(ARA) - "There probably isn't a room in the house where we don't store something," writes Mervyn Kaufman in his new book, "Store It!" from Filipacchi Publishing. "Lack of space is certainly a challenge, but it is superseded in every instance by how best to use that space."

But before adding or rearranging storage in any room, Kaufman suggests you examine and evaluate. Keep what's needed. Then, begin your space-saving journey. The American Hardwood Information Center, www.HardwoodInfo.com, recommends you consider the following creative tips for practical, yet beautiful, ways to increase storage potential throughout your home.

First impressions are lasting ones, so if totes and umbrellas, shoes and boots are cluttering the entrance of your home, make them disappear without becoming inaccessible. Consider a bench with added storage space under a lift-up seat as a convenient clutter catcher, complete with niches for stashing caps, gloves and scarves yet a handy spot for shoe-boot exchanges. Splurge on a wall-mounted hardwood cabinet or a handsome hardwood storage piece to hide keys, garage door openers, newspapers and mail, keeping them out of sight yet close at hand as needed.

Don't let the idea of a formal living room dissuade you from making it a storage workhorse. A coffee table with an open shelf or shallow drawers can be more than an elegant surface for coffee service or a floral arrangement. Corners and wall space between and around windows cry out for hardwood chests and unique built-ins to display collectibles or stash coasters, cocktail napkins and other entertaining essentials. And the warm colors and unique grain patterns of hardwoods are guaranteed to enhance your room decor.

Add greater functionality to your kitchen by incorporating hardwood cabinets with accessories that remove clutter and make neatness second nature - wooden dividers to organize drawers, carousel shelving so nothing gets buried in corner cabinets, deep cabinet drawers to store cookware or stacked dinnerware. And be creative. Fill unused space between base cabinets with retractable kitchen-towel bars or narrow pull-out spice drawers. Even install a shallow tilt-out drawer in front of your sink for sponges or small-scale cleaning tools.

Today's dining rooms double as libraries, music rooms or places to do homework or crafts. If cramped for storage, look for a dining table - new or heirloom - with drawers beneath its top surface. Beautiful hardwood storage - a hutch, sideboard or breakfront - lends practicality; warmth and style as long as it complements the look of your dining table and chairs. A wall of books, whether in fine hardwood furniture or built-in shelving, exploits wall space and adds character.

Hardwood cabinet options abound as you look to increase the functionality of your family room. Near the TV, stereo or beside the kids' play area, consider freestanding hardwood storage - a hutch, entertainment center, a clutch of bookcases. And utilize overlooked spaces by adding a low cupboard under a window - ideal for spare pillows and throws; building a window seat - either with drawers or a hinged top;  placing a low bookcase against the back of a sofa. Simply organize and store essentials according to where you'll use them.

Why not establish a unique "floating" home office? It doesn't matter where you place it. What'll make it work is where you "float" it and how you store what you want to keep there. Find and refinish a hardwood secretary, then give it wheels and let it "float." It'll be handy for bill-paying when the desk folds down and a decorative accent piece when not in use. Or mobilize a stylish hardwood desk or table with detachable storage shelves; then get to work. As room requirements change, "float" the workstation to its new home - a kitchen corner or family room niche - whatever the situation will allow.

And finally, end those bedroom blahs by eliminating clutter. Hardwood dressers with deep drawers increase storage efficiency. Nightstands with niches or shallow drawers are great for glasses, remote controls and reading material. Open shelving with pull-out baskets can store socks, hose, scarves and undergarments. And consider adding a window seat to store extra quilts and linens. True, only you may see the room, but an uncluttered bedroom - yours or your kids' - is the most livable one.

As author Kaufman suggests, "Even the most practical storage solutions can be attractive and appealing." Beautifully thought-out cabinetry made of U.S. hardwoods will enhance every room in your home while providing stunning storage space for all the important 'things' in your life.

For more information on including U.S. hardwoods in your home or office, visit the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Interior design continues to evolve rapidly. But it's not just going in one direction - it's branching out in new ways and giving homeowners fodder for ideas about how they can turn their existing house into their dream home. There is something for every taste, too, as different design concepts become more fully developed, catering to all people and all styles of homes.

The wide variety of options that homeowners have means that they need to keep focused on a specific design goal. Exposed ductwork or industrial-looking concrete floors won't work in some houses, while antler chandeliers or tufted chaises won't work in others. There are a few elements that can be mixed and matched across styles, but the inclusion of organic materials, particularly wood like Western Red Cedar, for interior design works for all styles of homes.

Today, more homeowners are improving and renovating their homes - updating both the decor and the functional elements - rather than taking on the challenge of selling and buying in the current market. Many of them are also using and developing their own skills, when it comes to both design and bringing their ideas to life. And as winter closes in, do-it-yourselfers are looking for low-cost, high-impact projects that will make their homes feel updated and more inviting.

Figuratively, bringing the outdoors in can have a warming effect on your home. Look to nature for inspiration on everything from color to materials to elements that reflect the landscape that surrounds your home.

"Modern technology allows us to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors," says Ray Johnston, an architect with Johnston Architects in the Pacific Northwest. "To enhance this blending, exterior materials can extend through windows to inside walls. This treatment welcomes the outdoors in and has the effect of expanding space.  At the same time, the rich color and texture of a natural material, like a warm wood, adds great character and depth to an interior space."

Minor structural additions and interior treatments add appeal to a stagnant room. Also new, environmentally friendly clay treatments are available in a variety of colors, and add a rustic but subtle tactile quality. The rich color and attractive grain of Western Red Cedar panel provide immediate interest without the added struggle of learning to create faux finishes with paint or mastering a trowel. If you want to add a unique touch of color, cedar takes stains exceptionally well. And if you just want to preserve the natural color of the wood, sealing it will help it last for years.

Adding smaller design touches is a great option for those who don't feel comfortable tackling big projects. Many newer homes don't have the classic character of houses from years gone by, but there are ways to incorporate it. "Homeowners are adding natural wood molding and trims as a low-cost way to add warmth and elegance to a simple room," says Paul Mackie of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. Look for a stable wood that will not warp and twist over the years. Cedar is a great choice for ceiling, picture and floor moldings, as well as other trims, because of its uniform grain.

Switching out older, hollow-core doors with new wood models will not only help to diminish noise, it will add a long-lasting extra bit of character to your home, no matter its age. Windows are a key design element in any home, too, and can be enhanced by adding new cedar frames, blinds or shutters in styles ranging from embellished and traditional to minimalist and modern.

The dynamic appeal of nature can be applied to your floors as well. Add new interest to kitchens, foyers, bathrooms and more with tiles made of natural materials like cork, bamboo, slate, wood (new or reclaimed) or travertine - the possibilities are almost endless.

Western Red Cedar is also a great choice to create architectural details, like a post and beam look in a home, or to conceal visually distracting elements like support beams or duct work. For more ideas on adding warmth to a home with Western Red Cedar, visit www.wrcla.org.

By updating your home with natural touches, you add long-lasting appeal that won't go out of style. Not only will you be able to enjoy it for years to come, but it will provide added enticements for any potential future buyers.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Smaller homes are making a comeback. More families are hanging onto their existing homes and improving these smaller properties, instead of trading up.

Maximizing livable space is how the American Institute of Architects (AIA) describes this new trend, a by-product of a down new-housing and real estate market. Smaller remodel projects - finishing attics and basements - readily achieve that goal, making the home more enjoyable today while increasing its resale value tomorrow.

Nearly 130 million homes are currently in need of work, including adjustments to meet "changing preferences and lifestyles," such as family members returning home to live, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University.

As the owner of a smaller home, you should know that adding even a small bathroom is among the best investments you can make, typically returning 65 percent or more of the cost on resale. In the attic or the basement, you can save money on a bath addition by using macerating plumbing, which requires no digging for under-floor drainage piping.

For this same reason, you can also convert an existing room or even a closet into a new small bathroom to better accommodate guests or even family members moving into your home. No digging for drainage means a quicker, less messy and cheaper installation experience. Macerating plumbing systems can handle the waste from a toilet as well as a sink and a tub/shower. As a result, you can create not just a powder room, but a full bath with all the decorative accessories.

Install an up toilet
Known as an up toilet or above-floor plumbing, macerating technology is the way to go, says East Taunton, Mass., plumber Mike Sikorski, who installs Saniflo brand products. Plumbing waste and water are pumped through small-diameter piping, which can be located inside the wall, right into the sewer or septic tank. Sikorski estimates that this type of system saves his customers $1,000 on average, "and that's on the low side," he says.

Mike Vines of Lake Orion, Mich., recently improved his home with a basement upgrade using an up-toilet system. "I couldn't be happier," he says of the half bath he added to the family home. "In these tough times, anything you can do to increase the value of your house, the better off you're going to be."

Saving money is key
Cost-saving projects like these are among the ways homeowners will most likely focus their future remodeling dollars, according to the 2009 Remodeling Market in Transition report prepared by the Joint Center.

"I believe that the struggling economy has actually helped the smaller profile repair/remodel market," says Steve Norton, president of M & N Plumbing Supply in Denver. "People are staying the course, and macerating plumbing offers a lower-cost option to breaking up cement."

If you're staying put in your smaller home, but want to improve its livability and long-term value, consider adding a bathroom with macerating plumbing.

Tips for a better bath
Here are some tips to make the most of your bathroom addition, even if it's a small one:

* Maximize space by placing a pedestal sink in the corner along with a mirrored medicine cabinet designed for in-corner installation.  
* Plan your new bath so the door won't bump into anything when it is opened. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (www.nkba.org) is a good resource for planning dimensions. 
* Must you have a tub, or will a shower suffice? Putting in an enclosed stall shower saves a lot of space.
* Install grab bars to prevent falls. They're not just for the elderly. The Home Safety Council (www.homesafetycouncil.org) recommends grab bars in every bath.
* No window? Good lighting can make a room look and feel larger. Recessed lighting is a smart choice for small spaces. Task lighting over the sink is a welcome feature.
* Don't forget the fan. Installing a fan can help prevent moisture problems, such as mold and mildew.

Learn more about low-cost, above-floor bathroom and grey water pumping systems by visiting www.saniflo.com or calling (800) 571-8191.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When you have a big gathering at your house, no matter where you try to set up the food and beverages, the crowd inevitably ends up gathering in your kitchen. The problem is you may not be proud of the kitchen you have.

So what do you do? There are many different ways for you to take your existing, drab kitchen and turn it into a place that you are not only proud to show off to your friends, but have no problem making the center of your next party.

Getting new appliances is one of the more obvious moves you can make to change the look of your kitchen.

Stainless steel appliances look sleek and newer models don't show fingerprints as much as older versions. New technology and design offers better-tasting water from dispensers inside the refrigerator and on the door. Dishwashers are quieter and microwaves more powerful than ever.

However, new appliances can be extremely expensive, and out of the reach of many if you're on a budget.

One underrated technique for upgrading your kitchen: get rid of your old, discolored, chipped countertop. If you want a completely new look or shape to your countertop, concrete has become a surface that is extremely popular. Concrete is gaining popularity because it can be designed virtually any way you want it.

"Unlike other hard surfaces, concrete is not limited to square or diamond patterns and not limited in colors," says Jim Peterson, president of ConcreteNetwork.com, which offers a variety of kitchen counter and floor designs, useful tips, and contact information for local contractors in your area. "You are limited in what you can do with granite; not with concrete."

Concrete kitchen countertops can be manipulated and poured into whatever shape you'd like. Special dyes and stains can be used to color your concrete countertop to match almost any look you are going for. You can create a functional and beautiful workspace in the smallest of kitchens.

When it comes to your kitchen floor, concrete is also as viable an option as wood, linoleum or tile.

Concrete offers endless possibilities when it comes to design. You aren't limited to the size or color of ceramic tiles found in your local store. You can choose finishes that resemble tile, slate, or brick, which are popular textures for achieving a warm, natural feel and they complement stone and wood. Or, finishings can create a more refined, polished look, emitting the texture and feel of quarried stone like marble.

Concrete kitchen floors are resistant to chipping, discoloring or warping, which wood, tile and linoleum can't claim, while at the same time handling the elements of foot traffic and spills with ease.

With either floors or countertops, customization can be done to meet your preferences, or have a less customized look that will fit your budget while still giving you a unique design element.

Check out ConcreteNetwork.com to find concrete contractors in your area that can help in redesigning your kitchen.

Changing your kitchen cabinets is another kitchen improvement option. There is room to spend as much or as little as you want and still be able to have a huge impact.

On the more expensive end, you can rip apart your entire kitchen and replace all of your cabinets, using higher-end materials and colors that better suit you.

New space-saving cabinet innovations include pantries that can slide out, so no more worrying about how long that box of crackers has been collecting dust in the back; it's all there for you to see when you pull the drawer open.

On the less expensive side, sanding and painting your cabinetry is an option - depending on the material you have. Another possibility is changing out the hardware: Hinges and handles in a new color or material will go a long way to making your kitchen look like a new, more welcoming room.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - In addition to decking the halls of your home this holiday season, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests by updating high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms with simple and inexpensive home-improvement projects.  With a few easy steps and just one basic tool, these projects can be done on a budget and make a big impact:

Repair broken floor tiles/install new tiles
To spruce up the bathroom or kitchen, repair broken tiles and install new ones.  Try using the Dremel Multi-Max Oscillating Tool for best results.  Insert a grout blade into the oscillating tool and orient the blade on the tool so you can best access all four sides of the broken tile.  For hard set grout, use the maximum speed; softer and less-set grout can be worked at a medium speed.  Keep the blade at a right angle to the floor, being careful not to knick the remaining good tile. Remove all the old tile and dust. 

Continue working away remaining grout. Remove the remaining thin set material with a diamond coated accessory. Attach the sanding pad and diamond paper. With the sander flat to the floor, work away any old material, dusting several times throughout. Removing the excess material will allow the new tile to sit flush with the other tiles already in place. Once the surface is clean to the subfloor, remove any dust with a wet sponge.  Finally, affix and grout new tile into place. 

Refinish kitchen or bathroom cabinets
Refinishing cabinets in a kitchen or bathroom is an inexpensive way to update the look of the whole room. Detach all of the drawers and doors and store them in a clean, dry place. Inspect the cabinets for any damage, and repair with wood putty or by sanding. Then, wash cabinets to remove any dirt that has accumulated over time.  In order to make the next step, sanding, as effortless as possible, use an oscillating tool with sanding pad and sand paper.  120 wood sandpaper is usually recommended.  While sanding on medium speed, keep the sanding pad flat to the wood. Always move the pad in the direction of the grain. Finally, paint or stain the cabinets. 

Tile grout
Removing and replacing tile grout is a small renovation project that pays big dividends in appearance and most homeowners find the project simple enough to do on their own. One of the primary reasons people replace grout is because of mold accumulation. The first step is to remove the existing grout material. Invest in an inexpensive power tool equipped with an attachment designed specifically for quick grout removal such as a rotary tool with a grout removal blade which will grind the old grout away in a matter of minutes. Then, thoroughly clean the areas where the existing grout was removed before adding the new grout between tiles. Remember to follow the grout manufacturer's directions for a clean and thorough job.

Remove old caulk
Removing old sealing caulk from around a sink or bathtub is a simple way to refresh a room.  Begin by lining caulk with masking tape to reduce the risk of scratching the porcelain or tile.  For easy removal, use an oscillating tool with a flexible scraper blade.  Set the tool at a low speed and insert the blade in between the wall and the caulk. Make sure that the screw head does not make contact with the surface during the scraping process by holding the tool at an angle to the blade.  Work the line between the sink and the lower edge of the caulk and peel away the remaining caulk. When all the caulk is removed, wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining residue and remove the tape.

To re-caulk, line the seam with fresh tape. Hold the nozzle of your caulking gun toward the joint about 45 degrees out from it. Apply steady pressure to the trigger while moving the gun at a smooth speed along the length of the seam.

For more tips and project ideas, visit www.dremel.com or call the Dremel experts at (800) 437-3635.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - One of the greatest qualities of custom cabinetry is that it is built to your exact specifications - finish, door style and wood species, with no detail overlooked. Using time-honored construction techniques such as mortise and tenon, each cabinet is handmade, allowing you to maximize storage space so that every square inch of your kitchen is utilized properly and beautifully.

With custom cabinetry, the possibilities are truly endless - take, for example, the different style options: traditional, transitional, contemporary, country, colorful, small and everything in between. When choosing a custom cabinetry line, it is important to work with a professional kitchen and bath designer who will be sure no detail is forgotten.

Kitchen cabinets are available in three configurations - stock, semi-custom and custom. Stock cabinetry is referred to as "off the rack;" the cabinets are mass-produced and many components are pre-assembled. The advantages of stock cabinetry are the low costs and low lead time requirements. The disadvantage of stock cabinetry is the limited number of style and design offerings, making it the least flexible option.

Semi-custom cabinets are manufacturer-built to fit your kitchen's specifications. There are more options such as finishes and door styles compared to stock cabinetry; however, it is slightly more costly and the lead time is a bit longer. Custom cabinetry is "made to order" and is meant for you and you alone. Custom cabinetry offers superior quality and many finishes are applied by hand, ensuring consistency. Dovetailed drawers and hardwood components that are screwed and glued make for a sturdy, reliable cabinet. Custom cabinetry can also accommodate unusual spaces and floor plans.

In comparison to stock and semi-custom, custom cabinetry  is generally more expensive; however, often the price difference can be negligible. "Some consumers are not aware that they can achieve their dream kitchen, using custom cabinetry, for only 5 to 10 percent more than semi-custom," says George (Butch) Achey, president of Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry. "We recommend that consumers work with an authorized custom cabinetry dealer in order to maximize their budget and get fully-functional cabinetry with exceptional design."

Usually a major kitchen remodel is a once in a lifetime project, so making the best choice is key. Since cabinetry is one of the most critical components of a kitchen remodel project, custom cabinets that will last a lifetime might be the best option. To learn more about the benefits of custom cabinetry and to find a dealer nearest you, visit www.plainfancycabinetry.com. of ARAcontent

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With so much going on this season, the one thing you shouldn't have to worry about is your guest room. You want to feel confident that your company will have a comfortable and pleasant stay at your house.

According to a 2009 Wellness Survey by mattress maker Tempur-Pedic, 83 percent of people consider it important that their guests get a good night's sleep when visiting their home. As such, the guest room will inevitably be on the minds of many who are welcoming family and friends this holiday season.

Luckily for all of the holiday hosts and hostesses out there, a few simple touches can help transform any guest room into a peaceful retreat for visitors, according to Nancy Glass, a home decorating expert, six-time Emmy Award winning HGTV show creator and Tempur-Pedic Wellness Advisor.

To really grasp the experience, a host should spend a night in his or her guest room. Many people assume that if their extra bedrooms are clean and equipped with the basics, the room is visitor-ready. But the reality is, no one can truly know how a room sleeps until they've experienced it themselves.

"Before your next guest arrives, give the room a try yourself and see what you discover," Glass says. "Is the room a little drafty? Are the pillows comfy? Do the windows effectively block light out? These are the things that make a big difference and will ensure you are placing your attention on what the room needs most."

Next, focus on some key focal points, beginning with the general atmosphere. While many hosts feel comfortable decorating their guest rooms more lavishly than their own, they might overlook providing a relaxing ambiance. Using natural, neutral colors such as soothing celadon greens, pale blues and creams on the walls, avoiding excessive clutter and laundering bed linens with soothing lavender scents will help create an environment where visitors can unwind.

"Atmosphere is essential and can also be easily enhanced through lighting," Glass says. "Turn off your overhead lighting and rely on natural light and floor and table lamps with dimmers. For larger budgets, consider adding a small chandelier over the bed. This creates a beautiful tableau and instantly transforms a room's atmosphere."

Another key feature to consider: the bed.

Are the mattress and pillows comfortable? Do they appeal to guests of varying sleep styles and preferences? If not, consider replacing your current mattress and pillows with something more versatile, like Tempur-Pedic's mattress and pillow collections, which conform to every body's weight and shape and have been repeatedly ranked at the top of industry sleep satisfaction surveys and studies. The new TEMPUR-Cloud Supreme mattress could be a particularly good fit for a guest room, as it creates a softer sleep surface while still providing Tempur-Pedic's pressure-relieving comfort and renowned support - something that will ensure guests of every sleep preference have a more than satisfactory sleep experience during their stay.

Additionally, does the guest bedroom have the appropriate bed accessories to make it feel just like home? Guests should be provided with both heavier blanket overlays, like duvets or comforters, and lighter throws that, collectively, accommodate varying temperature preferences. Make sure both firm and soft pillow options are available to accommodate different pillow density preferences.

Finally, don't underestimate the big impression that smaller, less expensive touches can have on a guest. If the floor gets cold in the morning, consider putting bathroom rugs on each side of the bed. If the room basks in abundant natural light, consider investing in thicker curtains or shades so sleeping guests are not awoken prematurely.

"The next time you're at the drugstore, pick up sample-sized toiletries, as people feel more comfortable opening something new," Glass says. "You could also consider tucking away a mini-fridge in the nightstand - they're inexpensive, easy to install and provide guests quick access to some of the little luxuries, like bottled water, in the comfort of their own space."

A few simple touches and guests will be more comfortable in no time and appreciate the extra effort - and let's face it, a rested guest will be a welcome guest.

To learn more about the Tempur-Pedic sleep experience from satisfied owners, visit www.tempurpedic.com/AskMe. of ARAcontent

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(ARA) - With families holding onto their homes for longer periods of time, more and more people are looking for ways to update and bring more style to their interior design. Wallpaper has made a comeback, and there are many new ideas and trends out there that will give your house a beautiful new look.

Creativity is key to successfully decorate with wallpaper, which doesn't have to be relegated to the living room or kitchen. Consider trimming a door, or enhancing your closet with an artistic print. Wallpaper can also compliment an enclosed porch, but don't be afraid to let it embellish a terrace or balcony.

In addition to changing where people hang it in the home, wallpaper has also undergone several new looks.

One popular trend modernizes an older style. Damask prints are bold patterns, mimicking the woven fabric designs from centuries ago. But now they are accented with new colors and sheens. These prints work well in living rooms, but also add style and boldness to entryways and bathrooms.

Damask patterns with softer designs can be paired with flowing curtains and elegantly-styled furniture. Stronger prints can be paired with solid-colored modern furniture and sheer drapes for a daring look.

Another new wallpaper trend is decorating with paper that is easy to remove or change. Also called peel-and-stick wall coverings, these products enhance the durability, texture and visual design of your walls with easy installation. This allows you to decorate short term for a party or a season, or try out different wallpaper patterns and colors for a long-term new look. It's also a great choice for children's rooms, because as they grow older and their tastes change, you can easily give the room a new look without minimal work.

One very popular style is to customize your room with wallpaper murals. This allows you to bring a beach scene into your living room, a jungle image into your indoor patio area, or even install a "French door" opening out into a garden landscape in your bedroom. And if you have a sports room, you can bring the game up close and personal with a mural of the stadium.

"Wallpaper murals are one of my favorite design options because they make a huge impact in a room at an affordable price," says Jonathon Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of "Walls that Wow." "If you were to have a decorative painter replicate some of the great designs available in wallpaper murals, it would cost thousands of dollars."

"The imagination is the only limitation when it comes to wallpaper murals," says Todd Imholte, president of MuralsYourWay.com, a leader in the decorative products industry for more than 40 years. "They can recapture a landscape from a favorite vacation, create the illusion of a fairytale setting or decorate a room with artistic patterns and designs better than paint or regular wallpaper."

With more that 5,000 images taken from photographs and specialty artist as famous as Leonardo da Vinci there's a good chance you will be able to find that perfect image to turn your wall into an eye-catching focal point. The company can also create custom wallpaper from a personal photograph or artwork.

Canvas murals are also a new, more environmentally friendly wallpaper option, which provides new texture for your walls. It is a great option for walls that receive a lot of sunlight because canvas has a matte finish and doesn't reflect light, which could distort an image.  And they go up just like wallpaper!

Courtesy of ARAcontent