Five Ways To Breathe New Life Into Your Home

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} Te | A —_J i GD ET a BEA ‘ial Ke | | x~~ / " Five Ways To Breathe New Life Into Your Home ih , 1 eS & An attractive indoor air conditioner or modern refrigerator can help you save energy while reflecting nicely on your senseofstyle. (NAPSA)—Whether the urge to remodel strikes in summer or any other time of year, you can seamlessly update your home with just a few simple steps toward improved design, comfort, functionality, energy efficiency and curb appeal. 1. Work with what you have. Look around your home. Is there anything in dire need of replacing or refurbishing? Updates may not be as expensive as you might think. Considerthis: If your kitchen cabinets are lookinga little worn, consider resurfacing instead of replacing them. Just remove the doors, then strip and refinish or repaint them. Invest in new handles and pulls, as well as newhinges if they’re visible. 2. Build a greener home with energy-efficient enhancements. Homeowners can dramatically cut energy costs without major renovations. Instead of new windows, try caulk and weather stripping to stop any air leaks on the windows you already have. Install high-efficiency water heaters to drive down heating costs. You can also install an ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioner that adds to your home’s good looks. For example, the Art Cool Mirror ductless indoor unit from LG has a flat panel with a charcoal mirror finish that com- plements any dcor. Plus, when paired with LG’s Smart AC, homeowners can control the system and monitor temperature on their smartphone anytime dayor night, whetherat homeor away. 3. Beautify your yard to increase personal comfort now and receive more cash later. Try planting deciduous trees on the south side of your house to provide additional shade in the hotter months, allowing you to cut down on air-conditioning expenses and save energy. What’s more, real estate experts estimate that by spending 5 percent of the value of your home on quality, low-maintenance landscaping, you could boost the resale value by 15 percent. 4. Create a seamless look for your kitchen. A counterdepth refrigerator, like a 3-Door French Door Refrigerator from LG, will allow homeownersto get the sophisticated look they desire for their kitchen without sacrificing space or the added cost of installing an actual built-in appliance. To help keep the hub of your homeclean, establish a message center in your kitchen. Put a bulletin board or chalkboard on the wall and store a calendar, note- book and writing utensils in a nearby drawer to help eliminate clutter. 5. Stylish lighting is a bright idea. A striking chandelier or light fixture can serve as a charming addition in a well-composed room. Lighting is also one of the easiest ways to update your space; a petite desk lamp or floor lamp cansignificantly brighten up a room. Be sure to use ENERGY STAR-qualified bulbs to make it a truly eco-friendly yet chic addition (and save up to $70 a year in energy costs). Learn More For further facts and tips, go to www.lghvac.com.