(NewsUSA) - Winter holidays are fast approaching, and while you’re busy planning meals, buying gifts and decorating, there’s one more preparation that shouldn’t be overlooked: cleaning your home top to bottom to prepare for the influx of guests. While we tend to focus on the obvious areas – like the kitchen counters and toilets – there are several overlooked spots that are prone to grime, odors and buildup that can make or break your hosting experience.

Luckily, citric acid is here to save the day. Naturally derived, citric acid is a powerhouse cleaner that’s effective and safe when used as instructed, which is why it’s the main grime-fighting ingredient in all of Lemi Shine’s products. It’s also an incredibly versatile cleaner, effective for everything from tough mineral buildup and rust stains to deodorizing your appliances. Unlike harsh chemical cleaners, citric acid is biodegradable and won’t leave behind harmful residues. Here’s how you can use citric acid in five areas you may have missed during your holiday prep.

1. The Garbage Disposal

Hosting a holiday dinner means your garbage disposal will be working overtime with leftovers of all sorts going down the drain. Any food and grime that is left clinging to your disposal can lead to unpleasant odors that linger long after the meal is over.

Citric acid is perfect for eliminating any funky smells in your garbage disposal. It works by breaking down organic matter and dissolving mineral deposits that can cause unwanted buildup. Simply drop Lemi Shine’s Garbage Disposal Cleaner into the drain, let it fizz, and enjoy a fresh, clean sink.

2. The Dishwasher Filter

If your dishwasher filter gets clogged with grease, soap scum, or food particles, your glassware won’t shine like it should, leaving you with dishes that look dull or streaky. No one wants to serve guests with cloudy glasses, especially during the holiday season.

Citric acid is excellent at dissolving mineral deposits and tough buildup that can form in your dishwasher over time. It breaks down hard water stains and limescale, leaving your machine spotless. Using Lemi Shine’s Dishwasher Cleaner ensures that your dishwasher will run smoothly and your dishes will come out sparkling.

3. The Coffee Machine

From morning coffee to evening cocoa, your coffee machine sees a lot of action during the holidays. However, mineral buildup caused by hard water can clog your machine, impacting its performance and negatively affecting the taste of your beverages.

Citric acid easily dissolves mineral deposits, limescale, and rust, ensuring that your machine stays in top shape. Using Lemi Shine’s Coffee Descaler will leave your coffee tasting fresh and smooth, like it should. Plus, it’s safe to use on any type of coffee maker, from drip brewers to single-serve machines, and won’t leave any harmful residues behind. Just make sure to review your machine’s specific instructions prior to use.

4. Bathroom Fixtures

With more guests visiting your home, the bathroom inevitably sees more traffic. Unfortunately, this means water spots, soap scum and rust stains will build up quickly on faucets, mirrors and shower tiles.

You guessed it, citric acid breaks down hard water stains, soap scum and rust. It can easily be applied to faucets, showerheads and mirrors leaving them looking new again without the use of harsh chemicals. Lemi Shine products are septic safe as well, which is key since a backup is the last thing you want when company is visiting.

5. The Washing Machine

'Tis the season for extra laundry – whether it's washing sheets and towels from visiting guests or linens for the dining table working overtime. But if your washing machine hasn’t been cleaned properly, it can develop smells or mildew, leaving your laundry less than fresh.

Citric acid attacks buildup in your washing machine, including soap scum and mineral deposits. By using Lemi Shine’s Washing Machine Cleaner, you can eliminate musty smells and ensure your laundry comes out fresh and clean every time.

This holiday season, go beyond the basics and give your home the deep clean it deserves that’s sure to leave guests impressed. For more tips and tricks, visit LemiShine.com. Happy holidays!

(NewsUSA) - Thermally modified Real American Hardwood^® is a durable, sustainable product gaining traction in U.S. home design. Developed in Finland in the 1990s, the process involves heating wood to over 400°F in a low-oxygen chamber, permanently altering its cellular structure to boost resistance to moisture, decay, and insects—without chemicals. It’s also more dimensionally stable, making it less likely to warp or twist. “Thermally modified hardwood is an eco-friendly alternative to pressure-treated wood,” notes Ian Faight of the American Hardwood Information Center. “For homeowners, this versatile, low-maintenance material is an excellent choice for exterior applications like decking, siding, and outdoor furniture, as well as for interior uses like flooring and cabinetry.” Here are six examples of its remarkable adaptability and great looks.

Pennsylvania poplar siding from Americana^™ Thermally Modified Hardwoods envelops this contemporary residence in Biltmore Forest, North Carolina, by Vellum Architecture and Design. The poplar’s rich tones and clean lines enhance the home’s modern aesthetic, while its durability and stability—achieved through heat treatment—ensure lasting performance against moisture, decay, and warping. Photo courtesy of 161 Photography

VikingWood^™ thermally modified sweet gum flooring enhances the covered porch of this Lake Lanier, Georgia, family home, offering a natural, chemical-free alternative to treated wood. The thermal process adds structural stability and fungal resistance while producing a deep, chocolate hue that helps create a warm, inviting setting for the retreat designed by Jillian Mitchell of Details Design. Photo courtesy of VikingWood, AHC Hardwood Group

An architecturally complicated space, the renovated entertainment area of a Las Vegas, Nevada, residence is given a sense of unity by cladding the ceiling, soffits, and columns with thermally modified Pennsylvania poplar from Americana. The heat-treated hardwood not only enhances the space’s aesthetics with its burnished, natural tones, but also provides improved resistance to warping, decay, and insects—ideal for the desert climate. Photo courtesy of Henri Sagalow Photography

About 4,000 square feet of thermally modified Appalachian ash decking, also from Americana, creates a seamless flow around the pool of a Sonoma County, California, residence. Part of a multilevel wrap-around terrace designed and built by Deck Supply Warehouse, the deck’s heat-treated timber means the space will retain its glamorous looks and structural integrity for many years to come. Photo courtesy of Americana Thermally Modified Hardwoods

Thermally modified hardwood’s resistance to moisture, decay, and warping make it ideal for outdoor furniture, as does another attribute: During the heating process, natural sugars in the wood caramelize, giving the timber a warmer, more pronounced hue—a phenomenon showcased in these classic Adirondack chairs made from VikingWood thermally modified ash, which has acquired a rich, coffee-like hue that accentuates its characterful grain. Photo courtesy of VikingWood, AHC Hardwood Group

By using thermally modified ash from Arbor Wood Co. to clad both the interior ceiling and the exterior roof overhang of this lake house in Riverside, Texas, Collaborative Designworks gives a master class in creating continuous indoor-outdoor living. The treated hardwood not only frames the water views perfectly, it also makes those deep soffits as low-maintenance as they are spectacular. Photo courtesy of Joe Aker/Aker Imaging

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in your home.

(NewsUSA) - Cold weather is coming, and homeowners need to prepare now for potential power outages.

According to NOAA's 2024-2025 Winter Outlook, a slow-developing La Nina is expected to impact winter weather conditions across most of the United States. Much of the Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest is expected to receive above-average precipitation, while the Pacific Northwest through the Great Plains are expected to receive below-average temperatures this winter. Both factors can potentially contribute to power outage events, as high precipitation can damage an aging power infrastructure, and cold weather can create greater demand on the electrical grid.

"Americans experienced an all-time high of 1.2 billion hours without power in the first nine months of the year, and we only expect that to continue to rise through the winter," said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac. "As low temperatures and harsh conditions strain the country's electrical grids, winter power outage preparation has become more important than ever."

Power outages can be especially dangerous during winter weather and can have far-reaching consequences that affect nearly every aspect of modern living. Without electricity, homes are left without heating, refrigeration, and lighting. Power loss can lead to dangerous living conditions in colder climates, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with young children and even pets. For this reason, it's critical for homeowners to have an emergency plan. 

Below are six essential steps to take when preparing for winter power outages: 

• Identify your nearest warming centers, when they will open and, if applicable, which ones allow pets.
• If you use a fireplace or wood stove for heating, be sure to have your chimney or flue inspected annually ahead of cold weather.
• Build an emergency kit with essential components like food and water, first aid supplies, and any specialty needs for pets and children. 
• Have relevant family and trusted contact information handy in a wallet or purse. Create a communication plan in case of an outage.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home and outside separate sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed.
• Consider investing in a source of backup power, like a portable or home standby generator, to power critical loads during an outage.

In order to make outage preparation easy, Generac has created a Cold Weather Preparedness Guide, which contains an abundance of facts, tips, and checklists to help homeowners understand the potential impacts of winter weather on the power grid and prepare for blackouts. To access the guide and learn more about how to prepare for cold weather power outages, visit https://www.generac.com/prepare/winter-storm-guide.

(NewsUSA) - A need for reliable backup emergency power will be more critical this fall and winter season. Experts warn that extreme weather could bring additional power outages as temperatures surge and storms grow fiercer. Tropical storms are expected to intensify. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to advise that a highly active hurricane season will likely continue in the Atlantic through 2024.

These warnings underscore the importance of preparation at home. The harsh realities of extreme weather and the increasing frequency of weather-related outages make it imperative for individuals and communities to have robust backup power solutions in place.

The Impact of Power Outages

Power outages have become exceedingly inconvenient and can have far-reaching consequences that affect nearly every aspect of modern living. Without electricity, homes are left without heating, refrigeration, and lighting. Power loss can lead to dangerous living conditions in colder climates, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with young children and even pets. Additionally, power outages can disrupt communication channels, making it challenging to stay informed about the latest weather developments and emergency instructions.

In recent years, the frequency and duration of power outages have increased due to more intense and unpredictable weather patterns. According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), weather-related power outages have risen, with hurricanes, ice storms, and heavy snowfalls being the primary culprits. The highly active hurricane season combined with the potential for severe winter storms suggests homeowners understand what they need for a reliable backup power source.

Types of Backup Power Solutions

Several options exist for those looking to secure backup power in emergency situations. Each has advantages and drawbacks, and the choice will depend on individual needs, budget, and the specific risks posed by the local climate.

1. Portable Generators. Portable generators are a popular choice for backup power due to the relative affordability and versatility of the unit, which can power essential appliances such as refrigerators, sump pumps, and heating systems. A portable generator will require fuel, typically gasoline or propane, and must be operated outdoors several feet away from any opening to the home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure they can start and operate properly when needed.

2. Standby Generators. The more permanent solution is the most reliable option offered by a home standby generator. These units are installed outside the home and are connected directly to the electrical panel. Standby generators are powered by natural gas or propane and automatically activate when utility power is disrupted, allowing for continuous power for extended periods of time. This makes them ideal for homes in areas prone to frequent or prolonged outages. While more costly than portable generators, they offer powerful peace of mind and convenience.

3. Solar Power with Battery Storage. Renewable energy technology is advancing, and solar power systems with battery storage, such as those offered by companies like Generac, are another viable option and are becoming increasingly popular as backup power solutions. Solar panels can generate electricity during daylight hours, and excess energy is then stored in batteries. This eco-friendly option can reduce dependency on fossil fuels, though the initial investment requires considerable planning and energy system design.

Why Backup Power is Essential This Season

The 2024 fall and winter seasons are expected to bring a high risk of extreme weather events, making backup power solutions a preparedness priority. Hurricanes and severe storms can significantly damage the power grid, leaving homes without electricity for days or weeks. A backup power source is not just about convenience; it’s about being prepared for the unexpected. The peace of mind that comes from knowing you can maintain essential functions, such as heating, cooking, and communication, during a power outage is invaluable. Generac is a global leader in energy technology and offers information and resources at https://www.generac.com/prepare/

(NewsUSA) - In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility at home is more important than ever. Here are four simple ways to turn your backyard into a serene sanctuary:

1. Curtained Comfort

For a versatile and stylish solution, outdoor curtains are ideal for enhancing privacy and adding flowy flair. Whether you prefer light, airy fabrics for a breezy feel or heavier materials for added protection from the sun (or nosy neighbors), curtains offer flexibility and charm. If you have a two-story deck, consider installing a drainage system, like Trex^® RainEscape^®, to divert water and keep the space beneath the deck dry and usable as a bonus living area.

2. Botanical Barrier

Bring yourself closer to nature by bringing nature closer to you. Strategically placed potted plants and trees are ideal for blocking views both outward and in. If you’re looking for a little more privacy, try adding a living wall or vertical garden. The plants will grow vertically, creating a natural barrier while also serving as a lush and lovely focal point in your yard. As an added bonus, plants also absorb sound so you can enjoy enhanced privacy with limited interruptions.

3. Canopied Comfort

Define the parameters of your outdoor space with the addition of a Trex Pergola topped with retractable drapes or decorative shade panels. These architectural structures marry form with function to deliver style, shade and a sense of seclusion.

4. Serene Screening

Privacy screens are a classic and effective way to establish boundaries. Available in freestanding panels or wall systems, these screens come in a wide array of designs and colors and are easy additions to any deck, patio or outdoor area.

These creative solutions not only add a sense of intimacy but transform your outdoor space into a peaceful, private oasis. For more information and inspiration, visit TrexRainEscape.com.

(NewsUSA) - Solid wood has always been the gold standard when it comes to high-quality home furniture. “Whether it’s something major like a dining table and chairs or a smaller item like a nightstand, making it with Real American Hardwood^® will ensure that it’s not only strong and durable but also unique and characterful,” says Ian Faight of the American Hardwood Information Center. “No matter what style of furniture you favor, from the warmly traditional to the sleekly modern, there’s a wood—classics like oak, maple, walnut, and cherry or less familiar ones such as cypress and hickory—that will enhance its looks and increase its longevity.” Here are six stylish pieces for today that could well become tomorrow’s treasured heirlooms.

Natural cherry lends a gorgeous, honeyed tone to this dining room set by Copeland Furniture (copelandfurniture.com) in Vermont. The Catalina trestle table softens the crisp, clean lines of Mid-Century Modern design with the more flowing, organic forms of earlier styles like Art Nouveau, while the handsome Ingrid chairs are a contemporary take on the simplicity and elegance of 19th-century Biedermeier furniture. Photograph courtesy of Copeland Furniture

Handmade with sustainably harvested Appalachian hardwood by Gat Creek (gatcreek.com), a manufacturer in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, the Sunbury bed has a gently canted headboard with vestigial side wings that create a sense of cozy embrace. Shown here in dark-stained ash, the timeless design tempers modern Danish aesthetics with American Shaker plainness. Photograph courtesy of Gat Creek

With roots dating back to 1900, the renowned Stickley (stickley.com) furniture company in Manlius, New York, continues to produce iconic pieces like the Prairie settle, a comfortably upholstered sofa that’s part of its historic Mission collection. Crafted here in natural-finish white oak—it’s also available in cherry—the Arts & Crafts-inspired seating fits seamlessly into a bright and airy modern setting. Photograph courtesy of Stickley

Custom built in North Carolina by Mantle Furniture (mantlefurniture.com), the Tavern round coffee table features solid red oak construction and a hand-rubbed matte finish that emphasizes the wood’s distinctive grain. As practical as it is attractive, the piece incorporates a useful storage shelf and has no sharp corners to bump your shins on. Photograph courtesy of Mantle Furniture

Minneapolis-based furniture retailer Room & Board (roomandboard.com) turns to Built by Newport, a Vermont artisanal workshop, to make the Ericson lounge chair. The solid-wood frame, which boasts precision dowel joinery and elegantly contoured arms, is available in white oak, shown here, as well as walnut and cherry, meaning there’s a version that will fit your style of home décor. Photograph courtesy of Room & Board

Characterized by elegantly restrained detailing, well-balanced proportions, and an eye-catching golden aura, the Clio credenza is handmade by Doorman Designs (doormandesigns.com), a New Orleans-based furniture brand. The flexible piece, which serves equally well as a dining room sideboard or a media console, showcases rift-sawn white oak planks to stunning effect. Photographer Jacqueline Marque

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about using American hardwoods in your home.

(NewsUSA) - If you plan to add an elevated deck to your home, there’s one element that will greatly increase its value and function: an under-deck drainage system. These systems, which divert water to keep the space beneath a deck dry, are easy to install for both professional builders and DIYers, and virtually doubles an outdoor living space.

Why Install a Drainage System?

An under-deck drainage system creates dry space below the surface of a deck that can be used as a patio, outdoor kitchen, private spa area, bonus storage and more. These systems also protect the wooden joinery of the substructure from moisture that can lead to decay, adding years onto the life of a deck.

Choosing the Right System.

There are two main types of deck drainage systems – those that install above the joists before the deck boards are laid and those that are retrofitted beneath the joists of an existing deck. The latter systems leave deck joists exposed to the elements while an above-the-joist system, like Trex® RainEscape®, protects the entirety of a deck’s foundation from moisture penetration. It also allows homeowners to discreetly run gas and electrical lines between the drainage system and a soffit ceiling to power lights, ceiling fans, appliances and electronic components.

Installing as Simple as 1-2-3.

A deck drainage system uses a network of troughs and funnels that can be installed using tools you likely already have on hand at home. A pair of scissors or a utility knife, a staple gun, and a caulk gun are typically all that’s needed.

Installation can be done in three simple steps:  

1. Position the downspouts and troughs. Cut the funnels to match the joist spacing and position them along a rim joist and/or leger board. Lay the trough material, ensuring proper placement to guide water into the downspouts. Be careful not to seam or overlap the troughs.
2. Staple all components into place. Repeat the installation of funnels and troughs across all joists.
3. Tape all joists and seams. Use butyl tape to seal all seams and any spots where screws may penetrate the system. This creates a watertight installation.

Finishing Touches

With a drainage system in place, you can finish your under-deck space with furniture, lighting, accessories and anything else you might want to create your dream outdoor oasis.

For more information, visit TrexRainEscape.com.

(NewsUSA) - Recent Generac/Harris Poll survey provides insights into preparedness for widespread power outages*

With the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season expected to have the highest activity level in recent history, now is the time to prepare with a plan to protect your loved ones.

Colorado State University’s annual Atlantic hurricane season forecast predicts 23 named storms, with 11 which could become hurricanes and five possibly reaching major hurricane strength. This marks the highest ever outlook prediction the CSU team has issued since it began the forecasts in 1995.

When a hurricane or even a strong tropical storm strikes, it leaves a path of destruction that could leave homeowners without power for days – even weeks. Families are faced with difficult decisions like whether or not to evacuate, how to keep their pets safe and how to complete daily functions with no internet, household appliances, or even in total darkness.

A recent survey* commissioned by Generac and conducted by The Harris Poll illustrates that many Americans are not prepared for widespread power outages and are at risk for both their comfort and safety. More than half of Americans (52%) would only have enough food in their home for 1-2 days if there was a widespread extended outage in their area. 71% of Americans would be concerned with food spoilage if their home experienced an extended power outage, with half (50%) saying they would struggle financially to replace all of their perishable food lost due to an extended power outage. The survey data also revealed that 36% of Americans have medical devices powered by electricity that they or someone in their home use daily. Moreover, 77% of pet owners are willing to risk their own comfort to stay with their pets at home amidst extended power outages.

“With the highest-ever predicted hurricane season in nearly three decades, homeowners and business owners need to do everything they can to prepare now,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power for Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Making a plan ahead of time that includes a source of backup power is an important step to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and comfortable in the event of an extended power outage.”

Generac offers a free Hurricane Preparedness Guide to help homeowners prepare for the storm season. The guide not only highlights steps to take before, during and after a storm but also provides printable inventory checklists, comparisons on backup power options and power outage safety tips.

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for blackouts during hurricane season:

• Identify the safest location in the home to wait out a storm, and review emergency plans for evacuation, based on your local government’s recommendations.
• Identify when your nearest evacuation centers will open and, if applicable, which ones allow pets. As an alternative to an evacuation center, reach out to friends or family who live outside of the forecasted cone of impact and create a list of potential evacuation locations.
• Designate a main location and a backup location to meet after the storm.
• Gather local area maps in the event mobile devices lack service or electricity.
• Build an emergency kit with items such as a 7-day supply of non-perishables per person, three gallons of water per person, a fully stocked first aid kit and flashlights and extra batteries.
• If you are planning to stay in your home, ensure you have a backup power plan. Consider investing in a portable or home standby generator to back up critical components of your home.
• If you already have a generator, be sure it is well-maintained and you have an ample amount of fuel, so it is ready to work when you need it most.
• Review appropriate instructions on how to safely operate a generator to protect your loved ones and your home. Make sure to only run a portable generator outdoors, far away from any doors or windows and with the exhaust pointing away from the home.
• For more information on generator safety, visit https://www.generac.com/be-prepared/the-home/outdoor-power-equipment-safety.

With an expected 23 named storms forecasted for the upcoming hurricane season, it’s important to remember that it only takes one strong storm to cause serious destruction. In order to navigate a well-above average hurricane season, it’s crucial to plan ahead. Getting a home standby generator takes planning and a period of time to get installed, therefore you should reach out early for a free, no cost estimate so you are prepared with the information you need. https://www.generac.com/nationalpromo

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Generac from April 18-22, 2024, among 2,094 U.S. adults ages 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 2.5 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].

(NewsUSA) - Today’s homeowners are having an Extra Room Boom! This latest real estate reality is marked by the convergence of two mounting trends – growing home sizes and declining household members – that together mean more extra space and energy-efficiency challenges.

Americans want their homes supersized. In fact, median home sizes have increased by a whopping 150% in just over 40 years with the median size of a new home jumping from 1,595 square feet in 1980 to 2,383 in 2022.

Simultaneously, the number of household occupants is steadily shrinking. For example, the average population per household has decreased by more than 100% dropping from 2.75 people in 1980 to 2.57 members in 2022. 

This emerging dynamic demands a smart energy-efficiency strategy that effectively regulates cooling power between used and unused rooms. The good news is that homeowners can prevent a utility bill blitz by following a few simple tips. With home heating and cooling accounting for more than half (54%) of home energy use, small steps can go a long way.

• Leverage the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act:The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act is a landmark legislation that encourages Americans to transition towards a new era of energy efficiency and decarbonization. It offers households tax credits for related improvements that save money in the long run, such as highly efficient heating and cooling appliances like heat pumps. Households can claim a tax credit for 30% of the costs of buying and installing a heat pump, up to $2,000 including support for any electric system upgrades needed to make the home heat-pump-ready. ‘
   
• Ease Into Electric: According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home climate control.  Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems, offered by companies including Fujitsu General America, can save as much as 25% on energy bills. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is qui­etly distributed to the interior space.
   
• Find Your Efficient Comfort Zone: Prioritize your rooms. If you find yourself using a fraction of your home, consider upgrading to a zoned ducted, or ductless system, allowing you to save energy heating and cooling spaces where you don’t spend much time. You’ll multiply savings by needing less cooling and gaining a more efficient system in the spaces you use.
   
• Get “Smart" About Climate Control: When it comes to home tem­perature control, there are Smart HVAC Systems and Smart Thermostats. Smart HVAC systems have built-in Internet capability and can be controlled directly without additional equipment. Smart Home Thermostats create “smart” sys­tems by enabling remote temperature control via a mobile or Internet-con­nected device or voice-operated home automation system. 
   
• Voice Your Preference: Most HVAC manufacturers offer apps that enable systems to be controlled from anywhere using a mobile device. Voice-control capability uses digital assistants, like Amazon Alexa or Google Home, to ver­bally dictate home temperatures. Easily controlling the temperature allows homeowners to be more comfortable and improve energy savings.
   
• Try Low-tech Fixes: Try to use heat-producing appliances – stoves, irons and dryers – at night or early morning.  Switch to LED light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs – which consume 90% more power. Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and places where pipes and wires come through walls. Check existing caulking and weather-stripping for gaps or cracks.

Targeted, room-by-room climate control systems will allow families to enjoy their extra space without paying to cool empty space this summer. To learn more or find a contrac­tor nearby, visit www.constantcomfort.com.

(NewsUSA) - With existing home inventory predicted to remain low in 2024, many home buyers are choosing to purchase new construction or instead electing to remodel their current home. Either option takes homeowners on a design journey with an array of endless selections and choices as they look to create a home that reflects their taste and lifestyle. Wilsonart has unveiled four new home surface trends that are sure to inspire and bring beauty and function to any new or existing space.

1. Light & Bright

In the ever-evolving realm of design, the Light & Bright trend emerges as a captivating focal point, seizing the spotlight and celebrating the timeless allure of white tones. In the kitchen and bath, white continues to lead as the top choice for styling, and modern countertops are often sleek and slim. Wilsonart^® Quartz and Wilsonart^® Solid Surface offer an array of marble and natural stone looks that are perfect for achieving this look in modern backsplashes or countertops.

2. Crafted Calm

Crafted Calm is a soft, warm, comforting interpretation of casual living and will be seen in homes that prioritize well-being and tranquility. Connecting with nature through design is an essential element of the Crafted Calm trend, and the wellness kitchen is at the center of that connection. Here, look to countertop designs that feature warming hues.

3. Fresh Heritage

The new Fresh Heritage trend draws inspiration from the historic English countryside and features traditional woodgrain styling, neutral tones and polished rooms that feel lived-in and loved. It's a journey into the past with a contemporary twist. The LUJO^® Collection from Wilsonart^® Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) offers a luxury matte Silken Wood finish that is a premium example of a surface that can add revolutionary texture to any home.

4. Dark & Moody Luxe

The Dark & Moody Luxe trend invites us to turn down color and dial-up the intensity with dramatic color contrasts that convey a deep sense of luxury. Embracing the desire to 'escape at home,' this trend introduces exotic wood accent walls, bold open storage, and industrial surfaces. The Wetwall™ Waterproof Wall Panel System offers designs with dark veining and a bold appearance, perfectly suited for the trend.

For those looking for kitchen and bath design inspiration to give their homes a fresh look for the new year, visit www.wilsonart.com.