Tired kitchen? Bland bath? Quick facelift tips

(ARA) - The winter months often mean gatherings and guests ... and much more time indoors. So, why not give the two rooms that you spend the most time in - the kitchen and bath - a function and fashion facelift?

Luckily, minor updates that are easy, quick and inexpensive can make a major impact. Try some of these simple suggestions from real do-it-yourselfers, and you can make your kitchen and bath more stylish, safe, organized and enjoyable - all in eight, easy steps.

1. One of the easiest and most affordable ways to make over a bathroom is to update with new accessories. With a wide variety of designs and finishes - from traditional to modern - accessories such as towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, towel bar hooks and shelves help get you more organized, while making a dramatic style statement. And don't stop in the bath, towel bars and robe hooks are ideal kitchen additions to keep pot holders and towels close at hand.

2. Next, install new bathroom faucets. With nearly limitless finish, style and function options available, the simple change of a faucet can transform a room in only minutes .

3. It's one of life's constants: Toilet paper always runs out. But changing the roll doesn't have to involve a spring-loaded bar flying across the room. Depending on your decorating tastes, choose from an innovative pivoting paper holder that features a bar you simply lift up to replace the roll or a European-styled design that features an open end for easy roll replacement. Either way, it'll encourage everyone to lend a hand and change the roll.

4. Add style and space in the shower in minutes with a Curved Shower Rod from Moen. Originally seen only in upscale hotels, this unique product adds up to seven more inches of elbow room in the shower. Plus, new S-shaped Shower Rod Hooks snap right onto the shower rod, offering convenient access to hang a variety of items - from towels and robes, to loofahs and shaving kits.

5. When it comes to decking the walls in the kitchen or bath, there's no need for expensive art. Try adding your personal touch with framed photos of family or friends to share experiences or keep memories alive.

6. Looking for storage? Need a place to keep your Merlot or champagne? Wine racks are the perfect answer. But they can even be functional in the bath. Choose a rack in a finish to match the rest of your bath accessories and fill it with rolled hand towels and washcloths.

7. Turn a boring, plain bathroom mirror into a work of art by adding Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames. Mirrorscapes transform plate-glass mirrors into style statements in a matter of minutes. Available in a variety of styles, these easy-to-install frames create a beautifully coordinated, custom-designed look.

8. While style is always a concern, bathroom safety should be, too. In the bath, add grab bars or hand grips. Moen Home Care offers a variety of products such as SecureMount Grab Bars or Hand Grips that are stylish - available in many designs and finishes - and easy to install. In the kitchen, make sure your smoke detectors are working properly and keep a fire extinguisher under the sink for easy access.

With a few simple updates, your kitchen and bath will be more enjoyable, safe and stylish for both you and your house guests.

For more information about Moen products, visit www.moen.com.

'Tax relief' extended for Energy Star windows

Homeowners can receive up to $500 in tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades, like Energy Star windows, in 2011

 

(ARA) - Between 25 to 50 percent of energy used in a home goes right out the window - literally. In most homes, windows provide the biggest openings between indoor and outdoor air, and the biggest opportunity for valuable energy to escape.

To assist homeowners with upgrading from old, drafty windows, the federal government is offering tax credits under a new act signed into law in late 2010. Available until Dec. 31, 2011, the tax credit is for up to 10 percent of the purchase price, excluding labor and materials for installation, and is capped at $200 for qualifying windows and skylights, and $500 for exterior doors.

Qualifying windows, doors and skylights must meet the Energy Star rating. According to Energy Star, installing windows, doors and skylights with the Energy Star label shrinks energy bills - and carbon footprints - by about 7 to 15 percent, compared to non-qualified products.

"Tax credits offer homeowners immediate savings, but the benefits of Energy Star rated windows are long lasting," says Erin Johnson, window expert from Edgetech I.G. "Research shows that in cold climates, energy-efficient, dual-pane windows with low-e coatings can reduce heating bills by as much as 34 percent. In warm climates, they can cut cooling costs by 38 percent."

Understanding Energy Star
While previous tax credits used a standard qualification for all states, the new tax credit is dictated by Energy Star requirements, which vary depending on four climate zones: Northern, North-Central, South-Central, Southern.

North and North-Central zones have stricter U-value requirements, which is the rate heat is lost through a window. In Southern and South-Central zones, the solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is more important because it signifies how well windows block the sun's heat from warming the indoors and counteracting air conditioning.

"For both U-value and SHGC, the lower the number the better the performance," Johnson says. "Requirements vary, so it is important to check Energy Star's website to find windows that qualify in your zone. However, to ensure the best long-term value, you should really look at all factors that make up the window from the glass and framing to the spacer system."

Window components that promote efficiency
True energy-efficient, sustainable windows hold such characteristics as low-conductivity gas fillings (argon or krypton), low-e coatings and nonconductive spacer systems that separate the glass panes. The spacer system is a key element to promoting sustainability in window systems because it provides the seal between the indoor and outdoor air. If that seal fails, condensation will occur and the gas filling will leak and no longer be effective.

"Nonconductive spacers, such as the Super Spacer warm edge spacer system, are known to provide a lasting seal, ensuring the window will retain its energy-efficient benefits for many years," says Johnson.

The outside materials also play a role in efficiency and sustainability.

"Homeowners are better off looking for nonconductive components, framing and sashes," Johnson says. "Wood, composite and fiberglass frames are time-tested and are proven to be the most sustainable and energy efficient, standing up to a wide range of temperatures, UV light and the deteriorating effects of condensation."

Edgetech I.G., an Energy Star partner, is educating homeowners, legislators and companies worldwide on energy conservation and sustainable building practices. To learn more about choosing energy-efficient windows or federal tax credits visit www.sustainaview.com or www.energystar.gov.

Tips to make your current residence home sweet home

(ARA) - Are lower real estate values keeping you in your current home - even though you were hoping to upgrade? Or, maybe you can't bear the thought of boxing up all your belongings to move? You're not alone. More homeowners are staying in their current homes, but remodeling with the idea of improving their quality of life and adding more "live-in value," according to recent research from Consumer Reports.

No matter what your reason for staying put, rest assured; you don't have to move to get the home of your dreams ... just make a few home improvements.

Ooh la la kitchen
Today's kitchens are no longer a place to simply cook and eat. Your kitchen is the "real" living room - for living, working and entertaining - and the ideal room to improve for added enjoyment.

One project to improve your home and "live-in value" is installing a multilevel kitchen island. Not only does this provide an extra work area, but also an informal place for entertaining guests. Central island cooktops and sinks are another option, keeping cooking and clean-up areas within easy reach.

Tying the overall look of the kitchen together will also help to make a style statement you can live with for years to come. Upgrading to stainless steel appliances is a common choice, especially with the latest technologies - such as built-in flat screen televisions or computers on refrigerators - all with a beautiful high-end finish.

Fashionable faucets
Just think of how much time you spend at the sink, from rinsing fruits and vegetables to filling pots and washing hands and dishes. So why not update this kitchen focal point with a new functional and fashionable faucet? High-arc models with pullout spouts are the most ideal since they allow ample room to fill or clean large pots and pans. Models with multifunction sprays are helpful when washing delicate fruits.

Once you've found a model with these useful features, don't forget about style. Designer finishes, such as stainless steel will give your kitchen a professional look. And, for a designer look that maintains the beauty and brilliance of the faucet's finish in between cleanings, try Moen's Renzo pullout kitchen faucet with Spot Resist Stainless finish. This unique finish does just what it says - resists fingerprints and water spots. Moen's Renzo kitchen faucet is available at Lowe's.

Storage space explosion
No matter the square footage of your home, accumulating belongings over the years contributes to a lack of storage space. Try to solve this issue by first purging items that you haven't used within the past six months. Next, you can organize your necessities with a variety of storage systems - from drawer organizers to storage bins. And, if it seems like a task that you can't handle on your own, hire a company that specializes in organization, such as Closet World, to create a custom-designed solution.

Spa-tacular and sensible baths
Today's baths have evolved from a task-oriented room to become a private spa. Luckily it's simple to turn your bath into a private sanctuary. To start, update your current showerhead with a more luxurious and functional design. If you prefer a powerful, full-body spray, perhaps you'd like a rainshower showerhead. Or, if you like options, try a multi-function version that allows you to switch from a relaxing wide spray to an invigorating concentrated spray - or somewhere in the middle. You can find a variety of designs and finishes at your local home improvement store, such as Lowe's.

And, as in the kitchen, the faucet is a focal point in the small space. Update your current faucet with a new designer style and finish ... and with water-saving benefits. Faucets account for approximately 15 percent of indoor household water use - more than 1 trillion gallons across the U.S. each year - so once you've found the perfect look, be sure that you choose one that is certified to meet WaterSense criteria.

With these few home improvements you can start recouping your "live-in value" and make your current residence a home sweet home.

How to make your deck an outdoor living room

(ARA) - Nothing beats relaxing in the shade or entertaining a group of guests on your own private deck. When you take the time to plan your deck for the way you live, the result can be a versatile living space and a value-boosting addition to your home.

Trent Boozer, publisher of Extreme How-To magazine, notes his readers have made it clear that decks are one of the top projects they love to design and build. The Internet is full of deck plans and planning tools - and with the range of decking products and accessories on the market, every deck can take on a personality of its own, he says.

Personalization is what makes the deck an extension of the home, says Rick Preble of Deckorators, the leading deck accessory brand that embraces the concept of deck personalization.

"The idea of an outdoor living room has really materialized as people have reattached to their existing homes," says Preble. A cost-effective way to add square footage and upgrade your lifestyle without moving is with a deck. With all the deck products and accessories available today, homeowners can customize their outdoor rooms."

Deckorators has made the process of mixing and matching different deck accessories and building materials easy with a new, easy-to-use online design program: the Deckorators' Deck Visualizer. The online tool is free and provides homeowners a way to visually discover the different design options they like best for personalizing a deck.

The Deck Visualizer allows the user to set the virtual deck environment to a lake or backyard view and then change the deck accessories for limitless combinations. Users can select the color or grain of composite or wood decking, select the style of metal or even glass balusters, add baluster infill centerpieces, change railing colors, and add post caps, lighting options and even stone.

"This deck design program is fun for homeowners to use and is a great tool for deck planning," says Preble. "We work with hundreds of deck builders, and they appreciate having this when working with clients. It allows both consumers and deck builders to visualize different options and choose deck products prior to constructing a deck."

The North American Deck and Railing Association website (nadra.org) is another good place for consumers to start when gathering information for a deck build. The organization has a large gallery of photographs of decks that have received national awards for design or construction.

Michael Beaudry, executive vice president of NADRA, says consumers are definitely hungry for deck design ideas and information on new products. NADRA offers resources to help consumers with deck and rail design and deck safety. The organization's website also provides access to more than 1,750 different building products companies.

Homeowners who want to build or who are renovating an existing deck will find new trends for 2011. One material making its move onto decks is stone.

Deckorators cast stone Postcovers, which install over rail posts, are one new product in high demand. The postcovers provide the same look and feel as natural stone columns, but are designed to install over basic wood posts. Postcovers are hand-painted to look like cobblestone, fieldstone or stacked stone. The simulated product costs far less than real masonry work and makes it possible for do-it-yourselfers or contractors to add simulated stone columns to a deck.

"Stone or simulated stone on a deck has become possible with new products, and it's another example of interior design trends and the mixing of various elements making their way to outdoor living areas," Preble says.

Experts agree that putting the time into planning your deck up front and knowing what your product options are is the best way to ensure you end up with a space your family will embrace as a true outdoor living room.

Hot new kitchen and bath trends: Finishes that fit tastes and lifestyle

(ARA) - Starting any home project can be stressful, especially when undertaking those projects in the most-used rooms of the house, like the kitchen and bathroom. From overall room style to structural changes and fixtures, many pieces of the puzzle need to fit together to create the finished product.

Consumers are concerned with every detail of a kitchen and bathroom project, especially the finish of their new fixtures, according to new research from faucet-maker Moen.

"Whether consumers are purchasing faucets for a remodeling project, replacing an existing faucet or selecting one as part of their new home construction, we're finding that the finish does matter," says Jack Suvak, director of research and insights for Moen. "And it's much more than just selecting chrome instead of brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze. Consumers are looking for product lines that have a number of finish options available to fit any style they desire."

Chrome is still king in the kitchen and bath, representing 47 percent of all faucets purchased, the research shows. Stainless steel and brushed nickel came in second at 37 percent, and oil rubbed bronze came in third at 7 percent - a number that's doubled in the past few years.

"As American consumers continue to be more varied in their style choices, it's becoming more important for manufacturers to offer a variety of finishes on new and existing products," says Suvak. "While we can't make style decisions for consumers and tell them that modern or traditional is more their taste, we can provide a variety of options to meet the needs of homeowners. As a result, Moen has added new finish options to some of its most popular product lines."

In the bath
"We've seen a lot of changes in bathroom finish preferences during the past few years," says Suvak. "In 2007, more than 60 percent of consumers purchased chrome, whereas now, less than 50 percent do."

Which finish are those consumers selecting instead? Stainless steel and brushed nickel purchases for the bath have increased, growing in popularity from 24 percent in 2007 to 36 percent in 2010. To offer additional options for consumers in the bathroom, Moen has added the popular LifeShine brushed nickel finish to its modern 90 degree collection. The collection features a minimalist design with its geometric, 90-degree-angled lines. In addition to the new LifeShine Brushed Nickel finish, 90 degree is also available in chrome.

In the kitchen
"Research continues to show that traditional design remains popular in the kitchen, but consumers are also looking to incorporate traditional elements in new ways," says Suvak. "As a result, we're seeing a demand for finishes that fall into that 'traditional' category. But consumers are often having a difficult time finding these finishes on products that they love."

One such "traditional" finish that consumers are taking a different approach with is oil rubbed bronze. Its warm hue is the perfect addition to any kitchen faucet, and while it is a smaller portion of the market, it has been gaining popularity the past few years.

"Nowadays, the applications for oil rubbed bronze include products with transitional and modern styling, and consumers are looking to add a hint of traditional flair to these types of products," says Suvak.

Arbor kitchen collection faucets feature a single-handle design and unique styling, such as high-arc spouts and a curved, S-shaped handle. Although not traditional in its design elements, the availability of Arbor faucets in the new oil rubbed bronze finish allows the faucet collection to coordinate with virtually any home decor.

"It's no secret that consumers want choices, especially when it comes to choosing products for their homes," Suvak says. "With the expansion of our product lines to include finish options that are popular with consumers, we're hoping to not only provide the products they want, but also make completing their home projects much easier."

Bathroom upgrades that will freshen the room - and save you money

(ARA) - When you sit back to relax in the tub, or take time to preen in front of the bathroom vanity, do you often feel that the setting just isn't giving you the comforting and spa-like experience you wish you could feel at home?

Sure, you take good care of your bathroom - you've scrubbed the faucets to make them as shiny as you can and everything works the way it has for many years. But maybe it's time you gave your bathroom a refreshing change - one that not only gives you the luxurious feeling of comfort and elegance, but also that benefits your wallet and the environment.

You may be surprised to learn that bathroom showers, toilets and sinks account for about 75 percent of the water used in each American home. If you haven't replaced any of your faucets or toilets for many years, you may be not only struggling with keeping these older fixtures looking clean and fresh, you may also be paying a lot of extra money to keep them running.

Consider your toilet. Older toilets can use as much as 5 gallons of water per flush, while stylish modern toilets are designed to cut that amount by more than a third. And some models, like the new high-efficiency Aquia Wall-Hung Dual Flush HET, which uses TOTO's Dual-Max flushing system, can use as little as 0.9 gallons per flush. These qualities earn this toilet the EPA WaterSense label for being water efficient. And being wall hung makes sense aesthetically - by hiding the tank in the wall and lifting the toilet from the floor (making cleaning a breeze), you can save a total of 9 inches of precious room space.

Now take a look at your vanity and see your faucet for what it is. If the faucet has been around for many years, excessive use may have corroded some of the metal finish, or even worn away the hot and cold labels. A new faucet would not only freshen the look of the vanity, but also give your bathroom a beautiful new look. Standard bathroom faucets use 2.2 gallons of water per minute, newer models are available that provide the robust drenching needed to clean your hands while only using a modest 1.5 gallons per minute. One is TOTO's chic Aquia Single Handle High-Efficiency Faucet, available in heights to match your sink selection (undermount, self-rimming, or vessel).

Finally, check out the showerhead in your tub. You may already have upgraded your showerhead once since 1992, when it became a requirement that showerheads use no more than 2.5 gallons per minute. But newer models allow you to save even more water. The average person showers for eight minutes each day, so switching to a high-efficiency showerhead can save a family of four more than 8,700 gallons of water each year and reduce the demand on their water heater, saving them enough energy to power their television for a year. The Nexus High-Efficiency Showerhead from TOTO offers an invigorating showering experience with a responsible 1.75 gallons per minute water volume being consumed - which is a 30 percent savings over the legal limit.

Freshening up your outdated plumbing fixtures is a great step toward creating a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Not only will you be able to enjoy the comfortable and beautiful bath space, but you'll also know that the changes are benefiting your pocketbook and the environment.

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