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(ARA) - With long days and plenty of sunshine, you're ready for your home decor to fully embrace the light, upbeat spirit of warm weather. You've decided to discard the darker hues in your home and brighten things up a bit.

Re-accessorize the right way - spend your redecorating dollars on items that will give you the most impact for the lowest monetary investment. Here are a few ideas from the home decor experts at Montgomery Ward to get you started:

Switch up wall decor

Giving a room a whole new look can be as easy as taking down a picture and replacing it with something different.

If you're looking to create a brighter, lighter feeling with wall decor, forego heavy canvases or tapestries, dark colors and large, heavy frames. Opt for nature-inspired wall accents in simple materials like metal, and simple styles like lightly framed floral prints. Look for bright colors that bring in the outdoors - like grass green, geranium red, marigold yellow and sky blue. These colors give a complementary pop to virtually any neutral background, plus they'll evoke the upbeat feeling of being outdoors.

Fabric fun

Abundant sunshine is one of the most joyful aspects of warm weather. Doff the drapes and give windows a light, airy and optimistic feeling with sheer, frothy fabrics in light hues.

You can find styles and colors to match virtually any taste and decor theme. The key is to choose lightweight fabrics that won't weigh down the windows or block the welcome sunshine. This type of window treatment has a practical side for summer as well - when the summer sun is so hot that you need to close the blinds, lighter window treatments can help balance the innate visual heaviness of blinds.

Think outside the firebox

Even though you're not using it, your fireplace doesn't have to sit idle. It's easy to dress up a wood-burning fireplace and make it fit into your lighter, brighter summer decor theme. Clean the firebox of ash and debris, and place a lush, green fern inside the fireplace. Or, incorporate the light-hearted feeling of running water by placing an electric-powered fountain inside the fireplace.

Great outdoors

Spending time in your outdoor living space is one of the best treats of summer. The right accessories, furniture and decor can make the time you spend outside feel restful, relaxing and easy - even if you're preparing for the summer's big barbecue feast for friends, family and neighbors.

Outdoor furniture in materials like wicker, accented by colorful cushions, can make your outdoor environment feel light and bright. Create movement and a cool atmosphere with fans, misters and fountains. Think beyond the deck or patio and create separate seating areas in attractive spots throughout your landscape. A resin bistro set, designed to mimic the look of white-painted wrought iron, nestled beneath a tree or near a flowerbed can turn an unused spot into a great place to take your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Cost-effective, simple and easy-to-do changes can make all the difference in how well your decor reflects the easy, breezy days of summer. Log on to www.wards.com for more accessory and decorating ideas.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Real estate agent Diana Schenker of Scottsdale, Ariz., owns two furnished properties that she offers as both corporate and vacation rentals, depending on the time of the year.

"There are many vacationers in Scottsdale in the winter months because of the mild weather here, so my property makes a perfect vacation rental for anyone looking to get away from winter for a few weeks," she says. "During the rest of the year I market my property to Scottsdale's growing business community."

Many landlords of furnished rental properties share a similar experience to Schenker, as they often market their furnished rental properties as both a vacation and corporate rental.

Landlords don't have to choose between marketing their property as a vacation or corporate rental, says Kimberly Smith, the founder of CorporateHousingbyOwner.com, a website that markets individually-owned furnished properties. Rather, landlords of furnished properties can service both markets and capitalize on seasonal and economic trends.

"It makes perfect sense for properties to be marketed as both a vacation and corporate rental so landlords can maximize their occupancy year-round. It depends on the season, geographic area and timely events as to whether the property should be a corporate or vacation offering," she says.

She adds that areas like Orlando, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco and Las Vegas are perfect examples of cities that are frequented by both vacationers and corporate travelers. Furnished corporate housing properties in those areas could be marketed as a vacation rental during holidays and as a corporate rental during the busy convention and expo season.

Jennifer Cooling of Annandale, N.J. says that she only markets her home as a corporate rental because she prefers longer-term renters and scheduling weekly renters between longer-stay corporate renters can be tough.

"Normally vacationers are looking to rent for a week or two and they want to reserve time well in advance. Corporate rentals work on a first-come basis and rent for longer time periods, so it's not ideal to schedule a weekly rental for months out when you don't know who you might capture as a corporate tenant for a long-term stay," she says.

Smith of CorporateHousingbyOwner.com says that Cooling's strategy is a wise one because booking a weekly vacation rental too far in advance can cause more harm than good.

"We all know that people usually plan their vacations several months in advance. That means if you schedule a vacationer to stay in your property too far in advance, you may disqualify yourself from being able to accommodate someone who wants to rent your home between now and then . . . and beyond," she says.

Plus, she says, weekly renters can cost more money in the long run.

"Landlords should keep in mind the true cost of nightly and weekly rentals. Higher turnover can lead to more paperwork, more cleaning and more wear and tear on a home, all of which can quickly eat up your property's income potential," she says.

Smith adds that landlords should be on the look out for key trends in their area, which can affect how they market their property.

Debbie Hartman, the owner of a little cottage in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, in Salt Lake City, says what's going on in the area dictates how she markets her home.

"I've had great success renting out my cottage to business visitors to the area. That said, I'm always on the look-out for trends and events affecting our city. When the Olympics were held in Salt Lake City a few years back, I was able to rent out my cottage as a vacation rental, which proved to be quite lucrative for us," she says.

She says, however, that longer-term tenants are the best because they stay longer and create less wear on her cottage. "We've had corporate tenants stay with us for two full years. There was no fuss and we got our full asking price. It doesn't get better than that."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment.

Part of the reason could be that mid-range kitchen and bathroom remodels now recoup more at sale time than do up-scale projects, according to the National Association of Realtors' Cost vs. Value Report. "A mid-range kitchen remodel brings an average 72.1 percent return on investment, while an upscale kitchen re-do returns only an average of 63.2 percent of the money invested," the NAR reports on its website. Mid-range bathroom remodels recoup an average of about 71 percent, while upscale projects return only about 61 percent, the site says.

"Given the decline in ROI for major remodels, it makes sense to get the most value out of upgrades for the least amount of money," says Joe Patrick of skylight manufacturer VELUX. "Installing a skylight is one cost-effective, energy-efficient upgrade that's becoming increasingly popular for kitchens and baths."

Kitchens and baths are logical candidates for natural lighting and passive ventilation upgrades. Along with laundry rooms, they tend to have higher moisture and humidity levels than other rooms in the home, making them among the most popular locations for venting skylights.

"Skylight installations can start around $800 each or range up to more than $2,000 each for electric venting models with remote control and blinds. The complexity of the shaft and other application specifics make a difference too, so it is best to get a qualified contractor or skylight specialist to give a detailed quote," Patrick says. Adding a skylight can help lower energy bills by reducing the need for artificial light in a kitchen or bath, and, when used for ventilation, can help remove humidity, cooking smells and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

"Venting skylights in a kitchen can release hot air and odors, lessening the need for energy-consuming mechanical ventilation, while providing better light for brighter days and more pleasant cooking and dining," Patrick points out.

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. "Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small," says Jennifer Powers of design firm Scott-Ulmann. Many modern homes have been built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses.

"A clear window in your bathroom might fill it with natural light, but it can also give your next-door neighbor a view you don't want to share," Patrick says. In fact, 65 percent of homebuyers request skylights in their bathrooms, according to a National Association of Homebuilders survey.

"In bathrooms especially, venting skylights reduce condensation build-up while providing a beautiful view of the sky above, without affording anyone the opportunity to see in," Patrick says. "You get privacy plus the use of wall space, where a window isn't necessary, for decorating, storage, or another form of space utilization."

Modern skylights also eliminate one of the biggest fears of homeowners considering the upgrade - leaks. VELUX markets an Energy Star-qualified "No-Leak Skylight" that is guaranteed for 10 years not to leak when installed according to instructions. Today's skylights also contribute to energy efficiency with light and heat control as much as with ventilation by offering easily installed accessories to adjust and control light, as do vertical windows.

"Venetian blinds are available to adjust light, as are roller blinds to diffuse light and blackout blinds to block light," Patrick says. "And the accessories, as well as the units themselves, can be operated by remote control." Solar blinds are also available that qualify for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

"From an economic standpoint, venting skylights admit light from above and reduce energy costs. It's also a way to stretch dollars," Patrick says, "with a one-time purchase that pays long-term benefits by reducing energy bills."

For skylight selection or installation information, visit veluxusa.com. For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency, visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - 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) - Renovating your home can be daunting. The last thing you want to worry about is the possible lead-related health risk of some common renovation tasks. Sanding, demolition and siding and window replacement can all disturb lead-based paint, placing you and your family at risk of lead poisoning.

Because of these risks, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program to help protect homeowners. As of April 22, the legislation requires that workers, including contractors, painters and maintenance personnel, be trained to use lead-safe work practices. Additionally, renovation firms must be EPA-certified.

Because these common remodeling practices can be dangerous to a family's health, it's important for you to learn about a contractor's lead-safe practices before delving into such projects.

"While this legislation does not directly apply to product manufacturers, it has proved to be a challenge for the industry as a whole," says Rich Black, a replacement channel specialist with Ply Gem, a leading manufacturer of home remodeling and building products. "So manufacturers like Ply Gem have taken a lead on this initiative and are working with customers to organize EPA certification-training programs so that they, in turn, can provide clarification and peace of mind to homeowners."

What does the legislation entail?

Under the EPA, the legislation:
* Applies to all remodeling/renovation projects on homes, childcare facilities and schools built before 1978 that contain lead paint.
* Is related to on-site work practices.
* Renovation workers must take an eight-hour training course to become certified on lead-safe practices.

Exemptions include:
* Housing built in 1978 or after. If you are not sure what year your home was built and whether or not it contains lead-based paint, it is the contractor's responsibility to confirm that information.
* Housing for the elderly or disabled, unless a child under the age of 6 lives or is planning to live in the home.
* Homes with no bedrooms, including studio apartments and dormitories.
* Homes declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor.
* Minor repair work using 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less of exterior space.

Questions all homeowners should ask

When meeting with a home improvement company or renovation firm, the representative should bring up the issue and provide a government-issued certificate from the EPA showing that their firm has installers who are certified in lead-safe renovation practices. If they do not provide this documentation, homeowners should question if the company is certified.

Also, beware that this legislation may increase the cost of some renovation projects, so homeowners should be careful not to fall for a lower bid from a non-certified contractor.

What the EPA-certification entails

"Before hiring a contractor or renovation firm, it's important to understand the basics of the legislation and what you should expect from your home improvement company," says Keith Pigues, chief marketing officer of Ply Gem.

By law, at least one certified installer needs to be on the job site, with a valid certificate, if it was built before 1978 and contains lead-based paint. To become certified, the contractor must attend an eight-hour course that includes education on the dangers of lead-based paint, hands-on learning of safe demolition, installation and disposal of the debris, as well as a final examination. Those who have taken the course can then provide on-the-job training to his or her helpers, who must also be able to provide a certificate to the homeowner.

For more information on the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program, visit www.epa.gov/lead. For more information on renovating your home with Ply Gem products, visit www.plygem.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent