bedsstarting at $599, along with fur-niture for complete bedroomsuites.Kendra Strong, furniture profes-sional, said some of the furni-ture items are priced individual-ly, while some are priced togeth-er.Strong said the bedroom suitethat is considered top-notch, isone that includes a bed for$1,099, a dresser and mirror for$1,499, a chest for $899 and anightstand for $549.

“This is our best quality,”Strong said. “It's actually reallyneat because it's got little hiddenfeatures.”

These features include slidingcompartments for storage on thenightstand, as well as the chest,English dove tail on the frontand back of the drawers, cornerblocks to help support theweight of the drawers, and woodon wood glides.

“These wood on wood glidesare soaked in bee's wax for 48hours,” Strong said. “It makes asmoother glide, so that overtime you've actually got asmoother drawer instead of itgetting rough and sticking.”

Strong said this suite is a greatvalue for the quality that it is.“It's really nice stuff,” she said.“It's stuff that will last youyears, and years, and years.”

As far as a bargain bedroomsuite goes, Strong said the leastexpensive bed is ideal for some-

one wanting a sharp lookingbedroom at an inexpensiveprice.

The $599 bed includes a head-board, footboard, rails and adresser and mirror. It can also bepaired with a matching chest for$299 and a nightstand for $149.This display furniture in thestore is shown in cherry, butStrong said it can also be pur-chased in black.Whether you or someone youknow is on the lookout for anew bedroom piece, a wholenew suite, or simply a morecomfortable night’s rest, BigSandy is offering a variety ofchoices this holiday season; andit couldn’t hurt to win an iPadwhile you’re at it, could it?

home improvement

Deck the halls...and your bedroomwhile you’re at it

News-Express photo by Kendall Atkins LivickThis bedroom suite is considered the best quality at Big Sandy. The chest and drawers include secret compart-

ments, English dove tail on the front and back of the drawers, corner blocks, and wood on wood glides.



(ARA) - The arrival of winterand daylight saving time meansmore of us will be getting up -and coming home - in the dark.The short, dark days of coolweather are a smart time to thinkabout home safety and security.

A home break-in occurs every14.6 seconds, according to theFBI. The good news is that sim-ple, inexpensive do-it-yourselfprojects can help to better protectyour home and loved ones. Fromimproving lighting to installing awireless home security system,many safety-focused projects areeasy and cost effective to accom-plish.

To brighten your outlook - andsense of security - during win-ter's dark days, here are a fewsafety projects to consider:

Install a home security systemLong gone are the days whenyou had to rely on a professionalsecurity company to install asecurity system in your home.Now, products like the GEChoice Alert Wireless HomeSecurity System make it simplefor homeowners to install a sys-tem on their own. The systemincludes a control center, win-dow/door sensor kit, garage doorsensor, indoor/outdoor motionsensor, security sign with yardstake and matching windowstickers. Because you monitorthe system yourself, there's nomonthly fee for a security serv-ice, and you can add additionalsensors and features as yoursecurity needs change overtime.

If you're a bit more DIY-savvy,you could opt for the SchlageLiNK system, available atLowe's, which allows you tomonitor and control door locks,lights and a camera all from acomputer or cell phone. The sys-tem will send you e-mail updatesso you know who is home. Youcan lock or unlock doors remote-ly, and monitor the camera fromyour cell phone to see what'sgoing on inside your house.

If you decide to install a securi-ty system, check with your insur-ance agent or company; the sys-tem may qualify you for a dis-count on your homeowner'sinsurance.

Light up the darknessMore hours of darkness could

mean more opportunities for bur-glars, and more risk for you or aloved one to suffer an injury indark areas around your home. Ifyou arrive home after dark everynight, use outdoor light timers toturn lights on both inside andoutside your home. A screw-indusk-to-dawn control allows youto convert a traditional light orlamp post into a light that turnson at dusk and off at dawn.

Exterior lights should illumi-nate all entry points of yourhome; a dark doorway could bean invitation indoors. Everyentrance of your home should belit with at least one type of secu-rity light.

Consider placing motion-acti-vated lights, which only come onwhen they detect motion, at theside, front and back entries ofyour home, on a detachedgarage, storage building, gate orgarage door. For a little extralight, make sure you have plentyof light inside your house aswell.

With more hours of darkness,you'll need to use more electrici-ty, so consider saving money byreplacing incandescent lightbulbs with energy-sipping com-pact fluorescent light bulbsCFLs. Energy Star-rated CFLsuse 75 percent less energy andlast up to 10 times longer thanstandard bulbs. Placing CFLs injust five of your home's morecommonly used light fixturescould save you up to $70 a year,according to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

Safety for all agesWinter often sees plenty of

guests, delivery people andrepairmen coming to your home.Consider ways to make yourhouse safer for all ages that enterit.

If you'll be having very youngguests, a childproofing kit canhelp ensure grandchildren, niecesand nephews, or even your ownkids, won't be able to opendoors, cabinets or drawers thatmight get them in trouble.Prevent small hands from open-ing hot oven doors with heat-resistant oven locks. Hide wiresand cables with a cord channelso that children won't be temptedto play, and adults won't trip.Consider updating your electricaloutlets with tamper-resistant

ones that help keep out foreignobjects by requiring equal pres-sure on each side of the electricalcord in order to operate.

Don't overlook the role goodhealth plays in security. Considerimproving your indoor air quali-ty with a purifier in guest rooms.Add grab bars in bathrooms, andmake sure your home's smokealarms and carbon monoxidedetectors are all in good workingorder; replace them if they're not.

With a few simple homeimprovements, you can savemoney, feel more secure andbrighten the dark days of winterfor your whole family.

home improvement

BBrriigghhtteenn wwiinntteerr''ss ddaarrkk ddaayyss wwiitthh ssiimmpplleehhoommee ssaaffeettyy,, sseeccuurriittyy sstteeppss



By CANDICE OLSONHome and Garden Television

Wendy's guest bathroom was completelywashed out. Located prominently at the top ofthe stairs, it was definitely a real eyesore.Complete with dim lighting, lack of storageand even a broken toilet, this bathroom wasready for renovation.

Wendy does lots of entertaining and often hasout-of-town visitors, so she wanted to give theroom a guest-friendly face-lift with highimpact and loads of style.

To begin this transformation, the bathroomwas completely gutted and the existing fixtures-- pedestal sink, toilet, bidet and tub -- weregiven a one-way ticket to the dump.

I decided on a dramatic color scheme, usingrich ebony, crisp white and a few splashes ofbright red. We treated the walls to a fresh coatof clean white paint, which flows into thewhite tiles we used in the new wall-to-wallshower with frameless glass enclosure. Theglass gives the room an open feel and createsan impression of space in this relatively smallarea. The bathroom floor was covered in ele-gant black tiles that have just a hint of texturein them.

To create counter space as well as storage forguests, I designed some custom cabinetrymade from ebony-stained oak. (An importanttip to remember when staining oak: Be sure tocondition the wood first. A quick coat of con-ditioner makes the stain go on much moreevenly and smoothly.)

A wall-mounted storage unit is located wherethe bidet once stood, offering lots of space tostash toiletries, towels and guests' possessions.In place of the pedestal sink, we created afunctional yet beautiful vanity. Tall mirrorsflow into a black oak shelf, which in turnmelds into a marble mosaic countertop. Openshelving underneath adds even more storagespace.

But the crowning glory is definitely the redglass basin perched majestically on the mosaiccountertop. This gorgeous sink will definitelyget Wendy's guests talking. To save space, andalso to allow the basin to take center stage, Ichose a sleek, modern, wall-mounted faucet.

The custom glass-enclosed shower is anotherwork of art. Guests will love this spaciousshower, which features a mosaic-tiled floorand bench in varying shades of our black-and-white theme. We did have to replace the exist-ing window in the shower with a new, water-proof model. To prevent water damage, the sillis angled downward so water will just flowright off.

As always, gorgeous fixtures and custom fin-ishes are nothing without the proper lighting.We installed waterproof overhead lighting inthe shower, recessed lights in the ceiling,

under-cabinet lighting in the storage unit andtwo gorgeous sconces mounted right throughthe vanity mirror. This medley of light is func-tional yet soft and inviting, which will makeguests feel right at home.

Wendy has filled her home with art, so Iwanted to incorporate artwork into the bath-room. The problem is that the humid atmos-phere in a bathroom is not kind to traditionalpaintings. So I decided that some fabric artwould be just the thing to liven up the space.Using rich fabrics in our color scheme andgeometric shapes, we created a tapestry thathangs on the wall just to the left of the door-way.

After we added some other finishing touches-- a basket of toiletries in the shower, severalred accent pieces, towels and soaps -- thisbright, ultra-modern bathroom was ready.

Wendy's bathroom is now a guest-friendlyoasis.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard NewsService, http://www.scrippsnews.com)

home improvement

DDiivviinnee DDeessiiggnn:: WWaasshheedd--oouutt bbaatthhrroooomm ggeettss rreeaaddyy ffoorr gguueessttss

Sleek finishes, updated lighting and a red glass basin turned a washed-out bathroom into anoasis. (SHNS file photo courtesy HGTV)

This guest bathroom was washed out, with dimlighting, minimal storage and even a broken toi-let. (SHNS file photo courtesy HGTV)


“The Lord spoke to me and said takecoats to the Appalachian Mountains,and I knew I was supposed to go toWest Virginia,” she said. “I thoughthe meant (to bring) my pickup truck,and I announced it.”

That was when Johnny Byers cameinto the picture.

“He actually owns a trucking com-pany,” she said. “He went out lastyear when he knew we were doingthe coats, bought the truck, and hasmade these trips; donated all thetime the fuel.”

Like Byers, many people havejoined Seymour in her communityactivism over the years. Others, too,said they were led by God to dothese deeds for others. Tom Geppertof New Covenant Church inBeckley, W.Va. said though he didn’tnecessarily feel physically fit for thework involved, God had other plansfor him.

“I had just gotten a broken shoul-der, and I have a broken rib becauseI fell off a ladder,” Geppert said. “Isaid ‘Lord, should I really go orshould I stay here?’ Believe it ornot when I opened up (and) lookedin the Book of Acts, it was talkingabout Paul. It said, ‘Go into the city,and I will tell you what to do.’”

So Geppert came to Pikeville, andhe said he sees now this was all partof God’s plan.“You can’t put a price tag on it,” hesaid.

Geppert is not the only volunteerwho made the effort despite injury.There were other surprising volun-teers, as well.A family of three, Joshua Epling,

his wife, Jennifer, and their baby,Asher, had recently suffered from astring of unfortunate events.

“We were coming back from BetsyLayne,” he said. “We were lookingfor a new home after the July 17thflood, and we were coming back,and it all happened so suddenly.”

Joshua Epling was in the car withhis wife and son when the familywas in an accident that wouldchange the course of their lives per-manently.

“I went to change lanes to pull offthe side of the road so my wifecould tend to my son,” Joshua said.“Next thing I know, I lost control ofthe car, and when I did, the car start-

ed to roll, and I put my arm out thewindow instinctively to break myselffrom the fall. On the first roll, thecar pinned my arm to the ground and(dragged) it across the pavement.”

The wreck resulted in a long hospi-tal stay, during which Epling had ablood transfusion, a skin graft, anartery transplant and a nerve trans-plant. If the flood wasn’t enough, thefamily now had to deal with medicalworries. However, they came to thedonation event, not to collect, but tohelp out. Though they are very muchin need of help themselves, and arestill recovering from the events ofthe summer, the family said they areblessed to have the opportunity tolend a helping hand to others.

“We’re still alive, so why not?”Jennifer said.

Joshua said for him, this experi-ence served as a reality check.

“It made me feel grateful andblessed to be on this Earth, and I’mjust happy to be out here today withmy life, with my wife and my son,and helping give back,” he said.

It has been months since the flood,but those affected are still puttingthe pieces of loss back together.Some have a long way to go beforetheir lives will return to normal; butevents such as this one can be atremendous help and serve as aninspiring message that plenty of peo-ple out there care — people who arenot even necessarily part of the com-munity.

Seymour said this unconditionallove is integral to her ministry.“I don't care who you are, what youdo, what your background is,” shesaid. “Jesus loves you. That's goodenough. I do too.”

Whether or not the idea of God lit-erally communicating to individualsis a logical one in minds of thosewho have never experienced it, noone can argue with the notion thatthis event and others similar are theresult of some sort of inspiration. Asa result, many people who were suf-fering, now have a few more itemsand a few less burdens.

For those who were given backparts of a home, this generosity isone holiday gift that will last a life-time.

News-Express photo by Kendall Atkins LivickThose who suffered from the July flood sift through mounds of clothes and

other items to replace those that were lost.



How do you put a value on ahome? Sure you can estimate thevalue of a house, along withproperty and the cost of the pos-sessions inside, but can you real-ly put a price on what a homerepresents — refuge, familymemories, good times and bad?Those who lost their homes andpossessions in July’s flood havefelt the void of precious itemslost. They have suffered formonths and are still undergoingthe process of recovery. But forsome of these people, Christmascame early.

Led by Penny Seymour, Pastorof Duke’s Chapel Church inAshland, Virginia, a group ofvolunteers said they were on amission from God.

Saturday, Nov. 20, volunteersheld a large donation event infront Thankful Hearts FoodPantry.

“The Lord spoke to me. I knowsome people have a hard timeunderstanding, but he just literal-ly spoke to me, and he said to goto Pikeville,” Seymour said. “Ididn’t know if (Pikeville) exist-ed. Never heard of it.”

She began asking around, andshe discovered later thatPikeville, Kentucky was indeed areal place, and that the peopleliving there needed help becauseof a recent natural disaster.

“We didn’t know about theflood (at first),” Seymour said.“He spoke to us in January. Itdidn’t flood until July, and westill didn’t know about it, in fact,until well after the flood washere, and what happened was,somebody told us about that alittle bit later.”

This is when Seymour said shesaw this plan from God unfoldand began to realize the meaningbehind it.

“And then when we found outabout the floods, we knew,” shesaid. “We absolutely knew thiswas the right place.”

So with volunteers by her side,

she loaded up items — many ofwhich were brand new — thatwould replace valuables lost inthe flood. Some of the itemswere toys for children in need,that would be given out closer toChristmas time; but most werefor the flood victims.

“The Lord said, ‘Take every-thing,’” Seymour said. “And sowe started getting the word outand packing this truck, and a lotof furniture has gone out today, alot of clothes. We’ve had house-hold items. You name it, it’sbeen on that truck.”

The load, set up in front of thefood pantry, consisted of clothingfor people of all ages, coats,baby items such as cribs andtoys, household items, shoes andmany pieces of furniture.

“This truck here was packedfrom ceiling to floor, top to back— completely packed,” Seymoursaid.

Volunteers said toward the mid-dle of the event they had lostcount of the hundreds of floodvictims (with FEMA registrationin hand) that had been through.

“People (have) turned out fromeverywhere to get stuff,” saidTrissia Scott, director ofThankful Hearts Food Pantry.“They just hug you and thankyou and tell you it was a blessingfor everything that they’ve (got-ten).”

Seymour said she has learnedover the years to listen to whatGod tells her to do, although shedoesn’t necessarily feel that shehas a “gift” of hearing the words

of God. She said she believesanyone can hear it if they areopen to the communication, andshe said she knows this becauseshe has preached all over theworld and has witnessed manymiracles.

“I think we just need to want tobe used,” she said. “(God is) noteven interested in our ability orinability, just our availability.That’s it.”

Seymour said this wasn’t thefirst time she received a messagelike this one. When it happens,she said, everything seems toalign, and more and more peoplejoin in. Last year’s donationevent was also an example ofeverything falling into place.

News-Express photo by Kendall Atkins Livick“People (have) turned out from everywhere to get stuff,” said Trissia Scott, director of Thankful Hearts FoodPantry. “They just hug you and thank you and tell you it was a blessing for everything that they've (gotten).”

WWhheenn GGoodd ssaaiidd jjuummpp,, tthheessee vvoolluunntteeeerrss ssaaiidd......



Your home may have been decorat-ed to the extreme with bows, garland,ornaments and knick-knacks galorethis holiday season. Friends may havetold you that you had the most festivehome on the block. The outside ofyour house may still be lit up like thefourth of July, causing neighbors tostop, stare and take pictures.

But does your home smell like thewinter season?

When people walk through yourfront door, do they breathe in anaroma of sweet, wintry goodness?According to Psychology Today,odors are strongly linked to the emo-tional memory. This could be the rea-son why the smell of cookies makesyou think of your grandmother andsmile, or why the scent of a wreathcan remind you of the pain you feltwhen you fell off a stool while hang-ing a wreath of your own a few yearsago.

Needless to say, a pleasant smellassociated with wintertime can add tothe coziness of any atmosphere. Thecreation of these scents can beachieved in numerous ways, andChristmas scents, specifically, can beenjoyed all throughout the chilly sea-son.Candles, reed diffusers, and potpourriare all ways to make a home morefragrant, and you can purchase theseitems right here around town.

Ambience, Special Occasions, andDion’s are three stores in the area thatcarry the Candleberry line of candles.Using this collection, your home can

smell like the scents of CranberryChutney, Butter Cream, Home SweetHome, Christmas Wreath, Balsamand Cedar, Christmas Cookie,Macintosh Spice, Red VelvetCupcake, Home for the Holidays,Cranberry Crum Cake, and HotMaple Toddy, which is said amonglocal retailers to be the number oneselling Candleberry item.

“This is their fix for the day,”Manager Tammy Horne said of thecandles that her customers findaddicting. “These are (some) of themost strong scented candles thereare.”Aside from Candleberry, Ambience

also carries Yankee Candles, as wellas the brand, WoodWick.

If you’re on a budget and don’t wantto necessarily spring for the big namecandles, Dollar Tree and Walmartoffer very affordable choices; andhey, just because it may not be anexpensive brand, doesn’t necessarilymean guests will be able to tell a dif-ference. Febreze, Glade and similarbrands offer the same popular holidayscents. Dollar Tree has a group of SpaCollection potpourri spritzers inscents like apple cinnamon and vanil-la for, you guessed it, $1. Whetheryou light a candle, opt for a plug-in,or simply spray the air with an airfreshener or a potpourri spritzer, withthe right scent you may be able toduplicate the effects of the pricierbrands.

Who knows? Maybe years fromnow, your loved ones will associatethe scent you use with a smile-worthymemory of a fun-filled visit.

decorate

IItt’’ss bbeeggiinnnniinngg ttoo ssmmeellll aalloott lliikkee aa ccoozzyy wwiinntteerr





How do you put a value on ahome? Sure you can estimate thevalue of a house, along withproperty and the cost of the pos-sessions inside, but can you real-ly put a price on what a homerepresents — refuge, familymemories, good times and bad?Those who lost their homes andpossessions in July’s flood havefelt the void of precious itemslost. They have suffered formonths and are still undergoingthe process of recovery. But forsome of these people, Christmascame early.

Led by Penny Seymour, Pastorof Duke’s Chapel Church inAshland, Virginia, a group ofvolunteers said they were on amission from God.

Saturday, Nov. 20, volunteersheld a large donation event infront Thankful Hearts FoodPantry.

“The Lord spoke to me. I knowsome people have a hard timeunderstanding, but he just literal-ly spoke to me, and he said to goto Pikeville,” Seymour said. “Ididn’t know if (Pikeville) exist-ed. Never heard of it.”

She began asking around, andshe discovered later thatPikeville, Kentucky was indeed areal place, and that the peopleliving there needed help becauseof a recent natural disaster.

“We didn’t know about theflood (at first),” Seymour said.“He spoke to us in January. Itdidn’t flood until July, and westill didn’t know about it, in fact,until well after the flood washere, and what happened was,somebody told us about that alittle bit later.”

This is when Seymour said shesaw this plan from God unfoldand began to realize the meaningbehind it.

“And then when we found outabout the floods, we knew,” shesaid. “We absolutely knew thiswas the right place.”

So with volunteers by her side,

she loaded up items — many ofwhich were brand new — thatwould replace valuables lost inthe flood. Some of the itemswere toys for children in need,that would be given out closer toChristmas time; but most werefor the flood victims.

“The Lord said, ‘Take every-thing,’” Seymour said. “And sowe started getting the word outand packing this truck, and a lotof furniture has gone out today, alot of clothes. We’ve had house-hold items. You name it, it’sbeen on that truck.”

The load, set up in front of thefood pantry, consisted of clothingfor people of all ages, coats,baby items such as cribs andtoys, household items, shoes andmany pieces of furniture.

“This truck here was packedfrom ceiling to floor, top to back— completely packed,” Seymoursaid.

Volunteers said toward the mid-dle of the event they had lostcount of the hundreds of floodvictims (with FEMA registrationin hand) that had been through.

“People (have) turned out fromeverywhere to get stuff,” saidTrissia Scott, director ofThankful Hearts Food Pantry.“They just hug you and thankyou and tell you it was a blessingfor everything that they’ve (got-ten).”

Seymour said she has learnedover the years to listen to whatGod tells her to do, although shedoesn’t necessarily feel that shehas a “gift” of hearing the words

of God. She said she believesanyone can hear it if they areopen to the communication, andshe said she knows this becauseshe has preached all over theworld and has witnessed manymiracles.

“I think we just need to want tobe used,” she said. “(God is) noteven interested in our ability orinability, just our availability.That’s it.”

Seymour said this wasn’t thefirst time she received a messagelike this one. When it happens,she said, everything seems toalign, and more and more peoplejoin in. Last year’s donationevent was also an example ofeverything falling into place.

News-Express photo by Kendall Atkins Livick“People (have) turned out from everywhere to get stuff,” said Trissia Scott, director of Thankful Hearts FoodPantry. “They just hug you and thank you and tell you it was a blessing for everything that they've (gotten).”

WWhheenn GGoodd ssaaiidd jjuummpp,, tthheessee vvoolluunntteeeerrss ssaaiidd......



Your home may have been decorat-ed to the extreme with bows, garland,ornaments and knick-knacks galorethis holiday season. Friends may havetold you that you had the most festivehome on the block. The outside ofyour house may still be lit up like thefourth of July, causing neighbors tostop, stare and take pictures.

But does your home smell like thewinter season?

When people walk through yourfront door, do they breathe in anaroma of sweet, wintry goodness?According to Psychology Today,odors are strongly linked to the emo-tional memory. This could be the rea-son why the smell of cookies makesyou think of your grandmother andsmile, or why the scent of a wreathcan remind you of the pain you feltwhen you fell off a stool while hang-ing a wreath of your own a few yearsago.

Needless to say, a pleasant smellassociated with wintertime can add tothe coziness of any atmosphere. Thecreation of these scents can beachieved in numerous ways, andChristmas scents, specifically, can beenjoyed all throughout the chilly sea-son.Candles, reed diffusers, and potpourriare all ways to make a home morefragrant, and you can purchase theseitems right here around town.

Ambience, Special Occasions, andDion’s are three stores in the area thatcarry the Candleberry line of candles.Using this collection, your home can

smell like the scents of CranberryChutney, Butter Cream, Home SweetHome, Christmas Wreath, Balsamand Cedar, Christmas Cookie,Macintosh Spice, Red VelvetCupcake, Home for the Holidays,Cranberry Crum Cake, and HotMaple Toddy, which is said amonglocal retailers to be the number oneselling Candleberry item.

“This is their fix for the day,”Manager Tammy Horne said of thecandles that her customers findaddicting. “These are (some) of themost strong scented candles thereare.”Aside from Candleberry, Ambience

also carries Yankee Candles, as wellas the brand, WoodWick.

If you’re on a budget and don’t wantto necessarily spring for the big namecandles, Dollar Tree and Walmartoffer very affordable choices; andhey, just because it may not be anexpensive brand, doesn’t necessarilymean guests will be able to tell a dif-ference. Febreze, Glade and similarbrands offer the same popular holidayscents. Dollar Tree has a group of SpaCollection potpourri spritzers inscents like apple cinnamon and vanil-la for, you guessed it, $1. Whetheryou light a candle, opt for a plug-in,or simply spray the air with an airfreshener or a potpourri spritzer, withthe right scent you may be able toduplicate the effects of the pricierbrands.

Who knows? Maybe years fromnow, your loved ones will associatethe scent you use with a smile-worthymemory of a fun-filled visit.

decorate

IItt’’ss bbeeggiinnnniinngg ttoo ssmmeellll aalloott lliikkee aa ccoozzyy wwiinntteerr


By CANDICE OLSONHome and Garden Television

Wendy's guest bathroom was completelywashed out. Located prominently at the top ofthe stairs, it was definitely a real eyesore.Complete with dim lighting, lack of storageand even a broken toilet, this bathroom wasready for renovation.

Wendy does lots of entertaining and often hasout-of-town visitors, so she wanted to give theroom a guest-friendly face-lift with highimpact and loads of style.

To begin this transformation, the bathroomwas completely gutted and the existing fixtures-- pedestal sink, toilet, bidet and tub -- weregiven a one-way ticket to the dump.

I decided on a dramatic color scheme, usingrich ebony, crisp white and a few splashes ofbright red. We treated the walls to a fresh coatof clean white paint, which flows into thewhite tiles we used in the new wall-to-wallshower with frameless glass enclosure. Theglass gives the room an open feel and createsan impression of space in this relatively smallarea. The bathroom floor was covered in ele-gant black tiles that have just a hint of texturein them.

To create counter space as well as storage forguests, I designed some custom cabinetrymade from ebony-stained oak. (An importanttip to remember when staining oak: Be sure tocondition the wood first. A quick coat of con-ditioner makes the stain go on much moreevenly and smoothly.)

A wall-mounted storage unit is located wherethe bidet once stood, offering lots of space tostash toiletries, towels and guests' possessions.In place of the pedestal sink, we created afunctional yet beautiful vanity. Tall mirrorsflow into a black oak shelf, which in turnmelds into a marble mosaic countertop. Openshelving underneath adds even more storagespace.

But the crowning glory is definitely the redglass basin perched majestically on the mosaiccountertop. This gorgeous sink will definitelyget Wendy's guests talking. To save space, andalso to allow the basin to take center stage, Ichose a sleek, modern, wall-mounted faucet.

The custom glass-enclosed shower is anotherwork of art. Guests will love this spaciousshower, which features a mosaic-tiled floorand bench in varying shades of our black-and-white theme. We did have to replace the exist-ing window in the shower with a new, water-proof model. To prevent water damage, the sillis angled downward so water will just flowright off.

As always, gorgeous fixtures and custom fin-ishes are nothing without the proper lighting.We installed waterproof overhead lighting inthe shower, recessed lights in the ceiling,

under-cabinet lighting in the storage unit andtwo gorgeous sconces mounted right throughthe vanity mirror. This medley of light is func-tional yet soft and inviting, which will makeguests feel right at home.

Wendy has filled her home with art, so Iwanted to incorporate artwork into the bath-room. The problem is that the humid atmos-phere in a bathroom is not kind to traditionalpaintings. So I decided that some fabric artwould be just the thing to liven up the space.Using rich fabrics in our color scheme andgeometric shapes, we created a tapestry thathangs on the wall just to the left of the door-way.

After we added some other finishing touches-- a basket of toiletries in the shower, severalred accent pieces, towels and soaps -- thisbright, ultra-modern bathroom was ready.

Wendy's bathroom is now a guest-friendlyoasis.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard NewsService, http://www.scrippsnews.com)

home improvement

DDiivviinnee DDeessiiggnn:: WWaasshheedd--oouutt bbaatthhrroooomm ggeettss rreeaaddyy ffoorr gguueessttss

Sleek finishes, updated lighting and a red glass basin turned a washed-out bathroom into anoasis. (SHNS file photo courtesy HGTV)

This guest bathroom was washed out, with dimlighting, minimal storage and even a broken toi-let. (SHNS file photo courtesy HGTV)


“The Lord spoke to me and said takecoats to the Appalachian Mountains,and I knew I was supposed to go toWest Virginia,” she said. “I thoughthe meant (to bring) my pickup truck,and I announced it.”

That was when Johnny Byers cameinto the picture.

“He actually owns a trucking com-pany,” she said. “He went out lastyear when he knew we were doingthe coats, bought the truck, and hasmade these trips; donated all thetime the fuel.”

Like Byers, many people havejoined Seymour in her communityactivism over the years. Others, too,said they were led by God to dothese deeds for others. Tom Geppertof New Covenant Church inBeckley, W.Va. said though he didn’tnecessarily feel physically fit for thework involved, God had other plansfor him.

“I had just gotten a broken shoul-der, and I have a broken rib becauseI fell off a ladder,” Geppert said. “Isaid ‘Lord, should I really go orshould I stay here?’ Believe it ornot when I opened up (and) lookedin the Book of Acts, it was talkingabout Paul. It said, ‘Go into the city,and I will tell you what to do.’”

So Geppert came to Pikeville, andhe said he sees now this was all partof God’s plan.“You can’t put a price tag on it,” hesaid.

Geppert is not the only volunteerwho made the effort despite injury.There were other surprising volun-teers, as well.A family of three, Joshua Epling,

his wife, Jennifer, and their baby,Asher, had recently suffered from astring of unfortunate events.

“We were coming back from BetsyLayne,” he said. “We were lookingfor a new home after the July 17thflood, and we were coming back,and it all happened so suddenly.”

Joshua Epling was in the car withhis wife and son when the familywas in an accident that wouldchange the course of their lives per-manently.

“I went to change lanes to pull offthe side of the road so my wifecould tend to my son,” Joshua said.“Next thing I know, I lost control ofthe car, and when I did, the car start-

ed to roll, and I put my arm out thewindow instinctively to break myselffrom the fall. On the first roll, thecar pinned my arm to the ground and(dragged) it across the pavement.”

The wreck resulted in a long hospi-tal stay, during which Epling had ablood transfusion, a skin graft, anartery transplant and a nerve trans-plant. If the flood wasn’t enough, thefamily now had to deal with medicalworries. However, they came to thedonation event, not to collect, but tohelp out. Though they are very muchin need of help themselves, and arestill recovering from the events ofthe summer, the family said they areblessed to have the opportunity tolend a helping hand to others.

“We’re still alive, so why not?”Jennifer said.

Joshua said for him, this experi-ence served as a reality check.

“It made me feel grateful andblessed to be on this Earth, and I’mjust happy to be out here today withmy life, with my wife and my son,and helping give back,” he said.

It has been months since the flood,but those affected are still puttingthe pieces of loss back together.Some have a long way to go beforetheir lives will return to normal; butevents such as this one can be atremendous help and serve as aninspiring message that plenty of peo-ple out there care — people who arenot even necessarily part of the com-munity.

Seymour said this unconditionallove is integral to her ministry.“I don't care who you are, what youdo, what your background is,” shesaid. “Jesus loves you. That's goodenough. I do too.”

Whether or not the idea of God lit-erally communicating to individualsis a logical one in minds of thosewho have never experienced it, noone can argue with the notion thatthis event and others similar are theresult of some sort of inspiration. Asa result, many people who were suf-fering, now have a few more itemsand a few less burdens.

For those who were given backparts of a home, this generosity isone holiday gift that will last a life-time.

News-Express photo by Kendall Atkins LivickThose who suffered from the July flood sift through mounds of clothes and

other items to replace those that were lost.


(ARA) - The arrival of winterand daylight saving time meansmore of us will be getting up -and coming home - in the dark.The short, dark days of coolweather are a smart time to thinkabout home safety and security.

A home break-in occurs every14.6 seconds, according to theFBI. The good news is that sim-ple, inexpensive do-it-yourselfprojects can help to better protectyour home and loved ones. Fromimproving lighting to installing awireless home security system,many safety-focused projects areeasy and cost effective to accom-plish.

To brighten your outlook - andsense of security - during win-ter's dark days, here are a fewsafety projects to consider:

Install a home security systemLong gone are the days whenyou had to rely on a professionalsecurity company to install asecurity system in your home.Now, products like the GEChoice Alert Wireless HomeSecurity System make it simplefor homeowners to install a sys-tem on their own. The systemincludes a control center, win-dow/door sensor kit, garage doorsensor, indoor/outdoor motionsensor, security sign with yardstake and matching windowstickers. Because you monitorthe system yourself, there's nomonthly fee for a security serv-ice, and you can add additionalsensors and features as yoursecurity needs change overtime.

If you're a bit more DIY-savvy,you could opt for the SchlageLiNK system, available atLowe's, which allows you tomonitor and control door locks,lights and a camera all from acomputer or cell phone. The sys-tem will send you e-mail updatesso you know who is home. Youcan lock or unlock doors remote-ly, and monitor the camera fromyour cell phone to see what'sgoing on inside your house.

If you decide to install a securi-ty system, check with your insur-ance agent or company; the sys-tem may qualify you for a dis-count on your homeowner'sinsurance.

Light up the darknessMore hours of darkness could

mean more opportunities for bur-glars, and more risk for you or aloved one to suffer an injury indark areas around your home. Ifyou arrive home after dark everynight, use outdoor light timers toturn lights on both inside andoutside your home. A screw-indusk-to-dawn control allows youto convert a traditional light orlamp post into a light that turnson at dusk and off at dawn.

Exterior lights should illumi-nate all entry points of yourhome; a dark doorway could bean invitation indoors. Everyentrance of your home should belit with at least one type of secu-rity light.

Consider placing motion-acti-vated lights, which only come onwhen they detect motion, at theside, front and back entries ofyour home, on a detachedgarage, storage building, gate orgarage door. For a little extralight, make sure you have plentyof light inside your house aswell.

With more hours of darkness,you'll need to use more electrici-ty, so consider saving money byreplacing incandescent lightbulbs with energy-sipping com-pact fluorescent light bulbsCFLs. Energy Star-rated CFLsuse 75 percent less energy andlast up to 10 times longer thanstandard bulbs. Placing CFLs injust five of your home's morecommonly used light fixturescould save you up to $70 a year,according to the EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

Safety for all agesWinter often sees plenty of

guests, delivery people andrepairmen coming to your home.Consider ways to make yourhouse safer for all ages that enterit.

If you'll be having very youngguests, a childproofing kit canhelp ensure grandchildren, niecesand nephews, or even your ownkids, won't be able to opendoors, cabinets or drawers thatmight get them in trouble.Prevent small hands from open-ing hot oven doors with heat-resistant oven locks. Hide wiresand cables with a cord channelso that children won't be temptedto play, and adults won't trip.Consider updating your electricaloutlets with tamper-resistant

ones that help keep out foreignobjects by requiring equal pres-sure on each side of the electricalcord in order to operate.

Don't overlook the role goodhealth plays in security. Considerimproving your indoor air quali-ty with a purifier in guest rooms.Add grab bars in bathrooms, andmake sure your home's smokealarms and carbon monoxidedetectors are all in good workingorder; replace them if they're not.

With a few simple homeimprovements, you can savemoney, feel more secure andbrighten the dark days of winterfor your whole family.

home improvement

BBrriigghhtteenn wwiinntteerr''ss ddaarrkk ddaayyss wwiitthh ssiimmpplleehhoommee ssaaffeettyy,, sseeccuurriittyy sstteeppss




Around a time when many peo-ple begin to think about newyear’s resolutions and newchanges they would like tomake, what could be a betterway to start a new year, than abedroom makeover? Most wouldagree a new look for the homeenvironment can make a personfeel brand new.

Big Sandy Superstore has spe-cials going on throughout themonth of December, and theywant East Kentuckians to takeadvantage.

From mattresses, to entire bed-room suites, Big Sandy has avariety of bedroom supplies.

“We're about to enter into ourDecember to Remember promo-tion,” said Bedding SpecialistMichael Babb. “Basically we'redoing no interests with 12months financing.”

For bedding selections, BigSandy has all types — Tempur-Pedics, Latex Beds, Dr. BreusBeds (designed by an actualsleep doctor), Sealy, Paramountand Stearns and Foster.

“Bedding in general has comea long way, (with) how innovat-ed it's all become,” Babb said.“We'd probably lean moretowards the specialty beddinglike memory foam or latex, justbecause it's basically pressurefree — no coils, no steel in thebed, so you feel no pressurewhatsoever.”

Babb said these beds offerabsolute comfort because theyform to the body, rather thanrequiring the body to form tothem.

“That way, you're supportedhead to toe and worry free,” hesaid. “You get a plentifulnight's rest and wake up feelinggood in the morning.”

Babb said part of theDecember to Remember promo-tion is the give away of freegifts, such as Blu-ray players,

iPod items and iPads, withselect purchases.But mattresses are only one areaof bedroom makeover possibili-ties. Big Sandy is offering bedsstarting at $599, along with fur-niture for complete bedroomsuites.Kendra Strong, furniture profes-sional, said some of the furni-ture items are priced individual-ly, while some are priced togeth-er.Strong said the bedroom suitethat is considered top-notch, isone that includes a bed for$1,099, a dresser and mirror for$1,499, a chest for $899 and anightstand for $549.

“This is our best quality,”Strong said. “It's actually reallyneat because it's got little hiddenfeatures.”

These features include slidingcompartments for storage on thenightstand, as well as the chest,English dove tail on the frontand back of the drawers, cornerblocks to help support theweight of the drawers, and woodon wood glides.

“These wood on wood glidesare soaked in bee's wax for 48hours,” Strong said. “It makes asmoother glide, so that overtime you've actually got asmoother drawer instead of itgetting rough and sticking.”

Strong said this suite is a greatvalue for the quality that it is.“It's really nice stuff,” she said.“It's stuff that will last youyears, and years, and years.”

As far as a bargain bedroomsuite goes, Strong said the leastexpensive bed is ideal for some-

one wanting a sharp lookingbedroom at an inexpensiveprice.

The $599 bed includes a head-board, footboard, rails and adresser and mirror. It can also bepaired with a matching chest for$299 and a nightstand for $149.This display furniture in thestore is shown in cherry, butStrong said it can also be pur-chased in black.Whether you or someone youknow is on the lookout for anew bedroom piece, a wholenew suite, or simply a morecomfortable night’s rest, BigSandy is offering a variety ofchoices this holiday season; andit couldn’t hurt to win an iPadwhile you’re at it, could it?

home improvement

Deck the halls...and your bedroomwhile you’re at it

News-Express photo by Kendall Atkins LivickThis bedroom suite is considered the best quality at Big Sandy. The chest and drawers include secret compart-

ments, English dove tail on the front and back of the drawers, corner blocks, and wood on wood glides.



(ARA) - Today's TVs can domore than most of us could haveever imagined, from displaying3D images to connecting to theInternet. But those advances intechnology have also made itmore complicated for the aver-age person shopping for a newtelevision.

Are you having trouble tellingthe difference between LED andPlasma TVs? Perhaps you coulduse help with some of the tech-nical terms used to describe theTVs right now.

Richard Doherty, researchdirector for The EnvisioneeringGroup, has his finger on thepulse of today's latest technolo-gies and the challenges con-sumers face when shopping for anew TV.

"The good news is that con-sumers have incredible optionswhen it comes to buying HDTVsthis season," says Doherty. "Butchoosing the ideal one can getsomewhat intimidating if youdon't know exactly what you arelooking for and what works bestin your home."

Here is a guide to help makesure the next TV you buy is theright one for you:

Display typesUnderstanding what your TV

will most be used for will helpyou decide what type of TVworks best for you.

Plasma or PDP (PlasmaDisplay Panel): These screensuse a combination of phosphorsand plasma gas which lights upto create an image; similar tohow a fluorescent light works.Many experts consider plasmadisplays the better choice forhome theater enthusiasts becausethey provide deep black levels,extremely accurate color repro-duction and a wider viewingangle than most LCD sets, soalmost no matter where you'resitting in the room, you can still

enjoy a natural, vivid HDTVpicture. Plasma will also appealto people who watch a lot of fastaction, such as sports due totheir ultra-fast response timewhich creates smoother, morenatural motion.

LCD (Liquid-Crystal Display):This type of display uses a com-bination of liquid crystal cells acolor filter and a fluorescentbacklight unit to create the pic-ture. LCD can produce abrighter picture which makes it agood choice for use in a brightroom or areas where ambientlight cannot be avoided. LCDTVs come in many sizes, rang-ing from 22-inch class TVs forthe kitchen to 26- and 32-inchclass sets for the bedroom to 42-, 47- and 55-inch class sizes foryour main viewing room.

LED (LCD with LED Lighting):This type of LCD replaces fluo-rescent backlighting with anarray of light emitting diodes(LEDs). This type of lightingenables the set to have a thinnerprofile (some as thin as 1 inch indepth), bright vivid picture andthey are generally more energyefficient. LG offers advancedsets using Full LED backlightingwhich means improved contrast,a very high brightness level anda pristine picture, in an extreme-ly thin and more energy efficientpackage.

Picture qualityPicture quality is a very broad

term and can mean differentthings to different people. Hereare a few key terms/features tobe familiar with when buyingyour next TV:

Resolution: Most wide screenHDTVs will have a resolution ofeither 720p or 1080p. Oftenreferred to as "Full HD", 1080presolution means a TV canaccept and display incoming sig-

nals at full HD resolution fromsources such as a BluRay Discplayer. Utilizing over 2 millionpixels to display the images pro-vides the most clear and detailedpicture available today. 720presolution is also a high defini-tion format, and can also acceptthe "Full HD" signals; howeverthe picture will be displayed uti-lizing approximately 1 millionpixels, still a stunning experi-ence.

Refresh rate: For sports fans, afast refresh rate (expressed inhertz or Hz) is very important.This helps to reduce motion blurno matter how fast the actiongets. Standard LED and LCDsets have a refresh rate of 60Hzand those equipped with LGTrueMotion, offer faster speedsof 120Hz, 240Hz and 480Hz.Most Plasma TVs feature 600Hzsub-field driving and are greatfor watching fast-action sports.

THX certification: THX, theorganization that created thedesign and certification pro-grams for cinemas, also hasdeveloped a program to certifypicture quality. To receive thiscertification, TVs must undergorigorous testing to prove that thetelevision is able to recreate thevivid contrast, bright colors, anddetail present when a movieleaves the director's studio.Currently, LG is the only TVmanufacturer in North Americato have garnered 2D certificationfor an LED (LE8500 andLX9500) and its 3D Plasma isthe first 3D TV to receive 3DCertification from THX(PX950).

Advanced featuresToday's TVs come with other

incredible features and under-standing everything a TV can dowill certainly help steer you inthe right direction when its timeto buy your next TV.

3DTV: The ability to deliverHDTV's supreme detail has beenaround for more than decadenow, but some of the latest TVsalso are 3D capable. More sta-tions are jumping on the trend,as ESPN will broadcast a num-ber of football games this seasonin 3D and more and moremovies will become available on3D Blu-ray discs. 3D is avail-able on Plasma and LCD screensand LG's PX950 Plasma 3D TVis the first ever 3D TV toachieve the THX certificationfor picture quality. With theaction literally jumping off thescreen, the 3D experience isgreat for viewing with familyand friends.

Internet connectivity: Tappinginto the Internet's virtually end-less options for entertainmentand information no longerrequires a computer. TVs withLG's NetCast technology allowusers to access some of the bestmedia and entertainment outletsthat the Web has to offer. On thebest screen in your home, youcan now enjoy Netflix, Yahoo!,VUDU, Cinema Now, YouTubeand Picasa.

"Even with all the options outthere, the tried-and-true methodof going with what looks best,feels right and will last a longtime, still works when pickingout a TV," Doherty says. "Butit's always best to arm yourselfwith some technical knowledgebefore making your decision."

technology

DDeecciipphheerriinngg tthhee tteecchhnniiccaall lliinnggoo wwhheennbbuuyyiinngg aa nneeww TTVV



(ARA) - A new home: It's yourchance to personalize your livingspace with details that suit yourtaste and personality. Or, so youthink. Many builders only allowyou to choose colors; and offerlimited options beyond theirbuilders' grade materials. Or, ifyou've purchased a previouslyowned home, it too is most likelyequipped with many basic options.

Luckily, it's easy to bust out ofbuilder basics and add a few easyand inexpensive updates to makeyour cookie-cutter home stand outfrom the rest. And what betterplace to start than the heart of yourhome - the kitchen?

"A minor kitchen remodel is real-ly one of the easiest ways you canmake the most of your home -while also giving it your own per-sonal style," says Danny Lipford,renowned home improvementexpert and host of the nationallysyndicated TV show, Today'sHomeowner with Danny Lipford."Plus, according to Remodelingmagazine, it's one of the top fiveprojects that will recoup yourinvestment when it comes time tosell."

Not sure where to start? Lipford

recommends these five projects:

Cool countertops. If your kitchenis like most, you probably havelaminate countertops, since theyare available in a variety of colorsand patterns and are relativelyinexpensive ($10 - $30 per squarefoot). However, they lack style andscratch and buckle easily. To giveyour kitchen a high-end look, con-sider updating your countertopswith a more resistant surface, suchas solid surface, a molded resinthat is stain-resistant and mimicsthe look of concrete ($35 - 80 persquare foot); marble, which inaddition to its natural beauty isheat-resistant ($40 - $100 persquare foot); or engineered stone,which is a mix of quartz and resinsto create an extremely durable andfashionable surface ($45 -$90 persquare foot).

Fabulous faucets. Does yourfaucet have a pullout spout with abeautiful finish that coordinateswith the rest of your decor? If not,it's time for an upgrade. For lessthan $200, you can easily swapyour no-frills faucet for one thatadds functionality and fashion.

Moen offers a variety of stylishhigh-arc pullout kitchen faucetswith new innovative finishes, suchas the Neva pullout faucet.Available at Lowe's.

Luxurious lighting. Fluorescentlighting in the kitchen is a staplefor many builders since it's func-tional and inexpensive. However,it's not very aesthetically pleasing.Luckily, replacing fluorescentlighting is a simple project that willinstantly make a style statement inyour kitchen. Try one of theseoptions: Track lighting, which is afixture that sits close to the ceiling,but features multiple decorativelamps in a row; pendant lamps,which extend down from the ceil-ing like a chandelier; or mini pen-dant lamps, which offer a smallerversion of a pendant and are avail-able in a variety of styles anddesigns; are all ideal and easy-to-install options.

Wonderful walls. Are your wallsstill white or beige, plain slabs?Adding color and texture is an easyway to make a dramatic difference.Painting is the simplest tactic - andby using a high-quality paint, in a

semi-gloss or eggshell finish, youcan additionally make your wallseasier to clean. However, don't stopthere. Adding textures withupdates, such as wainscoting,crown molding or even a tile back-splash are easy enough for a DIYer- and can be cost effective as well.

Fabulous floors. As the foundationof the room, you want your kitchenfloor to sweep you off your feet -not send you packing. So, if yoursis more "blah" than "beautiful," it'stime for an update. Luckily, thereare many choices available - fromhigh-end choices, such as hard-wood or natural stone; to moreaffordable options, such as ceramictile and laminate. And, with thewide array of colors, designs andtextures available with each, youcan create a dramatic update thatfits your budget and your uniquedesign style.

With a few simple updates the onlything cookie-cutter about yourkitchen is what you're baking. Formore information about Moen prod-ucts, visit www.moen.com.

home improvement

FFiivvee pprroojjeeccttss ttoo ttaakkee yyoouurr hhoommee ffrroomm ccooookkiiee ccuutttteerr ttoo ccuussttoomm


(ARA) - They frame your favoriteview and are key to making your homecomfortable in summer and winter, yetmost people don't think about them untilthey stop working properly. But, if yourwindows aren't performing as well asthey should, now is a great time to con-sider replacing them.

Until the end of 2010, the U.S. govern-ment's Residential Energy EfficiencyTax Credit can credit you with 30 per-cent of window material costs, up to$1,500, for making qualifying efficiencyupgrades to your home.

Poorly performing windows canaccount for 35 to 40 percent of yourhome's heat loss in the winter and areoften even less effective at keeping yourhome cool in summer. That's literallythrowing your money out the window.Today's double and triple-pane windowsare worlds apart from the windows soldjust 10 years ago.

Replacement window frames offerimproved protection from air and waterinfiltration over older windows, and theenergy-efficient innovations in glass

options can really make a difference inyour home's comfort. To meet the quali-fications for the Energy Efficiency TaxCredit, Milgard Windows & Doorsincorporates advanced technologies toimprove your home's energy efficiency.Its SunCoat Low-E glass and EdgeGardthermal spacers provide the insulatingpower needed to keep your home com-fortable all year round. But the hundredsof combinations and choices can beoverwhelming. To avoid dealing with anoverly-confusing list of window choic-es, the company offers energy packagesthat configure the window's individualcomponents for you, based on yourdesired energy performance level andgeographic location.

When looking for energy efficient win-dows, most manufacturers recommendstarting with the ENERGY STAR stick-er. A good window will have a labelfrom the National Fenestration RatingsCouncil (NFRC) and have ENERGYSTAR ratings as well. On the NFRClabel you'll see the manufacturer's name,a description of the window, plus a U-

value and solar heat gain coefficient(SHGC) numbers. Lower U-values andSHGC numbers mean better insulation,but look closely. To qualify for theEnergy Efficiency Tax Credit, each ofyour windows must have a U-value of.30 or less and SHGC of .30 as well.You also should consider the manufac-

turer's warranty when shopping for win-dows. Just as some windows work hard-er than others to keep your home com-fortable, some manufacturers are morewilling than others to stand behind theirproducts with the service and support

you expect from a major home pur-chase. Look for a full lifetime warranty,and check to see if labor costs and glassbreakage is included.Winter is right around the corner and, if

you act soon, you can take advantage ofthe soon-to-expire tax credit for makingvaluable improvements to your ownhome with replacement windows. To getstarted, you can find a qualified replace-ment window dealer by visitingwww.milgard.com or by calling (800)645-4273.

AArree yyoouu tthhrroowwiinngg mmoonneeyyoouutt tthhee ((eenneerrggyy iinneeffffiicciieenntt)) wwiinnddooww??


(ARA) - Feel like there'snever enough room in yourhome to store everything?Chances are you don't needmore square footage, you justneed to get organized.

"Luckily, getting organizeddoesn't have to be difficult orexpensive," says DannyLipford, home improvementexpert and host of "Today'sHomeowner." "The key is tofind products that marry inno-vation and practicality to helpmake home organization easy."

While overhauling your wholehome may seem intimidating,start with the three rooms thattend to be the culprits of chaos- the kitchen, bathroom andgarage. Check out these hothome helpers that will soonmake your spaces more organ-ized and enjoyable, all at anaffordable price.

In the kitchen

Savvy storageWhen it's time to put away left-overs, do you struggle to findmatching lids and bowls? Or doyour plastic storage containersseem to take over your entirestorage space? Update yourmismatched wares with SmartSpin Storage Containers. Theyoffer three different storagesizes and a holder keeps all thestorage containers and univer-sal-sized lids organized in lessthan one square foot ($20).

Use unused spaceMost bathrooms are equippedwith accessories to keep towelsneat and at your fingertips, sowhy not use the same organiza-tion tools in the kitchen? Forless than $25, you can add atowel bar, towel ring or robehook, such as the Sage or Reedcollections at Bed Bath &Beyond, on the side of a cabi-net or an island to keep dishtowels handy (and off thefloor), while adding a stylish

look to the kitchen.

In the bathroom

Shower and storageSpace and storage are key con-cerns in bathroom design; luck-ily, you can create up to 5 1/2additional inches of elbow roomin the shower, while alsoadding extra hanging space fordaily essentials with the newDouble Curved Shower Rodfrom Moen ($59.99). DoubleCurved Shower Rods, availableat Bed Bath & Beyond, alsooffer visual appeal with a sepa-rate rod for the decorativeshower curtain - or provide eas-ily accessible space to hangyour towels.

Simple space solutionNo matter how organized yourbathroom, it's always tough tofind a place for the many dailynecessities that we want at ourfingertips. Now, you can easilykeep these items within arm'sreach - yet off the vanity - withnew Towel Bar Hooks andShower Rod Hooks from Moen($10). These ingenious, S-shaped hooks snap right ontoyour current towel bar or show-er rod to offer convenientaccess for a variety of items,such as clothing, jewelry, tow-els, travel bags and more.

In the garage

Up and outWhen looking for more storagespace in the garage, don't forgetto look up. Often overlooked,the overhead area is ideal tosuspend a variety of largeritems, such as bikes, that takeup coveted floor space. Foronly a few dollars, you can pur-chase large plastic-coated hooksthat easily screw into the ceil-ing joist and allow you to hangthe bicycle upside down by thetires. Or try a bike hoist ($39)that also suspends the bike from

the ceiling - but uses a pulleyto make lifting the bike easier.

Balls, bats and shovels, oh myUnfortunately, most itemsstored in the garage are largeand irregularly shaped, makingit difficult to neatly store themon shelves. Specialized organi-zation systems for sportinggoods and lawn equipment areavailable to confine anythingfrom bats and balls to shovelsand rakes. The RacorPro X-Rack Sports EquipmentOrganizer ($79.99) sets up

quickly and easily and the bas-ket design will entice anyone totoss their items in. Or, try theFunnel Fits Long Handle ToolStorage System ($26) that snapsgarden tools like shovels, rakesand brooms onto the wall andout of the way.

With a few innovative, practicaland affordable products, yourhome will be more organized inno time. For more informationabout Moen products, visitwww.moen.com or www.bed-bathandbeyond.com.

home improvement

HHoott hhoommee hheellppeerrss uunnddeerr $$110000:: EEaassyy,, aaffffoorrddaabblleeoorrggaanniizzaattiioonn ssoolluuttiioonnss


continued from page 11room will feel. Lower ceilings will feel cozierbecause the metal has reflective properties thatwill pull your space inward. Depending on theambiance you want to create, metal ceilingsare a great architectural feature to add.

13.) Metal picture frames can be subtle orbold: For years in home decorating, metal pic-ture frames came in a few styles and were notthought of as ‘décor’. In modern day, pictureframes come in a variety of big and bold stylesas well as unconventional minimalistic detailedvarieties. When decorating your home usegroups of varying sizes of picture frames toadd visual interest on a wall, or table. For bar-gains, visit discount home décor stores andbrowse through their clearance area. Pictureframes are always on sale, you just might haveto dig!

14.) Metal bed framing and headboards cancompliment your bedroom: Wrought iron headand foot boards give a romantic and femininefeel to a bedroom. To add more romanticdetailing opt for a wrought iron canopy bedand consider draping sheer material from thetop of the canopy to the bottom at the four cor-ners. When paired with soft bedding, and fab-rics, wrought iron loses its hard edge andbecomes a welcome addition in a romanticbedroom.

15.) Cabinet door pulls in kitchen and bathsmakes a design statement: Cabinetry in yourhome can look simple and refined withoutpulls, or it can be accessorized by adding doorpulls in complimentary metals. If your design

style is sleek and modern, consider using long,thin brushed nickel cabinetry and drawer pulls.Do you prefer a more traditional and detailedoption? Try using large, dark bronze pulls thatwill attract the eye instantly. Often forgotten,cabinet and drawer pulls can be mixed andmatched for an eclectic punch to your kitchenas well.

16.) Metal roofing lasts longer than traditionalroofing: Metal roofing doesn’t have to meanthe industrial standing seam metal roofs foundon commercial buildings. In residential design,copper, and even steel modular shingles arebecoming increasingly popular for their dura-bility and color choices. If you’re in the marketto choose roofing materials, research metalroof manufacturers to see the vast variety thatthey have. The options will surprise you, andmetal roofing will last longer than asphaltroofing.

17.) Do it yourself projects can make house-hold items metallic: By using do it yourselfmethods you can take an ordinary vase andadd gilding or faux paint techniques. From fur-niture to picture frames, coordinate your décoritems with complimentary metallic styles.Metal leafing is a popular arts and crafts tech-nique that you brush on metal ‘leafs’ and thenbrush away pieces, leaving a gold, silver orbronze shine to any surface. Visit garage salesand antique stores to get inexpensive décorthat you can later add your own artsy touch to!

18.) Metal kitchen counters are popular inhomes: Stainless steel counters are the staplecounter material in professional kitchens and

restaurants, but they are becoming more com-mon now in residential design. Stainless steelcomes in a variety of finishes and styles. Ifyou prefer a matte finish that shows less wearand tear or if you like the highly reflective tra-ditional style, there is a stainless steel thatmeets your décor needs. Remember that metalconducts heat, if you choose a stainless steelcounter, have trivets or an area to place hotpots and pans to prevent the entire counterheating up and becoming unsafe to touch.

19.) Add curb appeal to your home with metalhouse numbers: Architectural lettering,plaques, and signs displaying your addressnumbers are an attractive way to add visualinterest to your front entry. Plaques can be per-sonalized with the last name and/or initial ofthe family to symbolize the homestead. Metalnumbers can be added to the facade of yourhome, or freestanding in your yard or at yourmailbox. Visit your local home improvementstore in the signage area for more options andcustom made-to-order options.

20.) Update your plumbing fixtures to archi-

tectural metals: To add definition to yourkitchen and bathroom update plumbing fix-tures with modern metal. Choose from copper,bronze, nickel, brass and many other metaloptions. Shiny, brushed, or matte finishes canbe varied throughout your home or choosecomplimentary styles at you sinks, tub andshower. Start with one room at a time to ensurethe right look and to save money!

Your home can always be improved withadding metal accents or architectural details.Depending on your taste and decorative style,metal can be a major component to your home,or left for minute details. Bring metals intoyour home and see how it will transform yourspace for the better.


Stainless Steel Countertops

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware


(ARA) - The weather outside isabout to get frigid and frightful,but inside, many homeowners canstill enjoy the comfort and cozi-ness of warmth ... if they don'thave to worry about cold air draftsand leaks causing the temperatureinside to plummet like the climateoutside.

Luckily, for many homeowners,problem areas where cold air issneaking in - and warm air may beescaping - can easily be found,fixed and then forgotten.According to the U.S. Departmentof Energy, the annual energy billfor a typical single family home isabout $2,200. By properly sealingand insulating your home, you cansave up to 10 percent on homeenergy costs. And, you don't needa permanent - and more expensive- draft-blocking solution, such asinstalling new windows, addingmore insulation or replacing olddoors with insulated versions, tostay warm and reap the financialrewards.

Here are a few simple do-it-yourself steps to keep the warmair - and cost savings - in yourhome this winter:

• Find. Perform a home energyaudit to determine where youmight have some issues. Whileyou can pay a professional, thiscan also be done quickly with asimple list and a few householditems.

To start, make a list of potentialproblem areas, including windowsand doors, as well as places wherepipes, electrical outlets, vents andmail slots are located.

To complete the audit, make sureall doors, windows and fireplacechutes are closed, shut off allcombustion appliances, and turnon exhaust fans (in the kitchenand bathrooms, if you have them).Then, take a lit incense stick orcandle and hold it in front of theareas you listed as possible prob-lem sources - leaks and drafts will

cause the smoke or flame to flowin the direction of the air leak. Besure to keep track of any areas inneed of sealing.

You can also shine a flashlightaround doors and windows to lookfor gaps and cracks - if you seelight shining through, you've like-ly found an area in need of fixing.

• Fix. Once you've determined theareas that need attention, look forDIY weatherization products thatcan help. Many cost-effective,easy-to-install solutions are on themarket today, with many formu-lated for specific problem areas.

For leaks around pipes, electricaloutlets, vents or mail slots, con-sider caulk or other specializedproducts, like foam seals, to blockthe drafts.

Drafts around windows can befixed with a window insulationkit, typically a clear plastic filmthat can be placed on the inside oroutside of the window to create adraft-proof seal that can easily beremoved when the cold air clearsout.

Additionally, many window anddoor seals can be applied quicklyand easily, but don't forget aboutthe bottom, where cold air mightbe creeping in.

For leaks under doors and win-dows, look for a solution that will"hug" the bottom to create an air-tight barrier. The Double DraftSeal from Duck brand offers twolayers of protection from drafts,sealing underneath doors and win-dows from both sides, for maxi-mum energy efficiency and ther-mal protection.

• Forget. Take the time to fix theproblem areas now and you'll for-get you had any air leaks anddrafts by the time the weatherturns frigid and frightful.

For DIYers, it's as simple as tak-ing the time to find the cold airsources, choosing the right prod-ucts to block the drafts and

installing them properly.The fall offers many perfect

opportunities to get DIY weather-ization done. And, many of theseprojects can be completed in aweekend and then forgottenthroughout the cold winter months

- all without breaking the bank.For more information and tips towinterize your home, visitDuckBrand.com/HomeSmart.

maintenance

FFiinndd,, ffiixx aanndd ffoorrggeett -- ssiimmppllee sstteeppss ttoo wweeaatthheerriizzeeyyoouurr hhoommee tthhiiss wwiinntteerr


(ARA) - Putting off that homeimprovement project? Waiting toolong could be detrimental to yourwallet.

On Dec. 31, the federal tax creditworth up to $1,500 for energy-effi-cient home improvements willexpire, leaving procrastinatinghomeowners out in the cold - or atleast chilly from their old, draftywindows.

In addition to tax credit savings,many window sellers are offeringsavings on qualifying windows dur-ing October, which happens to beNational Energy Awareness month.

"The timing couldn't be better forvalue shoppers to make the invest-ment into new energy efficient win-dows for their homes," says ErinJohnson, window expert forEdgetech I.G. "Special offers andtax credits will add up throughDecember, but the long-term sav-ings on energy bills will be long-lasting if consumers do their home-work to find the right windows tomeet all of their needs."

Shopping for replacement win-dowsThe first rule of thumb when shop-ping for new sustainable windowsis to understand what the labelsmean, and to read them carefully.Windows that bear the ENERGYSTAR label are proven to reduceheating and cooling costs, and areNational Fenestration RatingsCouncil (NFRC) approved for U-factor (the rate of heat loss throughthe window) and solar heat gain(how well the window blocks heatfrom the sun).

To meet the federal tax creditrequirements, windows mustachieve a .30 U-factor and .30 solarheat gain coefficient, and this infor-mation should be clearly marked onthe windows. But to ensure thelong-term performance of replace-ments, there are a number of otherfactors that should be considered,including condensation resistance.

"The existence of condensation onwindows is a sign that a window isinefficient," Johnson says. "Thiscan even occur in newer, poorlyconstructed windows and will leadto other problems, including moldand damage to curtains, walls, car-pet and the window itself. Mostimportantly, moisture can lead toseal failure and the need to replacethe entire window system."

Some NFRC labels include con-densation resistance (CR), which isreported on a scale from one to100, and measures the ability of aproduct to resist formation of con-densation on the interior surface ofthe product. The higher the CR rat-ing, the better that product is atresisting condensation formation.While this rating cannot predictcondensation, it can provide a cred-ible method of comparing thepotential of various products forcondensation formation. This ratingis not required to be posted on newwindows - so be sure to do yourhomework if it isn't there.

The primary component to watchfor to prevent condensation is thespacer - the window componentthat separates and seals the twopanes of glass. According to theNFRC, an important step towardreducing the potential for condensa-tion is the use of a warm edge spac-er system that reduces the conduc-tivity through the edge of the win-dow.

"Non-metal, dual-sealed warmedge spacer systems, such as SuperSpacer, are less conductive thanmetal spacers, which leads to lesscondensation in insulating glasswindows," Johnson says. "Becauseof its all-foam, no-metal design,Super Spacer offers the highestcondensation resistance in theindustry."According to Johnson, all-foam

spacers have other benefits that willensure the long-term energy per-formance of replacement windows."Rigid, metal spacers do not bend,so over time stress from wind,snow and barometric pressurechanges can cause the seal to crack.A flexible spacer will expand andcontract with weather changes,keeping the seal intact and the win-dow performing longer," she says.A survey conducted by the

Alliance to Save Energy found that64 percent of homes in the U.S.have single-pane windows, whichcontribute up to 35 percent of ener-gy wasted in buildings. In cold cli-mates, energy-efficient, dual-panewindows with low-e coatings canreduce heating bills by as much as34 percent. In warm climates, theycan cut cooling costs by 38 percent.

For more energy-efficient windowbuying tips and tax credit informa-tion, visit www.sustainaview.com.

home improvement

FFeeddeerraall ttaaxx ccrreeddiittss sseett ttooeexxppiirree bbyy eenndd ooff yyeeaarr

home improvement4.) Add décor to your garden with metal orna-mentation: Ever thought of re-using an oldwheel barrow as a planter in your garden?Metal pails, over sized watering cans and rus-tic metal trash cans make for creative décor inthe yard and garden areas. Plant seasonalflowers in them, or consider adding a splash ofcolor with paints or stains. Brighten up theexterior or your home with metal planters andsee how a dismal garden is suddenly livelier.

5.) Metal office furniture looks great in thehome: It may sound odd, but office furniture inthe home has a huge trend in décor today,especially metal furniture. Especially chairsthat have been repurposed and finishes thathave been painted over in metallic paints orleft unchanged are big for dining rooms. Lookat office consignment and second hand furni-ture shops for office furniture that might beslightly worn, but can be resurfaced. It iscommon for offices will change a furniturestyle and get rid of hundreds of chairs at onetime!

6) Exposed metal can add an industrial feel todécor: Exposed concrete floors, and visiblemetal heat/air conditioning duct work can addan industrial feel to a loft or studio apartment.Open floor plans that show off stainless steelappliances, and metal furnishings can bring asense of masculinity to your home. Considerusing streamlined furniture and minimalisticdécor to up play the metal accents in yoururban retreat.

7.) Metal architectural brackets add decorativeemphasis to shelving: Want to add pizazz to agenerally ordinary shelf? Consider buyingmetal brackets to compliment the existingmetal touches in your space. For an inexpen-sive touch, buy metallic spray paint in varyingshades to give old brackets a new look. Bymixing shades your finished product will havean antiqued look as though it’s aged. Makesure and wait for complete drying betweencoats, before applying a new coat.

8.) Add a metal bench to your front entry towelcome in guests: Whether it is a grand parkbench or a smaller version, benches in a frontentry, gardens or under a tree makes a wel-come addition to your home. For wood andmetal benches seal the wood with a water sealproduct and use a polyurethane sealant on themetal to preserve the finish and reduce rustbuildup.

9.) Use metal hand rail to bring decorativestyling into your home: hand rail range inmaterials from rod iron to steel tension cablevarieties. Depending on your décor, select

hand rail that contrast your interiors. Darkhand rail look striking when paired with neu-tral and light colors. Ornate and intricate handrail can bring a sense of tradition while simpleand clean lined hand rail fit more modern andcontemporary décor.

10.) Door hardware comes in a variety of gor-geous metals: Have you ever noticed how anordinary door can be transformed by addingbeautiful hardware? Change out your front entrydoor hardware for a contrasting metal finish, andsee how your front door will take on new life.For interior doors visit your local hardware orhome improvement store. Hardware can rangefrom brushed nickel to aged bronze. For easiergripping for elderly, children or handicapped, optfor a pull down handle hardware as opposed toturn knob handles.

11.) Light up your home with metal lightingfixtures: Lighting plays a huge role in how

comfortable your home is. Chandeliers, wallsconces and pendant lighting in complimentarymetals to your décor can be formal or casual.An ornate metal iron chandelier with crystalcan make for an ‘oxymoron’ fixture. The rusticmetal combined with faux candles or hangingcrystals is a mix of conflicting materials thatwill make a grand foyer or dining room stun-ning.

12.) Metal ceilings add grandeur to a room:Embossed tin paneling is common in homelibraries and entertaining areas. Metal panelsalso have faux finishes that look like preciousmetals as well as steel ceilings can give anindustrial or high tech feeling to a room. Thehigher the ceiling you intend to put the metalpanel on the more stately the

continued on page 12



From the exterior of your home to the interior,metals have been used to beautify homes sincethe beginning of time. Metals are one of themost precious materials found on Earth, andwhen used in the home they can representstrength, beauty, and status. Depending on thefinish and how the metal is used, your interiordécor and exterior detailing can be trans-formed instantly with timeless metals. Checkout these 20 best ways to beautify your homewith metals, you will love the result!

1.) Galvanized metal and recycled aluminumare perfect for décor: Metals can have a shinyfinish to reflect light and give a formal look todécor. When galvanized metal is left unfin-ished a rustic and worn finished is leftexposed. Perfect for shelving, and accent trimon furniture, cabinetry and doors.

2.) Metal grills have many exterior uses: Onoutdoor porches and sun rooms, metal grillsare commonplace as wall ornaments. Usethem to welcome guests at your front door orgroup them on a long bare wall leading to theentrance of your home. Metal grills can befound at art supply stores, as well as homeimprovement centers in the garden area.

3.) Use metal in your kitchen/bath backsplashto add glimmer: When used in small quantitiesshiny metal tiles for a backsplash make for apop of excitement to a kitchen wall. If youdon’t want the all over ‘glam’ opt for usingaccent metal copper or bronze tiles, amongstmatte finish tiles. Some mosaic tiles haverandom metallic tile sheets that make a back-splash more visually appealing and easier toinstall on your own.

home improvement

2200 BBeesstt WWaayyss MMeettaall wwiillllBBeeaauuttiiffyy yyoouurr HHoommee

Metal Wall Grill

Metal Roofing

Metal tile backsplash



(ARA) - Winter may cause manyhomeowners to contemplate a newheating system or other majorinvestments, but some small, smartinvestments can often go just as fartoward protecting your home andsaving you cash. Through the prop-er home maintenance techniques,you can keep typical damagecaused by snow, ice and rain at bayand avoid major home repairs.

One of the best ways to protectyour property from the elements isby sealing surfaces where rain, ice,wind and melting snow canintrude. You can save thousands inrepair costs when spring arrives bysealing windows, doors, the roofand even the driveway now, beforethe damage occurs.

Seal from the top downWinter elements - from tempera-

ture extremes, ice and snow, towind, rain and water intrusion - cancause extensive damage to roofs,exterior walls, garages, windows,driveways, patios and pavers, side-

walks and other exposed areas.Sealing cracks in these areas cankeep out winter's intrusive, damag-ing elements and prevent costlyproblems.

Fall sealing prevents spring leaksMany expensive, major spring

roof repairs start as simple leaksthat could have been solvedthrough sealing. The most commonroof leaks begin around chimneys,skylights, pipes, flashing and vents.

As part of your fall maintenanceroutine, seal these potential prob-lem areas by troweling on asphaltcement such as Leak Stopper orAll-Weather Roof Cement. Or try anew product - Black Jack NeopreneFlashing Cement, a 100 percentrubber formula that gets tougherover time.

For flat or low-slope asphalt roofsthat are cracking at the seams,reseal with Black Jack Roof &Foundation Coating.Take the chill off winter energybills

Heat loss is a major cause of high

winter energy bills. But accordingto Energy Star, you can save up to20 percent on heating and coolingcosts - or up to 10 percent on yourtotal annual energy bill - simply bysealing and insulating.

Outside, use 100 percent acryliccaulk to seal around windows, out-door water spigots, door frames,wall seams and corners, garagedoors and under eaves. Caulk any-where pipes, ducts or vents enterthe home. Seal around any seamsor cracks in walls and ceilings.Indoors, seal any breaks in walls orceilings with fume-free SMARTzero-VOC elastomeric caulk. Alsoseal dryer vents, exhaust fans,pipes, ceiling ducts, recessed light-ing and attic hatches.

Don't forget the drivewayRoad salt and driveway ice melt

products may do the trick to keepdriveways and sidewalks frombeing slippery, but they take a toll

on asphalt and cement surfaces.Pitting and cracks from winterwater happen, and salt and chemi-cals can intrude into small drive-way or sidewalk cracks, creatingmajor repair issues come spring.Sealing your driveway, sidewalkand patio can help prevent damage.

To avoid expensive problems,caulk cracks in asphalt or concretewith Black Jack or Gardner crackfillers. Then seal concrete (cement)driveways, patios and sidewalkswith Krystal Brilliance, a 100 per-cent acrylic clear sealer that effec-tively stops salt and water damage.For asphalt (blacktop) surfaces, usea long-lasting sealer like GardnerPro7 or Black Jack Ultra-Maxx1000 to reseal your driveway.

The time and money spent onsealing your home now can saveyou thousands more when warmweather arrives. Visit www.gard-ner-gibson.com to learn more aboutsealant products.

decorating

KKeeeepp wwaarrmm aanndd ddrryy bbyy sseeaalliinngg yyoouurr hhoommee



Patina• Vintage-inspired looks are a staple at High Point,and this season is no different• Pieces ranging from seating to case goods sportfaded paint in patchwork configurations

Height conscious tables• Clusters of side and coffee tables provide a lay-ered look with height and size variations• Many showrooms are displaying these tables inclusters of two and three.• Natuzzi’s new brand Italsofa showcased variedheight side tables that popped with colors like tealand green

decorating

Dovetail Furniture at High Point 2010, North Carolina

HHiigghh PPooiinntt FFuurrnniittuurree MMaarrkkeett RReeppoorrtt:: FFaallll 22001100

Natuzzi at High Point 2010, North Carolina

Vintage print• Printed vintage text is a commonstyling choice for cushions, sofas andchairs• Printing is done on rustic canvas orlinen, largely solid, but also seen inAmericana blue or red stripes

Peninsula Home Collection at HighPoint 2010, North Carolina

Vintage Revival• Vintage and antique inspired pieces were seen with fresh detailsand twists• At The Bramble Co. printed wood from vintage crate boxes wererepurposed into a writing desk• Patina and chipped paint blurs the line between authenticantiques, repurposed materials and reproductions

Metal work• Metal work is an important category at the market, and this season,

wrought iron table legs, lamps and accents dominated• Bronze was seen in lighting at Julian Chichester

• Aged metal was used widely to create an antiqued aesthetic

Julian Chichester at High Point 2010, North Carolina

The Bramble Co. at High Point 2010, North Carolina

Contemporary touch• Contemporary design

popped in a market that isdominated by traditional

and vintage-inspired style• Modern lines and clean

finishes were compli-mented by white, wood

and black

American Leather atHigh Point 2010,

North Carolina

(ARA) - Being a homeowner meansbeing vigilant. From the roof to thefoundation, you need to keep a closeeye on your house to guard againstdamage to your investment and to pro-tect the place your family calls home.

Water damage is one of the most com-mon problems that homeowners need towatch for. Home appliances, like dish-washers and washing machines, can besome of the leading causes of waterdamage inside the home. That's why it'sequally important to look for potentialsources of water damage inside yourhome as it is to check for outdoor prob-lems.

If you catch water damage early, youcan save yourself a lot of stress andmoney, but letting it slide can cost you:Safeco Insurance estimates that theaverage cost of repairing water damageis around $5,000, a significant figure forany homeowner. However, if you takeaction to prevent water damage in thefirst place, you'll give yourself extrapeace of mind for the future.

Signs of water damage can be subtle: aripple in your wallpaper, a hint of a yel-low stain. If you see signs like these, it'sbest to start investigating them as soonas possible. But where should you bewatching for water damage in yourhome? Use this check list to protectyour home - once you've gone throughit, you'll be able to relax, knowing thatyour home is water tight.

• The kitchen. While kitchens are typi-cally a place of warm memories sur-rounding the dinner table, many of itscomponents have the potential to causecostly water damage to your home.Using your appliances is essential and ifsomething goes wrong, it is nice to havethe peace of mind that you'll be protect-ed. You can protect yourself by invest-ing in a dishwasher that has built-inleak-protection technology. Dishwashersfrom Bosch home appliances, like theBosch 800 Plus Dishwasher, areequipped with the comprehensiveAquaStop Leak Protection System. Thesystem features a double walled inlethose that immediately stops water at the

source upon recognizing a leak in thehose. Should the leak occur at the baseof the dishwasher, the system will auto-matically shut off the machine if itdetects water and will pump the excesswater out to avoid a leak. In addition toyour appliances, you should check forand repair any sink leaks and pull outyour refrigerator to make sure no wateris collecting behind it.

• The utility room. Check your washingmachine's hoses for bulging, crackingand leaks, and keep in mind that theyshould be changed every three to fiveyears as part of regular maintenance.Bosch home appliances also offers itscomprehensive AquaStop LeakProtection System on their Vision wash-ers, which offers homeowners the peaceof mind that their washer will not causecostly damage. Also be sure to checkyour water heater for wet spots on thefloor or rust on the tank. If your homehas a sump pump, test it periodically tomake sure it's functioning properly.

• The bathroom. Sealants are a keymethod of protection in this water-friendly room, but if they aren't in goodcondition, problems can arise. If thecaulk around your shower or bathtub iscracking or coming apart from the wall,remove and replace it. You should alsocheck under your sink and around thetoilet for any loosened fittings or exist-ing leaks.

Once you've checked the inside ofyour home for potential causes of waterdamage, you should also go outside andcheck your home's exterior. Give theroof, walls and gutters a detailed inspec-tion for any cracks or damage that couldlet water in.

By carefully checking your home forsigns of water damage, you can saveyourself the time, money and stress thatcome with having to make majorrepairs. And when you're confident thatyour property is protected against costlydamage, you can sit back and enjoy thecomfort of your home.

maintenance

HHooww wwaatteerr ddaammaaggee ccaauusseeddbbyy yyoouurr cclleeaanniinngg aapppplliiaanncceessccoouulldd cclleeaann oouutt yyoouurr wwaalllleett




(ARA) - It happens every year. Yourhouse looks its absolute best, inside andout, between November and New Year'sday. After all, it's the holiday season andthe time of year when you want to putyour home's best face forward for visit-ing friends and family. Everything'sclean, bright and festooned with cheer-ful holiday decorations. It looks great.No, wait ... that's an understatement. Itlooks fantastic.

Before you know it, it's January. Thetree comes down. The garlands havewilted. The guests have gone home.You've put the gifts away, and the kidshave gone back to school. Suddenlyyour house looks as quiet, stark andboring as a grey winter day ‚Ä¶ andpost-holiday letdown begins to set in.

Don't let it. By brightening up yourinteriors as soon as the holidays areover, you'll create surroundings that willhelp keep the winter blues at bay andmake your house as warm and invitingas it was during all of your year-endfestivities. And, don't worry - you cando it even on the tightest post-holidaybudget. Creating a cozy space for win-ter days doesn't require any major con-struction or costs. Just a few smallchanges can make a big difference.

Paint truly is one of the easiest andmost cost-effective ways to brighten a

room. Nothing transforms a seeminglydreary space more than a fresh coat ofcolor. A high-quality wall paint also canhide any scuffs and scrapes caused bytoo much holiday cheer or during the"un-decorating" process.

"The right paint color can make a tiredroom look cozy and inviting," saysPeggy Van Allen, color specialist forPratt & Lambert. "It also can serve asthe canvas that ties the rest of your dec-orating scheme together - once youbrighten tired walls, you can get inspira-tion for other design elements through-out the space."

Consider selecting rich, saturated wallcolors to warm up the space. Warm,burnished golds. Succulent reds andcranberries. Smooth mochas and boldFrench roast browns. Set off dark colorswith a creamy, white trim for a soft,stylish effect.

When selecting paint, think aboutselecting a coating that has low odorand low VOCs (volatile organic com-pounds) so you can paint indoors, evenin the winter - a time when you don'tnecessarily want to open all the win-dows for extra ventilation. Stain resist-ance is another factor to consider inpaint selection, particularly in high-traf-fic areas, such as kitchens and familyrooms.

The Porcelain paint line from Pratt &Lambert offers both of these options,delivering excellent coverage and stainresistance in a low-odor, low-VOC for-mula that's available in more than 1,000colors.

Paint is just the first step, however.Once you have finished warming upyour rooms with a fresh canvas, youcan add some finishing touches to cre-ate a haven from the cold weather out-side.

"Think of the month or two after thehectic holiday season as a time of rest,relaxation and recovery," Van Allensays. "Chances are you'll spend much ofyour time indoors during these months,so instead of bemoaning the fact thetree is down and it looks bare, makeyour rooms as cozy as possible."

One of the first things you might wantto do is rearrange the furniture in yourmost-used rooms to lessen the feeling ofemptiness in the space. You can giveyour room a new look for free, simplyby moving a few key pieces to newlocations. Also, by moving furniturecloser together, rooms can look particu-larly cozy on a cold day.

Next, think texture. If your windowtreatments are sheer and summery,maybe you'll want to swap them out forsome inexpensive velvet drapes or

enhance existing blinds with a luxuriousvalance. Remove light-colored linen orcotton slipcovers and instead use heav-ier, winter-friendly fabrics in jewel- orfire-inspired tones. Accent them withfluffy throws and embellished decora-tive pillows for the look of extrawarmth. Area rugs can reduce the starklook of a room. Pick rugs with bold col-ors and patterns that complement, butnot necessarily match, your wall color.

In the bedrooms, replace light quiltswith heavier comforters and duvets andconsider using flannel sheets. Add a fewextra pillows to the beds to furtherenhance the cuddle factor. Hang thick,plush towels in rich colors in the bath-rooms and replace existing bath matswith ones that have a thick, luxuriouspile. A new, fabric shower curtain alsowill go a long way toward warming upthe space, despite all of that cold porce-lain and chrome.

With a few simple and inexpensivechanges such as these, there's no needfor you, or your house, to suffer frompost-holiday letdown. Rich color, warmtextures and clever room arrangementscan keep your home looking spectacularand inviting throughout winter's dreari-est months - no holiday decorationsneeded.

decorating

AAvvooiiddiinngg tthhee ppoosstt--hhoolliiddaayy lleettddoowwnn




DDeeccoorraattiinngg

66 Avoid the post-holiday letdown

88 High Point Furniture MarketReport: Fall 2010

HHoommee IImmpprroovveemmeenntt1100 20 Best ways metal will beautifyyour home with metal

1144 5 Projects to take your home fromcookie cutter to custom

1166 Deck the Halls and your bedroomwhile your at it

1188 Divine Design: Washed outbathroom gets ready for guests

1199 It’s beginning to smell a lot like a cozy winter

2244 Brighten winter’s dark days with simple home safety security steps

CCoommmmuunniittyy2222 When God sad jump, these volunteers said...

TTeecchhnnoollooggyy2266 Deciphering the technical lingo when buying a new TV

MMaaiinntteennaannccee2277 Are you throwing money out the(energy inefficient) window?

2288 Hot Home Helpers Under $100

2299 Find, Fix and forget - simple steps to weatherizeyour home this winter

3300 Federal tax credits set to expire by end of year

3322 Keep warm and dry by sealing your home

3333 Avoiding water damage

WINTER 2010

Everyone has his or her ownsense of style. Whether yours isclassic, trendy, bohemian oreven retro, you know whatlooks and feels great for you.Another way to express thatpersonal style is through yourhome's decor.

By incorporating elements andcolors that reflect your person-ality, you'll be sure to create ahome that's comfortable anduniquely you.With a few simpletips, you can easily transformyour home into a more stylishspace.

If you like classic colors andshapes, stick to a neutral shadefor a subdued backdrop. Preferlouder looks? Try an accentwall in one of your favoritehues, like a bright red, burntorange or regal purple.Regardless of your taste, a newcolor that reflects your stylewill easily update any room soit's perfect for you.

Accessorize wisely It's the little details that make a

big difference and many optionsare available to meet any designtaste. Updating the hardware inyour kitchen or bath is a greatway to make an impact quicklyand inexpensively. It's like thejewelry for your home.

If you like a clean look, stickwith sleek metal accents likechrome or stainless steel. If youprefer something more ornate,try knobs or pulls with an intri-cate design in an old world fin-ish, like oil-rubbed bronze.

Lighting is another way tomake a stylish statement.Candles add soft lighting to anyspace, and you can find a shape,height and scent that's perfectfor anyone. Pendant lights in abold color add character andpizzazz, whereas chandeliersare perfect to add drama andglamour to more formal spaces.

Materials matterThe types of materials you usein your home say a lot aboutwho you are and your style. Tobring warmth and a sense of tra-ditional styling, add some woodaccent pieces to any room -frames, a bench or even a bas-ket for magazines. If you'remore minimal and like a trendy,contemporary look, try usingmetal as your showcased mate-rial. From end tables to vases toartwork, you can find metalpieces anywhere

Fabrics found in your homeshould also reflect your person-al style. If you're a "no-fuss, no-muss" type, cotton blends are amust when it comes to blanketsand slipcovers. Do you likethings that have a more luxuri-ous feel to them, heavier fabrics,like velvet or chenille, are moreup your alley. The choices are truly endlesswhen it comes to personalizingyour home. By selecting ele-ments that are reflective of yourtastes and styles, not only willyou be satisfied with your space,but you'll be sure to impress allwho visit your home.

PUBLISHER:Jeff Vanderbeck

SECTION DESIGN: Special Publications Manager

Tracie VanderbeckADVERTISING & LAYOUT DESIGN:

Jordan Hampton

A Special Supplement to the Appalachian News-Express201 Caroline Avenue, Pikeville, Kentucky

606-437-4054

HOME

By Tracie Vanderbeck

ContentsYYoouurr hhoommee,, yyoouurr ssttyyllee::mmeerrggee yyoouurr ppeerrssoonnaall ssttyylleewwiitthh yyoouurr hhoommee''ss ssttyyllee

Use metal accessories toupdate your decor. See moreideas for decorating withmetal on page 10. Photocourtesy of Crate and Barrel.

E V E R Y T H I N G




Everything Home December 2010

Documents

weatherizeyour home

beautifyyour home

transformyour home

home fromcookie cutter

hot home helpers

thatpersonal style

ownsense of style

room soits perfect