(ARA) – Think your kitchen needs a makeover? Why not try a “make under”?

“Less is more” is the new mantra for homeowners who want to take control of their home decor – eliminating clutter, streamlining products and taking a simplified, minimalistic approach to their home-improvement projects. The perfect room to begin this organized overhaul is the kitchen, as it’s a spot that tends to clutter quickly. Learn how you can make under this space and uncover its true beauty.

“This concept of a ‘make under’ is growing quickly across the country,” says Rebecca Kolls, senior director and consumer strategist of home and garden at Iconoculture, a global consumer research and advisory company. “While consumers are finding their way back home and finding comfort in its dry-walled embrace; they’re also becoming stressed out by too much stuff. A ‘make under’ can not only make your space more simplified and efficient; but it also can alleviate a lot of the stress that accompanies a typical home improvement project.”

Take control of your counters
An area of the kitchen that can quickly become cluttered – and in desperate need of a ‘make under’ – is the countertop. From the coffee pot and bean grinder in one corner … to a mixer, blender and toaster in the next corner … not to mention the bread basket, paper towel holder, phone charger and more – there are often more gadgets than there is room on your countertops.

To take control of your counters, Kolls recommends seeking out multi-purpose innovations that save time, money and space. The perfect example is the new Kitchen Center product, which features a streamlined power base that supports and runs multiple kitchen appliances – from a coffee grinder and blender to a power mixer and food processor. Each attachment runs from the same base, enabling you to utilize a number of handy appliances without cluttering your counters.

Streamline the sink
Another spot that often becomes muddled with mess is the kitchen sink. While you may start with a simple sink and faucet, by the time you add a side spray, soap dispenser, hand sanitizer, lotion, water filter, dish soap and sponge, you can see this area can quickly become strewn with a wide variety of items.

To streamline the sink, Kolls again recommends simplifying this spot with as many multi-functional products and appliances as possible. One such example is a single-handle, pulldown kitchen faucet – like the new Arbor faucet from Moen. This efficient – yet stylish – faucet offers a single-hole mount (and includes a coverplate for sinks with up to four holes), for a clean, refined look without the clutter of additional handles. Plus, the faucet’s pulldown wand eliminates the need for a sidespray and offers added efficiency and maneuverability – allowing users to switch between several water flow patterns with the touch of a button and the ability to fill pots or vases on the countertop next to the sink.

If you want to start on the smaller scale, begin by tidying up your cleaning items with a sink caddy. For less than $20, a rust-proof stainless steel caddy eliminates counter clutter because it affixes to the sink with suction cups and a wire ledge hanger. A sink caddy works perfectly in a deep bowl sink, such as the Lancelot stainless steel sink from Moen.

Rationalize before you modernize
Finally, Kolls recommends asking the following questions before purchasing products for any home improvement project – but especially a “make under”:

* Do I really need this item – or do I simply want it?
* What value will this item provide – will it save time, money or space?

“Sure, that waffle maker or juicer looks like a lot of fun, but will it really be used – or will it simply become a dust collector on your counter?” says Kolls. “Be wary of impulse buys and really think about how you will ideally use your space before making a purchase. In the long run, you’ll be glad you took the time to think through your decisions and will ultimately enjoy your space even more.”

For more information about the Arbor collection from Moen, call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636) or visit moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – Ceramic tile has held a hallowed place in bathroom renovations for generations. Durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of color, format and design, tile just makes sense in a bath. But some enterprising designers and homeowners are finding a new spot in the home where tile not only works well, but can take center stage – the master bedroom.

Homeowners are choosing to incorporate ceramic tiles into master bedrooms for many of the same reasons the material has been popular in bathrooms and kitchens:

* Tile is more durable than other materials, lasting up to four times longer than carpet or wood. Unlike wood, it will never need refinishing, restaining or sanding. It holds its luster better than vinyl, and requires no special chemical treatments, the way many natural stone products do. Because of this easy maintenance and durability, consumers can realize lower costs over the life of the product.

* It’s naturally hypoallergenic and releases no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. It doesn’t collect dust, dust mites, pet dander or other irritants and microbes.

* Tile is readily available in a wide range of colors, sizes, shapes and design themes. In fact, you can now find ceramic tile that even mimics the look of other popular, more costly or less durable materials like wood, glass or even metal.

So how can you use tile in your master bedroom? Tile of Spain branded manufacturers cite several trends in ceramic tile’s use in master bedrooms:

To create a headboard

Fabric, wood or metal headboards can make a powerful design statement, and solidify a bed’s stance as the centerpiece of a room. Ceramic tile, now available in large formats and in designs that mimic the look of other materials, is a sensible, cost-effective and healthier alternative to some popular headboard materials. Creating a fabric headboard, for example, can be a costly, time-consuming process, yet you can get virtually the same look with ceramic tile made to look like fabric. And this is fabric that won’t harbor germs and microbes.

General design touches

If you love the look of wainscoting, wood paneling or bead board, but prefer a more durable, hypoallergenic material, ceramic tile can offer the same look without the disadvantages of wood decorator touches. Several Tile of Spain branded manufacturers produce tiles that look like wood design elements.

Extending the life of a paint job

Paint is one of the easiest things to change in a room and can be one of the most difficult to clean and preserve. One way to extend the life of a paint job is to tile walls to the level of the chair rail – the portion of the walls that gets the most exposure to unsightly dirt, dings and scuffs. While some paints may require special cleaning solvents to remove dirt without damaging the finish, tile requires nothing more than hot water and some elbow grease.

Creating cohesion between rooms

In master suites with large, open floor plans, using tile in the bedroom portion of the suite can help create a seamless transition between the sleeping and bathing areas. Or, it can help create cohesion between indoor and outdoor spaces – tile is one of the few interior design materials that can flow from inside to out.

Achieving a look with added durability

You may love the look of hardwood, but know that wood doesn’t hold up well in rooms where it’s exposed to a lot of moisture on a daily basis – such as in a bathroom – or to a lot of wear and tear, such as in a bedroom. While wood that’s exposed to water will eventually warp and wear, ceramic tile designed to look like prized hardwoods will stand up to moisture and water – even if the bathtub overflows. And ceramic tile that looks like wood will never develop the “worn path” appearance of wood that bears heavy foot traffic.

When it comes to interior design, sometimes the unexpected makes perfect sense – such as finding creative ways to use ceramic tile in the master bedroom. You can learn more about ceramic tile and tile trends at www.spaintiles.info.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) -Do you love the idea of entertaining, but feel like getting your home ready for a social event requires too much time and attention? Not to worry, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your home is always ready to host guests and they may not be as difficult to accomplish as you think.

First and foremost, decide what type of ambiance your event needs and embrace it. If you are having an evening event, indulge in deep colors, soft lighting and upbeat music to keep your company awake! If it’s a daytime event, go bold and bright with your color scheme. “I love to target my audience and add things to my table settings that inspire my guests,” says Angela Giannopoulos, a premier New York event stylist and owner of SC3 Group who has worked with brands such as Estee Lauder, Donna Karan and Missoni. “I recently decorated a birthday table for a group of grade school children. I used oversized legos and bright candy to entertain them.” For unique ideas such as these, Giannopoulos has offered several tips for easy at-home entertaining.

* Versatility is key. Make considerations when stocking your kitchen cabinets — consider cookware and serving dishes that can be used both for smaller and larger occasions, as well as casual and formal ones. I also love expandable kitchen tables because you can accommodate a house full of guests and break it down for breakfast for two the morning after. My last bit of advice is to choose dinnerware that is versatile. Consider something that is durable enough for daily use and chic enough for evening occasions, such as Oneida’s Chef’s Table Collection. This mix and match collection was designed with a modern look and crafted in all white porcelain to complement any table setting.

* Accessorize your home. I often hang on to things that I shouldn’t, but have learned that any little knick knack can come into play when decorating for events. I’ve made candle holders out of mason jars, a menu with a chalkboard and centerpieces using old pitchers. I’m not encouraging clutter- just keep a stash of items that could be useful when entertaining and it may save you that extra trip to the store.

* Use nature to your advantage. When decorating, use sprigs and blooms grown near your home to add life to your table settings. Various shades of colors found in wildflowers often create an organic energy making a table setting more inviting for guests. Also, arranging flowers in different sized vases can be visually appealing on a long table while single, tall flowers work well with a table for two.

* Accumulate a beverage collection. Nothing makes your visitors feel welcome like offering them a drink when they walk in the door. Rather than going out and stocking up on wine, liquor or soft drinks before you host, gradually accumulate a collection. Your guests will be impressed by your selection when you have an assortment to offer. Also, consider outfitting your home with drinkware for every occasion. Oneida.com offers affordable items such as their Angelina stemware that go from every day to every type of soiree.

* Be prepared for overnight visitors. Always keep clean sheets on your guest bed and be sure it is made, as you never know when someone might stop by for an overnight visit. If you really want to make your guests feel welcome, impress them with soothing products in the bathroom or on their nightstand along with a sweet treat on their pillow.

Natural stone and ceramic tile floors have great design, architectural and sculptural qualities. But they can be expensive, hard to clean, cold to walk on and not very durable.

So imagine transforming your aging flooring with the look of rich travertine, limestone, concrete, slate or ceramic tiles, but without the cost or frailty of these lavish coverings. Today’s luxury vinyl tile (LVT) products echo the look and styling of these natural materials but also live up to the rigors and traffic of day-to-day family life. Luxury vinyl tile offers the perfect marriage of design and durability for today’s busy homes. Available in a wide range of colors, styles and textures, LVT works in every room of the house, giving homeowners unlimited options for fresh style.

“Luxury vinyl tile pops with depth and realism, combining classic and contemporary elements that deliver clean design and stylish floors,” says Erica Hubbard, Tarkett director of marketing – NAFCO Luxury Floors. “You get all the design features of natural materials with a much more durable floor. When you stand on these floors and look down at them, you’re hard pressed to tell you’re not really standing on limestone, travertine, concrete or slate.”

Unlike their lookalike natural counterparts, today’s LVT floors are created to resist scuffs, stains, scratches and wear. This is due to durable construction and even protective wear layers or coatings, such as Tritonite, exclusively used in NAFCO Luxury Floors. These hardworking construction details help keep floors looking new and wear-free.

Flexible, comfortable LVT floors also have the advantage of being warmer and quieter than hard-surface natural tile floors. Soft underfoot, they don’t produce a hollow sound like other flooring options.

Another benefit over “real” stone and tile is the safety aspect of LVT. Unlike stone or tile, LVT isn’t as slippery when wet. Glass or china is less likely to shatter if accidentally dropped and little knees won’t get scraped during falls.

Further adding to LVT’s realistic look is the fact that some of these floors can feature three very different installations options: for example, the NAFCO Luxury Floors’ PermaStone collection is available in GroutFit, which produces a realistic grout effect; GroutLess where tiles install edge to edge without grout or seam sealer for a uniquely modern look; and GroutFil, an option of 14 pre-mixed, stain-resistant, acrylic-based grout colors to create an endless number of pattern and grout possibilities and also heighten the mimicry of real stone.

“The option to include grout with luxury vinyl tile floors allows homeowners to combine tile and grout colors in a way that customizes a look that ties their home together,” Hubbard says, adding that grouted LVT floors are much easier to install than traditional ceramic tile. They’re also more cost efficient, Hubbard notes.

Maintenance for LVT floors, even grouted ones, is minimal. Forget the sealing, polishing and special cleaners required for natural tile floors. Luxury vinyl tile requires only the use of a neutral floor cleaner and water. No harsh chemicals are needed for the tiles or the grout.

“LVT is a practical choice that looks fabulous and stands up to everyday wear and tear,” Hubbard says. “Combine that with its easy installation, great performance characteristics and the fact that it won’t break the budget and you have the perfect summer DIY project for beautiful floors.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) – The roar of the crowd, the thrill of a last-second victory – few things in life can evoke the excitement of a good sports competition. Passionately supporting the hometown team or proclaiming love for a favorite sport is an increasingly important activity in American culture.

Sports fans have grown to represent roughly 219 million Americans aged 12 and older, according to a recent ESPN research and analytics study. For these sports enthusiasts, the home is an ideal place to display their spirit and team pride.

“Whether sports are a time-honored tradition or a new family passion, there are always moments to remember and stories waiting to be told,” says Erinn Valencich, a nationally recognized celebrity interior designer who has been featured on HGTV and in several publications, such as “Good Housekeeping” and “House Beautiful.” “Sports-themed wall decor is a great way to showcase team spirit and can serve as a fascinating conversation starter for guests.”

Valencich says the first step to showcasing sports and school memorabilia in the home is to choose items that have personal meaning. “When deciding what to display, remember that the items should tell a story about your personal interests or experiences, such as a game you attended or a moment you’ll always remember,” she says.

Valencich offers these additional tips for creating eye-catching and meaningful sports-themed wall displays.

Get creative with color
“First, work with your local custom framer, who will ensure pieces are framed to the highest quality,” Valencich suggests. “Request matboard that matches the team’s colors to immediately call the team to mind. The Crescent Select Impact Colors matboard line is ideal for this, as it features exact color matches for every college and professional sports team.”

Mix sizes, shapes and materials
“When framing sports pictures, choose different shapes, textures and auxiliary elements in order to create a memorable gallery wall that can become a tribute to a favorite team,” says Valencich. “I recommend choosing two to three primary pieces to be the focal point of the wall grouping and supplement them by also framing pennants, jerseys, trading cards, game programs and other meaningful memorabilia for a unique design. It’s the mix of sizes, shapes and pieces that really make a collection sing!”

Capture a personal sports experience
Valencich also suggests turning a picture of a sports fan’s favorite player, team or stadium into a unique gift. She recommends incorporating several memorable pieces into a single custom-framed piece, such as a photo of the family from a game combined with a ticket stub or program. “By personalizing with a photo, framed sports memorabilia can become a conversation piece that chronicles a special sporting event your family attended,” she adds. Professional custom framers can bring individual pieces of memorabilia together in a high-quality, cohesive piece.

Find the perfect place for a sports display
Valencich believes that sports memorabilia makes a much bigger statement when grouped together in one area. “When displaying sports pictures and memorabilia, choose a room that is the most personal to the family’s sports enthusiast, such as a children’s bedroom, an office, den or entertainment room,” suggests Valencich.

(ARA) – Who doesn’t need a break from the hectic day-to-day routine once in awhile? A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that we are more stressed than ever, with nearly 75 percent of Americans experiencing moderate to high stress levels. With time and money as major obstacles, it’s difficult for many people to take regular vacations to escape their busy, everyday lives. But with a little time, budget and creativity, an ordinary bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious, relaxing escape for an everyday getaway.

Spacious showers
The central feature of any bathroom is the shower or bath. Enlarging a cramped shower space does not have to entail an expensive overhaul. By installing a curved shower rod, you will add up to 7 1/2 inches of elbow room to your space and feel like you have an oversized, lavish shower without adding any square footage. Moen offers both fixed- and adjustable-length curved shower rods with pivoting flange to make installation a breeze.

Make the most of a mirror
Almost every bathroom has at least one, but a simple addition to your mirror can take the room from ordinary to extraordinary. Framing a mirror is a quick and easy way to draw attention and give any room a luxurious, hotel-like feel. Moen offers a variety of frame styles with its easy-to-install Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames line, allowing any DIYer to customize and create a new look. With Mirrorscapes’ unique installation system, even the most inexperienced homeowner can recreate a room in less than 30 minutes.

Storing in style
Storage space might not seem like the most glamorous part of a room, but choosing unique organization accessories can make all the difference in your bathroom’s makeover. The Banbury bathroom collection (available at The Home Depot) offers functional accessories such as bathrobe hooks, soap dispensers, towel bars and rings, and paper holders in a wide variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with the other items in your bath. Decorative Hotel Shelves, also from Moen, are another option available in today’s popular finishes and unique designs to add a hint of luxury to the bathroom while providing maximum storage for linens and towels. These small details are a quick and easy way to give your bath a high-end look while maintaining functionality.

Soothe your senses
It’s the little things that make the biggest difference, and there are many ways to enjoy the indulgent atmosphere of a hotel spa at a fraction of the cost. Pamper all of your senses with bathroom extras such as scented shower gels and lotions, oversized cotton towels and aromatherapy candles. Even a simple coat of paint in a relaxing shade like “Soul-Quenching” by Dutch Boy can make a dramatic difference and help create a calming, stress-relieving ambience. Pop a soothing CD into your Sony ICF-CD73V Shower CD Player/Clock Radio and your haven of relaxation is complete.

Everyone deserves time away from the stress of today’s world, and with a few simple changes you can transform your everyday bathroom into an organized, relaxing daily escape. For more information on how Moen bath accessories can help you create your own room of relaxation, visit www.csi.moen.com.

(ARA) – Going glam and being green don’t need to be mutually exclusive, especially when it comes to decorating your home. Makers of furniture and home decor items have started incorporating environmentally friendly practices and materials into their products, allowing consumers to have greener households without compromising their personal style.

It’s possible to incorporate greener choices in almost all home decor projects. Because so many companies are recognizing that their customers want eco-friendly products, it’s possible to find green products at all price ranges. Even the highest-end design firms now source items like couches made from sustainable wood and organic fabrics – but you can also find them at retail stores, too.

Home accessories are a quick and easy place to start if you’re just looking to add some small revitalizing touches to your rooms. Pillows made from antique linen grain sacks that were once common in Europe add rustic-chic texture without being uncomfortable. To add a pop of color to your couch, drape it with a throw made from a natural material and eco-friendly dyes. To add a touch of social consciousness, choose from a multitude of throws made by indigenous communities in developing countries, like luxurious alpaca blankets from Peru or mohair from Swaziland.

Decorative bowls made from reclaimed wood add a touch of natural beauty, as do driftwood or Manzanita branches. Be cautious about adding some natural touches, though – coral, for instance, is often harvested in ways that are unsustainable and threatening to natural environments.

Don’t count out wall decor as a way to express your eco savvy, either. More and more paint companies are trotting out low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints that are safer to breathe. But if you want to add extra dimension to your walls and make a bolder statement, add wall murals printed on earth-friendly canvas. Sites like MuralsYourWay.com bring beautiful nature scenes right into your home. Not only are their canvas murals made of an ecologically friendly fabric material, there are over 5,000 options to choose from. You can choose everything from a jungle scene to the Mona Lisa or you can print a photo of your own on their fabric wallpaper.

Greening your furniture can be done in multiple ways. If you’re ready to buy new pieces, consult an interior designer, who can weed out items that don’t match your standards. But you can re-use and recycle when it comes to furniture, too – just make sure you revitalize first. Consider re-upholstering items like dining chairs with exotic fabrics that are hand-made or antique. Suzanis, brightly-colored Central Asian textiles in graphic patterns make a great statement fabric, as do boldly embroidered Otomi textiles from Mexico. Ask a designer to help seek them out, or check out exotic import shops – sometimes you can find large examples of these textiles that can be repurposed on your furniture.

You can also add new life to pieces already in your home by painting them in one, or a coordinated couple, of the year’s color trends. For 2010, turquoise promises to be big, as do coral, cobalt blue and eucalyptus green – all colors inspired by natural materials.

(ARA) – Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it’s stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.

To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are:

1. Shaker style kitchen design
2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes
3. Quartz countertops
4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets
5. Polished chrome finishes
6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers
7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads
8. Marble vanity tops
9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks
10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the kitchen
Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA’s kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes.

If you’re tired of running the dishwasher when it’s only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it’s independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it’s an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It’s available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

In the bath
Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels – used by seven of every eight designers – however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it provides a sophisticated look that’s reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface – ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day.

NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients.

Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You’ll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look.