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	<title>Bob&#039;s Blogs &#187; Marie Proeller Hueston</title>
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	<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs</link>
	<description>The Dean of Home Renovation &#38; Repair Advice</description>
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		<title>Is a Kitchen Banquette Right for You?</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/kitchen-banquettes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/kitchen-banquettes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 23:11:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=26848</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Banquettes have a nostalgic charm about them, whether you sat at one in your grandmother&#8217;s kitchen or you shared a diner booth with friends in college. But is this distinctive seating right for your home? For insight, we reached out to kitchen and bath designer Susan Klimala, CKD &#8211; CBD and owner of The Kitchen [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/kitchen-banquettes/">Is a Kitchen Banquette Right for You?</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_27066" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-27066 " title="kitchen-banquettes" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Kitchen-BanquetteSeating-ellentuckInteriors.jpg" alt="Kitchen Banquettes" width="495" height="380" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: ellentuckinteriors.com</p></div>
<p>Banquettes have a nostalgic charm about them, whether you sat at one in your grandmother&#8217;s kitchen or you shared a diner booth with friends in college. But is this distinctive seating right for your home?</p>
<p>For insight, we reached out to kitchen and bath designer Susan Klimala, CKD &#8211; CBD and owner of <a title="The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn" href="http://kitchenstudio-ge.com" target="_blank">The Kitchen Studio</a> in Glen Ellyn, IL. &#8220;Banquettes allow for a cozy, intimate dining experience with a casual feel, but they&#8217;re not for everyone,&#8221; says Susan, who has designed numerous banquettes, including one in her own kitchen. She cites several good reasons to consider a kitchen banquette.</p>
<p><strong>Related: <a title="Banquette Seating" href="http://www.bobvila.com/corner-nook/44342-trending-now-banquette-seating/slideshows" target="_blank">Trending Now: Banquette Seating</a></strong></p>
<p><span id="more-26848"></span></p>
<p><strong>Efficient Use of Space</strong><br />
&#8220;From a design standpoint, banquettes offer a very efficient use of space. You are eliminating the need for some of the clearances you would require with a table and chairs. This makes seating possible in areas where a table and chairs would just be too tight.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Perfect for Casual Dining</strong><br />
&#8220;Banquettes are ideal as a casual dining spot for a small group. They are better for breakfast and after-school snacks than they are for formal dinners.&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_27092" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 290px"><img class="size-full wp-image-27092  " title="booth" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Traditional-Kitchen-Banquette-TheKitchenStudioofGlenEllyn.png" alt="Kitchen Banquettes - Booth" width="280" height="281" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: kitchenstudio-ge.com</p></div>
<p><strong>You Can Repurpose Out-of-the-Way Places</strong><br />
&#8220;Alcoves, bay windows, and corners are all good spots for a banquette. Another option—if you are planning to build or remodel—is to think about repurposing the space that might have been planned for a walk-in pantry. I did this in my own kitchen and was able to design a large island, plus plenty of storage, while still having enough room for an eat-in kitchen.&#8221;</p>
<p>There are, however, situations where banquette seating may not be the perfect solution, among them:</p>
<p><strong>Not for Big Families</strong><br />
&#8220;I would not recommend banquette seating for a very large family. If someone needs to get out for another serving, a glass of water, or what have you, then everyone has to scoot over to let them out.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Finding the Right Table Is Challenging</strong><br />
&#8220;It can be tricky to find an attractive table to service a banquette. The table has to be a pedestal of some sort. It cannot have legs at the four corners, because you would bang your legs every time you got in or out. Most times a banquette necessitates some type of custom table.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>They Can Be Hard to Clean</strong><br />
&#8220;Banquettes can get a little grungy, especially the parts tucked away in the back, so ideally you want a movable table that you can pull in and out when you need to clean or change the tablecloth. We did a banquette where the table was on casters for this exact purpose.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Related: <a title="Kitchen Islands" href="http://www.bobvila.com/seeing-double/11977-12-outstanding-kitchen-island-options/slideshows" target="_blank">12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>CONSTRUCTION DETAILS</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_27095" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-27095 " title="dining-area" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/banquette-dining-area-MBWilsonInteriorDesign-BethSinger-Photo.jpg" alt="Kitchen Banquettes - Dining Area" width="495" height="364" /><p class="wp-caption-text">MB Wilson Interior Design / Photo: Beth Singer</p></div>
<p>If you are thinking about putting a banquette in your <a title="Kitchen" href="http://www.bobvila.com/categories/kitchen/" target="_blank">kitchen</a>, heed Susan&#8217;s advice: Ideally, you need a minimum of 27 inches of space for each person to sit comfortably. The depth of the benches should be at least 24 inches, because you will want to leave space for an angled back or upholstered seating. The table should overlap each bench by three inches or so.</p>
<p>If you are designing a banquette in front of windows, be sure that the <a title="Windows" href="http://www.bobvila.com/categories/doors-windows/windows" target="_blank">windows</a> are a good 24 inches off the floor to allow for a seat height of 15 inches (not counting the height of the cushions).</p>
<p>When it comes to upholstery, opt for something washable. Fabric-upholstered cushions are never a great idea, especially with children. Choose an upholstered banquette in leather or pleather, just like the seating you would find in a restaurant. Such material can be easily wiped clean, and you won&#8217;t have to deal with the cushions falling off the benches. Your local upholsterer should be able to help you pull this together.</p>
<p>For more on kitchen design, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Kitchen Design Trends for 2013" href="http://www.bobvila.com/nation/post/whats-hot-in-the-kitchen-design-trends-for-2013" target="_blank">Kitchen Design Trends for 2013</a><br />
<a title="Kitchen Islands" href="http://www.bobvila.com/seeing-double/11977-12-outstanding-kitchen-island-options/slideshows" target="_blank">12 Outstanding Kitchen Island Options</a><br />
<a title="Kitchen Remodeling" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2447-planning-guide-kitchen-remodeling/pages/1" target="_blank">Planning Guide: Kitchen Remodeling</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/kitchen-banquettes/">Is a Kitchen Banquette Right for You?</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How To: Choose a New Bathroom Faucet</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/how-to-choose-a-faucet/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/how-to-choose-a-faucet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:53:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bathroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choose]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faucets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how-to]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=26027</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>In the overall scheme of a bathroom, the sink faucet might seem like an incidental detail, but its design can set the tone for the whole space. If it&#8217;s been a while since you last shopped for a faucet, you&#8217;ll be amazed by the broad range of styles, finishes, and state-of-the-art functions available today. Related: Bob [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/how-to-choose-a-faucet/">How To: Choose a New Bathroom Faucet</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_26523" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-26523 " title="how-to-choose-a-faucet" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Delta_Cassidy_Bath-rev.jpg" alt="How to Choose a Faucet" width="495" height="323" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Delta&#39;s Cassidy Faucet</p></div>
<p>In the overall scheme of a <a title="Bathroom" href="http://www.bobvila.com/categories/bathroom/" target="_blank">bathroom</a>, the sink faucet might seem like an incidental detail, but its design can set the tone for the whole space. If it&#8217;s been a while since you last shopped for a faucet, you&#8217;ll be amazed by the broad range of styles, finishes, and state-of-the-art functions available today.</p>
<p><strong>Related: <a title="April Showers Give-Away" href="ttp://www.bobvila.com/contest/april-showers-giveaway" target="_blank">Bob Vila&#8217;s &#8220;April Showers&#8221; Give-Away</a></strong></p>
<p>Buying only one from a field of so many options may seem daunting. Allison McKinney, a product manager at Delta Faucets, says that &#8220;the three main considerations when choosing a new faucet are style, function, and fit.&#8221; Indeed, zeroing in on these criteria helps simplify the selection process.</p>
<p><span id="more-26027"></span></p>
<p><strong>STYLE</strong><br />
Are you updating an old sink or planning a complete bathroom remodel? If you&#8217;re focusing on the sink, your choices will be somewhat limited, since the faucet will need to fit into the existing setup (ideally, it will coordinate with other fixtures in the room). If you are redoing the entire room, all avenues are open. Curvy or sleek, one handle or two, there are truly styles to fit any taste.</p>
<p>Once you&#8217;ve honed in on a silhouette you like, next you will need to decide on a finish. Do you prefer traditional chrome or something a little unexpected, such as <a title="Bronze Fixtures" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/the-new-bronze-age-for-fixtures/" target="_blank">old-rubbed bronze</a>? McKinney reminds renovators: No matter what shape and finish you love, be sure the faucet has matching tub and shower fixtures so that you can complete the whole room.</p>
<div><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/e_BRLfmleEc" frameborder="0" width="495" height="278"></iframe></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>FUNCTION</strong><br />
If you want a faucet with no bells and whistles, take your pick—there&#8217;s no shortage on the market. But a lot has changed in faucet technology over the past decade, so you may find it worthwhile, not to mention fun, to see what&#8217;s out there.</p>
<p>Popular now are hands-free designs that use motion sensors to turn on and off automatically. (These are a great option for households with young children who tend to leave the water running.) Or maybe a luxurious waterfall flow is just what you&#8217;ve dreamed about for your new master bath.</p>
<p>Before visiting a showroom, consider your lifestyle and the amount of use the new faucet is likely to receive. A more decorative style better suits a powder room used mainly by guests, while your high-traffic <a title="Kid-Friendly Bathroom Design" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/kid-friendly-bathroom-design/" target="_blank">kids bath</a> may warrant a sturdier choice.</p>
<p><strong>FIT</strong><br />
Whereas style and function are often a matter of personal taste, &#8220;fit&#8221; is the technical part of the equation that will be of particular importance if you are <a title="Replacing Faucets" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/bob-vila-radio-replacing-faucets/" target="_blank">replacing the faucet</a> on an existing sink.</p>
<p>The basic sink configurations and their associated faucet types are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Single-hole sinks fit either single-handled or smaller two-handled faucets.</li>
<li>Centerset (also called mini-widespread) sinks feature three holes drilled within four inches and accommodate single-handled desins or two-handled faucets mounted on a plate or escutcheon.</li>
<li>Widespread sinks, which have three separate holes at least eight inches apart, accept larger two-handled designs.</li>
</ul>
<p>Wall-mounted designs are also available. If replacing an old faucet, be sure to bring a picture and dimensions of your sink to a showroom.</p>
<div id="attachment_26524" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-26524 " title="oil-rubbed-bronze" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Delta-RubbedBronze-Victorian-twoHandle-Centerset-Lav-faucet.jpg" alt="How to Choose a Faucet - Oil Rubbed Bronze" width="495" height="379" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Delta&#39;s Victorian Faucet</p></div>
<p><strong>BUDGET</strong><br />
Prices vary from about $50 to more than $500, depending on style, finish, and technology. Have a budget in mind before you begin your search and realize that to get the look you want, it may be necessary to compromise. Affording a hands-free design, for instance, may mean opting for a less expensive finish.</p>
<p><strong>Related: <a title="Bathroom Vanity" href="http://www.bobvila.com/provinity-vanity/2387-12-decorator-worthy-bathroom-vanities/slideshows" target="_blank">12 &#8220;Decorator Worthy&#8221; Bathroom Vanities</a></strong></p>
<p>Inquire how the finish on a faucet was applied, as this usually affects price. So-called PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating is extremely durable but costs more. Also, note that warranties on faucets (for both finishes and inner valve construction) are usually worthwhile.</p>
<p><strong>BEFORE YOU SHOP</strong><br />
Before you begin your search, take a picture of the sink you plan to update, jotting down its dimensions and hole configurations. Or if you&#8217;re renovating the space in its entirety, collect pictures of dream bathrooms and fixtures to develop a sense of what you like. <a title="How to Install a Faucet" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/how-to-install-a-faucet/" target="_blank">Installing the faucet</a> yourself? Ask which models have the greatest ease of installation. &#8220;Bring all the information you can with you to the showroom, so there are no surprises when you get there,&#8221; McKinney concludes.</p>
<p>For more on bathrooms, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Delta Innovation" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/delta-innovation-then-and-now/" target="_blank">Delta Innovation: Then and Now</a><br />
<a title="Update Bathroom" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/update-bathroom/" target="_blank">5 Simple Ways to Modernize Your Bath</a><br />
<a title="Bathroom Sinks" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/bathroom-sinks/" target="_blank">Bathroom Sinks That Rise Above the Rest</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/how-to-choose-a-faucet/">How To: Choose a New Bathroom Faucet</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Boost Your Color Confidence</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-color-ideas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-color-ideas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:17:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Painting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paint]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=24923</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>In her position as director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, Jackie Jordan spends her days looking at color, thinking about color, and predicting which colors will work best in today&#8217;s homes. Related: Trending Now: Emerald Green While whites and creams still rank among the most popular paint choices in America, Jordan has noticed home color [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-color-ideas/">Boost Your Color Confidence</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_25408" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-25408 " title="colorful-bedroom" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sherwin-williams-hgtvdh013-kids-bed.jpg" alt="Home Color Ideas - Colorful Bedroom" width="495" height="275" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: HGTV® HOME by Sherwin-Williams</p></div>
<p>In her position as director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, Jackie Jordan spends her days looking at color, thinking about color, and predicting which colors will work best in today&#8217;s homes.</p>
<p><strong>Related: <a title="Emerald Green Choices" href="http://www.bobvila.com/emerald-green-choices/27172-trending-now-emerald-green/slideshows" target="_blank">Trending Now: Emerald Green</a></strong></p>
<p>While whites and creams still rank among the most popular paint choices in America, Jordan has noticed home color use steadily growing over the past decade. &#8220;People are becoming less fearful of using color,&#8221; she says. Here are her tips on choosing harmonious hues for your own home:</p>
<p><span id="more-24923"></span></p>
<p><strong>Turn on the TV.</strong> Jordan credits the popularity of quick-makeover shows for inspiring people to experiment with bright and sometimes even unexpected paint colors. On these TV series, people are often involuntarily pushed beyond their color comfort level, and most are pleasantly surprised with the results.</p>
<p><strong>Look around you.</strong> To find <a title="Choosing Interior Paint Color" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/362-choosing-interior-paint-color/pages/1" target="_blank">colors</a> that you&#8217;ll love to live with, survey your wardrobe, walk in your garden, or hunt around your house. A favorite scarf, flower, or throw pillow may help you identify the perfect paint color.</p>
<div id="attachment_25410" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-25410 " title="colorsnap" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/colorsnap-Sherwin-Williams.jpg" alt="Home Color Ideas - ColorSnap" width="495" height="295" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Sherwin-Williams&#39; ColorSnap</p></div>
<p><strong>Utilize new technology. </strong>Web tools and smartphone apps have completely transformed the <a title="How to Select a Paint Color" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/367-how-to-select-a-paint-color/pages/1" target="_blank">color selection</a> process—for the better! One example is Sherwin-Williams&#8217; ColorSnap, a mobile app that shows what different shades would look like on the walls of any room you&#8217;ve &#8216;snapped&#8217; a photo of.</p>
<p><strong>Get samples. </strong>Images in magazines or on the computer can point you in the right direction, but the only way to really see how a color will look in your home is to get a sample from a retailer.</p>
<p><strong>Save your walls.</strong> Rather than painting a square that will later need to be covered with <a title="Primer" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/bob-vila-radio-paint-primer/" target="_blank">primer</a>, ask for a &#8220;Small Wall.&#8221; You can move these adhesive-backed paint sample boards around the room to observe the effects of sunlight versus artificial light. Likewise, you&#8217;ll be able to judge how the color will look beside furniture or artwork sharing the space.</p>
<div id="attachment_25409" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-25409 " title="painted-stripes" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/sherwin-williams-hgtvdh013-powder-room.jpg" alt="Home Color Ideas - Painted Stripes" width="495" height="275" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: HGTV® HOME by Sherwin-Williams.</p></div>
<p><strong>Start small.</strong> If you&#8217;re feeling timid, experiment with color in a cozy powder room or an out-of-the-way guest bedroom. Then if you&#8217;re pleased with the look—and if friends can&#8217;t stop complimenting your choice—consider a bolder palette for other spaces as well.</p>
<p><strong>Break it up.</strong> Still overwhelmed by the thought of four walls of color? Consider an accent wall, or if you have waist-high wainscoting, paint a bright shade up above and white down below.</p>
<p>For more information and resources, visit <a title="Sherwin-Williams" href="http://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/" target="_blank">Sherwin-Williams</a>.</p>
<p>For more on color, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Red Rooms" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/red-rooms/" target="_blank">45 Ravishing Red Rooms</a><br />
<a title="Fail-Safe Colors" href="http://www.bobvila.com/amazing-gray-sherwin-williams-sw7044/2304-12-expert-picks-for-fail-safe-colors/slideshows" target="_blank">12 &#8220;Expert Picks&#8221; for Fail-Safe Colors</a><br />
<a title="Historic Paint Colors" href="http://www.bobvila.com/the-georgian-style/2242-bob-vila-s-guide-to-historic-paint-colors/slideshows" target="_blank">Bob Vila&#8217;s Guide to Historic Paint Colors</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-color-ideas/">Boost Your Color Confidence</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Formica Goes Retro Upon Turning 100</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/retro-formica/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/retro-formica/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 21:05:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[countertops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[products]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=24733</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Formica, the colorful laminate used in American homes for generations, turns 100 this year. It was back in 1913 that Daniel J. O&#8217;Conor, a young research engineer at Westinghouse Electric, first discovered that layers of resin-coated fabric, when pressed together, made a laminate that worked well as an electrical insulator. O&#8217;Conor partnered with fellow Westinghouse [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/retro-formica/">Formica Goes Retro Upon Turning 100</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_24925" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-24925   " title="retro-formica" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Formica-Anniversary-Collection-Chips.jpg" alt="Retro Formica" width="495" height="371" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Formica&#39;s 100th Anniversary Collection</p></div>
<p>Formica, the colorful laminate used in American homes for generations, turns 100 this year.</p>
<p>It was back in 1913 that Daniel J. O&#8217;Conor, a young research engineer at Westinghouse Electric, first discovered that layers of resin-coated fabric, when pressed together, made a <a title="Laminate Countertops: A Buyer's Guide" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/25541-laminate-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1" target="_blank">laminate</a> that worked well as an electrical insulator.</p>
<p>O&#8217;Conor partnered with fellow Westinghouse associate Herbert A. Faber to start a new business, Formica, named for the insulating properties of the new material that acted as a substitute &#8220;for mica,&#8221; a mineral often used for electrical insulation.</p>
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<p>Although Formica laminate was used mainly in an industrial capacity during the company&#8217;s early years, it would prove to have other uses as well. Foremost among them, it made an attractive, easy-to-clean surface for <a title="Kitchen Countertops 101" href="http://www.bobvila.com/solid-surfacing/2451-kitchen-countertops-101/slideshows" target="_blank">countertops</a> in homes, hospitals, and businesses across the country.</p>
<p>By the early 1950s, one-third of all new homes built in the United States used laminates, much of it the Formica brand.</p>
<div id="attachment_25016" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-25016   " title="formica-red-elipse" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Formica-100anniversary-redElipse-countertop.png" alt="Retro Formica - Red Elipse" width="495" height="334" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Red Elipse from Formica</p></div>
<p>The company hired designers to keep the look of its products in step with modern tastes. Formica colors reflected the most popular hues in home decor, such as Sea Mist and Cameo in the 1950s, vivid Grape and Raspberry in the 1960s, ubiquitous Avocado and Gold in the 1970s, and so on. Simulated texture, too, became a signature detail in Formica&#8217;s appeal to American homeowners. Patterns that replicated the look of wood grain, fabric, and marble were especially popular.</p>
<p>With each passing decade, up to and including today, Formica has created colors and patterns that reflect the aesthetics of the era. Now, to celebrate a century of innovative design, the company is introducing twelve new patterns in their Anniversary Collection. &#8220;The patterns and colors of the Anniversary Collection acknowledge the brand&#8217;s past but without delving into nostalgia,&#8221; says head designer Abbott Miller. &#8220;The collection offers surfacing design that is unique in the market.&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_25038" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-25038  " title="dot-screen-formica" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Formica-Anniversary_Collection_Dotscreen-1.jpg" alt="Retro Formica - Dot Screen" width="495" height="371" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Dot Screen from Formica</p></div>
<p>Each of the four fun patterns—Ellipse, Endless, Dotscreen, and Halftone—has three color options ranging from neutrals like White and Gray to brights like Blueberry, Citrus, and Mint. According to Renee Hytry Derrington, Formica&#8217;s Group VP of Design, &#8220;the Anniversary Collection is just one example of our commitment to continue the joint exploration with the design community to define the future of Formica for the next 100 years.&#8221;</p>
<p>For a closer look at the Anniversary Collection or to find a dealer near you, visit <a title="Formica" href="http://www.formica.com/home/" target="_blank">Formica</a>.</p>
<p>For more on countertops, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Laminate Countertops: A Buyer's Guide" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/25541-laminate-countertops-a-buyer-s-guide/pages/1" target="_blank">Laminate Countertops: A Buyer&#8217;s Guide</a><br />
<a title="Kitchen Countertops 101" href="http://www.bobvila.com/solid-surfacing/2451-kitchen-countertops-101/slideshows" target="_blank">Kitchen Countertops 101</a><br />
<a title="Top Tips for Keeping Your Countertops Like New" href="http://www.bobvila.com/caring-for-countertops/3817-top-tips-for-keeping-countertops-like-new/slideshows" target="_blank">Top Tips for Keeping Your Countertops Like New</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/retro-formica/">Formica Goes Retro Upon Turning 100</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How To: Bring the World&#8217;s Most Romantic Color into the Home</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/red-decor/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/red-decor/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Feb 2013 22:25:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Interior Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Holidays]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=24311</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>As Valentine&#8217;s Day approaches, the color red becomes more and more apparent in our homes. Red roses, red hearts on Valentine&#8217;s cards, and for true holiday enthusiasts, red-colored lights draped on a mantel or at the window. Traditionally seen as the color of passion, red is also associated with power and assertiveness. Small wonder then [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/red-decor/">How To: Bring the World&#8217;s Most Romantic Color into the Home</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_24579" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-24579 " title="red-decor-front-door" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/red-frontdoors-bowerpowerblog.jpg" alt="Red Decor - Front Door" width="495" height="330" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: bowerpowerblog.com</p></div>
<p>As Valentine&#8217;s Day approaches, the color red becomes more and more apparent in our homes. Red roses, red hearts on Valentine&#8217;s cards, and for true holiday enthusiasts, red-colored <a title="Holiday Lights 101" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2176-holiday-lights-101/pages/1" target="_blank">lights</a> draped on a mantel or at the window.</p>
<p>Traditionally seen as the color of passion, red is also associated with power and assertiveness. Small wonder then that so many homeowners choose to surround themselves with the vibrant hue all year &#8217;round.</p>
<p>&#8220;Red is an excellent color to use if you want to create an effect that is stimulating and invigorating,&#8221; says color consultant Doreen Richmond, whose blog ColorCherish.com investigates the use of color in interior design. &#8220;It is a color that makes you conscious and alert. In the home, it adds strength and warmth.&#8221;</p>
<p><span id="more-24311"></span></p>
<div id="attachment_24533" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-24533 " title="red-decor-cabinets" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/galley-kitchen-red-cabinets-DavidChurchill-Photo.jpg" alt="Red Decor - Cabinets" width="495" height="365" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Decoist / David Churchill</p></div>
<p>So how best to introduce red into your own home? The color&#8217;s &#8220;stimulating&#8221; qualities make it well-suited to kitchens and dining rooms, experts say, as it is believed to stimulate appetite. This accounts for its frequent use in restaurants, and also explains why it is generally shunned for rooms of relaxation like bedrooms and baths.</p>
<p>On the other hand, red&#8217;s connection with romance makes it seem a natural choice for bedrooms. The secret to success here is moderation. If you love the boldness of solid red walls, for example, you might balance them with white fabrics or furnishings. For a more serene take, begin with a neutral background and punctuate it with red picture frames, red storage boxes, or delicate red-and-white patterns, such as <a title="Toiles Go Contemporary" href="http://www.bobvila.com/chinatown-toile/2294-toiles-go-contemporary/slideshows" target="_blank">toile</a> or gingham. Designer Jonathan Adler&#8217;s favorite color to combine with red is brown. &#8220;Brown with red is innately chic,&#8221; writes designer Jonathan Adler in his book <em>Happy Chic Colors</em>.</p>
<div id="attachment_24530" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-24530 " title="red-decor-chandelier" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/red-chandelier-fioreblossoms1.png" alt="Red Decor - Chandelier" width="495" height="445" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: fioreblossoms</p></div>
<p>Even the shade of red you choose can determine a room&#8217;s or a craft project&#8217;s finished look. Consider the visual distinction between fire engine red and warm rust. As energizing as it is eye-catching, red can certainly work its magic anywhere in the house.</p>
<p>For more on interior design, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Wallpaper Basics" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/541-wallpaper-basics/pages/1" target="_blank">Wallpaper Basics</a><br />
<a title="Emerald Green" href="http://www.bobvila.com/emerald-green-choices/27172-trending-now-emerald-green/slideshows" target="_blank">Trending Now: Emerald Green</a><br />
<a title="Rope DIY Ideas" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/rope-diy-ideas/" target="_blank">20 &#8220;Why Didn&#8217;t I Think of That&#8221; Ways to Decorate with Rope</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/red-decor/">How To: Bring the World&#8217;s Most Romantic Color into the Home</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Top New Year&#8217;s Resolutions for Your Home</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-improvement-projects-2013/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-improvement-projects-2013/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 23:06:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Managing Construction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bathroom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[remodeling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[storage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trends]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=23224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>The start of each new year is a hopeful time. People vow to get to the gym more often or to finally quit smoking. But as winter turns to spring, even the most steadfast determination can begin to wane, and resolutions often get sidelined. The same is true in remodeling. There always seem to be [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-improvement-projects-2013/">Top New Year&#8217;s Resolutions for Your Home</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_23408" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-23408 " title="home-improvement-projects-2013" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/possible-ilovemanchester.jpg" alt="Home Improvement Projects 2013" width="495" height="319" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: ilovemanchester.com</p></div>
<p>The start of each new year is a hopeful time. People vow to get to the gym more often or to finally quit smoking. But as winter turns to spring, even the most steadfast determination can begin to wane, and resolutions often get sidelined. The same is true in remodeling. There always seem to be things on our wish lists that we never get around to.</p>
<p>We spoke with three experts to identify the home improvement projects most of us think about but rarely tackle. And we got tips on how to finally get these projects done.<br />
<span id="more-23224"></span><br />
&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>1. Making Our Homes More Energy Efficient</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_23416" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-23416 " title="home-improvement-projects-2013-energy-efficiency" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/AirLeaksinAHome-mattawanmechanical.jpg" alt="Home Improvement Projects 2013 - Energy Efficiency" width="495" height="377" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Illustration: mattawanmechanical.com</p></div>
<p>Bob Vila knows a thing or two about the home improvement projects people dream about. One that he hears mentioned frequently is increasing a home&#8217;s <a title="12 Ways to Put Your Home on an Energy Diet--TODAY" href="http://www.bobvila.com/vampire-power-drain/25846-12-ways-to-put-your-home-on-an-energy-diet-today/slideshows" target="_blank">energy efficiency</a>. &#8220;People often ask me about energy conservation methods, from installing a programmable thermostat to adding insulation in an attic to replacing old windows and doors,&#8221; he says.</p>
<p><em>Why It&#8217;s Important:</em> Boosting your home&#8217;s energy efficiency saves you money—a common resolution in and of itself!</p>
<p><em>What Holds Us Back:</em> Budget concerns can be roadblocks to success, Bob points out, but they don&#8217;t have to be. &#8220;There are $50,000 <a title="Window Replacement 101" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2505-replacement-windows-101/pages/1" target="_blank">window replacements</a>, but there are also options as inexpensive as a tube of caulking to seal out drafts.&#8221;</p>
<p><em>How To Get It Done:</em> &#8220;Take a realistic look at your finances and start with what you can afford,&#8221; Bob advises. &#8220;For larger projects, you may have to adjust your priorities in order to save money, like taking a one week vacation instead of two weeks.&#8221;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>2. Remodeling a Kitchen or Bath</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_23427" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-23427 " title="home-improvement-projects-2013-kitchen-and-bath" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Remodeled_Kitchen_pewaukee_collaborative-design.jpg" alt="Home Improvement Projects 2013 - Kitchen and Bath" width="495" height="341" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: collaborative-design.com</p></div>
<p>Modernizing an outdated kitchen or bath is a project that <a title="Amy Matthews: 5 Tips for Successful DIY" href="http://www.bobvila.com/reuse-and-recycle/2117-amy-matthews-5-tips-for-successful-diy/slideshows" target="_blank">Amy Matthews</a>, licensed contractor and host of DIY Network&#8217;s hit show &#8220;Sweat Equity,&#8221; is asked about time and again.</p>
<p><em>Why It&#8217;s Important:</em> Aside from the aesthetic qualities, a beautiful new <a title="Kitchen Remodeling Ideas" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2447-planning-guide-kitchen-remodeling/pages/1" target="_blank">kitchen</a> or <a title="Bathroom Remodeling Ideas" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/1999-planning-guide-bathroom-remodeling/pages/1" target="_blank">bath</a> can increase the value of your home.</p>
<p><em>What Holds Us Back:</em> &#8220;I think people feel overwhelmed by the scope of these projects,&#8221; Amy reflects. &#8220;There are other rooms you can renovate for less money, but kitchens and baths can involve plumbing, gas lines, fixtures—they are expensive places to fix.&#8221;</p>
<p><em>How To Get It Done:</em> &#8220;Begin by making a detailed plan of your dream room, but be realistic about the costs,&#8221; Amy says. To have the stove of your dreams, for example, you may need to compromise on cabinets—or the other way around. &#8220;A good contractor will be able to help you adjust your plan to fit your budget.&#8221;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>3. Conquering Clutter</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_23432" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-23432 " title="home-improvement-projects-2013-storage-and-organization" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Organizingideas-katherinemaries.jpg" alt="Home Improvement Projects 2013 - Storage and Organization" width="495" height="329" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: katherinemaries.com</p></div>
<p>&#8220;Getting rid of clutter and finally getting organized is always on our readers&#8217; list of New Year&#8217;s resolutions,&#8221; reports Amy Panos, Senior Editor for Home Design at <a title="Better Homes and Gardens" href="http://www.bhg.com" target="_blank">Better Homes &amp; Gardens</a>.</p>
<p><em>Why It&#8217;s Important:</em> Clutter-free spaces not only help you save time by making it easier to find what you need, they also foster an overall sense of <a title="Make Your Home Zen" href="http://www.bobvila.com/nation/post/how-to-make-your-home-totally-zen-in-10-steps" target="_blank">serenity</a> in your home.</p>
<p><em>What Holds Us Back:</em> The urge to get it done all at once. &#8220;Remember, you didn&#8217;t accumulate the clutter in a day, and you&#8217;re not going to organize your whole house in a day,&#8221; Amy says.</p>
<p><em>How To Get It Done:</em> <a title="5 Thrifty DIY Organization Ideas" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/diy-organization-ideas/" target="_blank">Start small</a>. &#8220;Think about the three areas that, if you could get them organized, would make the biggest difference in your daily life,&#8221; Amy suggests. &#8220;Work on one of them each month, even if it&#8217;s only for an hour a week. Focus on one and work on it until you finish, then move on to the next one. Let success breed success.&#8221;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more on remodeling in 2013, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Emerald Green" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/emerald-green/" target="_blank">New Year, New Color</a><br />
<a title="Kitchen Design Trends 2013" href="http://www.bobvila.com/nation/post/whats-hot-in-the-kitchen-design-trends-for-2013" target="_blank">Kitchen Design Trends for 2013</a><br />
<a title="Real Estate Trends 2013" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/real-estate-trends-2013/" target="_blank">5 Market Trends to Cash In On This Year</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/home-improvement-projects-2013/">Top New Year&#8217;s Resolutions for Your Home</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>New Year, New Color</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/emerald-green/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/emerald-green/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:33:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Painting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[color]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paint]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=22816</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Pantone, the global authority on color for the design industries, has announced the Color of the Year for 2013: Emerald Green. (Or more specifically, PANTONE 17-5641.) Leatrice Eiseman, executive director for the Pantone Color Institute, reflects on the choice: &#8220;Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation,&#8221; she says, &#8220;which is so important [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/emerald-green/">New Year, New Color</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22924" title="emerald-green-pantone" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Pantone-color-of-the-year-emerald.jpg" alt="Emerald Green - Pantone 2013" width="495" height="329" /></p>
<p>Pantone, the global authority on color for the design industries, has announced the Color of the Year for 2013: Emerald Green. (Or more specifically, PANTONE 17-5641.) Leatrice Eiseman, executive director for the Pantone Color Institute, reflects on the choice: &#8220;Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation,&#8221; she says, &#8220;which is so important in today&#8217;s complex world.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Slideshow: <a title="Emerald Green Color" href="http://www.bobvila.com/emerald-green-choices/27172-trending-now-emerald-green/slideshows" target="_blank">Trending Now: Emerald Green</a></strong></p>
<p>How will the choice of Emerald affect your decorating decisions in the year ahead? Perhaps quite a bit—or perhaps not at all—depending on how much you like the hue and to what degree you enjoy bold colors in your home.</p>
<p><span id="more-22816"></span></p>
<div id="attachment_22951" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-22951 " title="emerald-green-accent-pillows" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/BHG-Livingroom-emeraldgreenpillows.jpg" alt="Emerald Green - Accent Pillows" width="495" height="355" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Better Homes &amp; Gardens</p></div>
<p>For the fashion, beauty, and home design industries, however, the choice of Emerald is an influential one, inspiring everything from clothing to eye-shadow shades to household accessories around the world.</p>
<p>Next month, JCPenney will introduce a line of Pantone bedding, pillows, bath towels and bath products showcasing the deep green hue. &#8220;The cheerful array of on-trend pieces will make it easy for customers to infuse the perfect color into any home decor,&#8221; reports Paul Rutenis, general merchandise manager for home at JCPenney.</p>
<div id="attachment_22955" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-22955 " title="emerald-green-sitting-furniture" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/redesignrevolution-Emerald-Green-Room-Pantone.jpg" alt="Emerald Green - Sitting Furniture" width="495" height="487" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: redesignrevolution.com</p></div>
<p>So just how does Pantone pinpoint one trend-setting shade each year? According to the company, through &#8220;a very thoughtful process&#8221;. Pantone experts analyze current films, traveling art exhibitions, popular travel destinations—even upcoming sporting events that will likely capture worldwide attention—any venue where a particular color may be in evidence over and over again. Past colors include <a title="Tangerine Tango: 10 Products on Trend" href="http://www.bobvila.com/urban-gasfire/2283-tangerine-tango-10-products-on-trend/slideshows" target="_blank">Tangerine Tango</a> (2012), Turquoise (2010), and True Red (2004).</p>
<div id="attachment_22919" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 273px"><img class="size-full wp-image-22919  " title="emerald-green-room-decor" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/04-hbx-green-floral-dresser-braff-0312-lgn.jpg" alt="Emerald Green - Room Decor" width="263" height="350" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Room design: Meg Braff. Photo: James Merrell</p></div>
<p>Anyone interested in bringing Emerald into their home might start small, with bedding or throw pillows on a sofa, or by adding a coat of paint to a chair or dresser. On walls, Emerald can enliven the space above or below wainscoting, saturate an accent wall, or cover all four walls for maximum impact.</p>
<p>You might also paint Emerald on the back surface of a large bookcase or cupboard. Fabric for upholstery or curtains might be solid Emerald (lush velvet and rich, raw silks tend to complement jewel tones, although sturdier weaves would work equally well). Or fabric might simply have a touch of Emerald incorporated into its overall pattern.</p>
<p>Displaying a collection of Emerald china or glassware is another way to bring the color into the home in a more subtle way.</p>
<div id="attachment_22989" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-22989 " title="emerald-green-glasses" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Overstock-novita-emeraldgreenglasses.png" alt="Emerald Green - Glasses" width="495" height="332" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Novita&#39;s Emerald Green-colored Glasses from Overstock</p></div>
<p>Whichever decorating option you consider, request paint samples and fabric swatches before you begin.</p>
<p>For more on color and interior design, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Fail-Safe Colors" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2279-fail-safe-colors/pages/1" target="_blank">Fail-Safe Colors</a><br />
<a title="Pantone Color" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/pantone-color/" target="_blank">Pantone: The 20th Century in Color</a><br />
<a title="Historic Paint Colors" href="http://www.bobvila.com/the-georgian-style/2242-bob-vila-s-guide-to-historic-paint-colors/slideshows" target="_blank">Bob Vila&#8217;s Guide to Historic Paint Colors</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/emerald-green/">New Year, New Color</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Sweet Dreams: A New Line of No-VOC Paints for Nurseries</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/lullaby-paints/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/lullaby-paints/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:38:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Other Rooms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Painting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nursery]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[paint]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[products]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=22263</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>The health benefits of low-VOC paints for people with chemical sensitivities and respiratory conditions are well documented. Earlier this year, those benefits inspired one company to launch a line of non-toxic paints targeted towards the most susceptible among us: infants. Lullaby Paints—intended specifically for nurseries and playrooms—are free of benzene, formaldehyde, and a host of [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/lullaby-paints/">Sweet Dreams: A New Line of No-VOC Paints for Nurseries</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_22744" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-22744 " title="lullaby-paints-golden-slumber" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LullabyPaints-GoldenSlumbersNursery.png" alt="Lullaby Paints - Golden Slumber Nursery" width="495" height="350" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Lullaby Paints&#39; Golden Slumber Nursery</p></div>
<p>The health benefits of <a title="Low-VOC Paints" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/21-quick-tip-use-low-voc-paints/pages/1" target="_blank">low-VOC paints</a> for people with chemical sensitivities and respiratory conditions are well documented. Earlier this year, those benefits inspired one company to launch a line of non-toxic paints targeted towards the most susceptible among us: infants.</p>
<p>Lullaby Paints—intended specifically for nurseries and playrooms—are free of benzene, formaldehyde, and a host of other compounds often found in traditional household paints.</p>
<p><span id="more-22263"></span></p>
<p>Company co-founder Julian Crawford points out that parents often paint a <a title="Nursery" href="http://www.bobvila.com/categories/other-rooms/subcategories/nursery" target="_blank">nursery</a> mere weeks or months before a baby&#8217;s arrival, and that, once home, newborns spend many hours a day sleeping in their rooms. &#8220;We have baby monitors now that allow parents to shut the nursery door to keep out noise,&#8221; says Crawford, who adds that new homes are also better insulated and therefore less drafty than they used to be. &#8220;It&#8217;s more important than ever to have high air quality indoors.&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_22745" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-22745 " title="lullaby-paints-palettes" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LullabyPaints-DesignerPalettes.png" alt="Lullaby Paints - Palettes" width="495" height="281" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Lullaby Paints&#39; Designer Palettes</p></div>
<p>Although designed for nurseries, Lullaby Paints&#8217; broad palette is sophisticated enough to look great beyond the nursery. There are bold hues like Tangerine and Citron and more subdued choices such as Portobello, Celadon, and Sheep&#8217;s Wool. Pale pinks and blues are offered as well, but overall, Crawford reports, &#8220;these are not typical baby colors.&#8221;</p>
<div id="attachment_22747" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 289px"><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LullabyPaints-ChalkboardColors.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-22747" title="LullabyPaints-ChalkboardColors" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LullabyPaints-ChalkboardColors.png" alt="Lullaby Paints' Chalkboard Colors" width="279" height="314" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lullaby Paints&#39; Chalkboard Colors</p></div>
<p>Also available from Lullaby Paints are chalkboard paints in 16 vibrant hues like Royal Blue and King&#8217;s Red, all safe and toxin-free so that <a title="Kid-Friendly DIY Projects" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/kid-friendly-diy-projects/" target="_blank">children can help</a> with the application. The chalkboard paint is sold by the gallon or quart. It&#8217;s also sold in a convenient kit, which includes roller, tray, edging tape, enough paint to cover a 30-foot square surface with two coats, and even some chalk to get little artists on their way.</p>
<p>Coming in 2013: a line of stains and varnishes for woodwork, floors, and furniture. &#8220;It&#8217;s even harder to find varnishes that are low- or no-VOC, so it was really a natural extension of what we offer,&#8221; Crawford states. Now in the final stages of color development, expect to see shades that are both traditional and a bit unexpected—charcoal gray, for instance.</p>
<div id="attachment_22746" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LullabyPaints-Packaging.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-22746" title="LullabyPaints-Packaging" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/LullabyPaints-Packaging.jpg" alt="Lullaby Paint's packaging" width="495" height="333" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lullaby Paints&#39; Eco-Friendly Packaging</p></div>
<p>Homeowners seeking green products will undoubtedly appreciate Lullaby Paints&#8217; packaging. Gone are the paint cans that would sit on your garage shelf year after year. In their place: resealable pouches that cut down on manufacturing and shipping costs and keep paint fresher for future touch-ups.</p>
<p>For more information, to order paint or samples, or to find a retailer near you, visit <a title="Lullaby Paints" href="http://www.lullabypaints.com" target="_blank">Lullaby Paints</a>.</p>
<p>Fore more on painting, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Fail-Safe Colors" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2279-fail-safe-colors/pages/1" target="_blank">Fail-Safe Colors</a><br />
<a title="What to Do with Old Paint" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/what-to-do-with-old-paint/" target="_blank">What to Do with Old Paint</a><br />
<a title="10 Essentials for Successful House Painting" href="http://www.bobvila.com/invest-in-your-paint-brush/2263-paint-guide-10-essentials-for-successful-house-painting/slideshows" target="_blank">Paint Guide: 10 Essentials for Successful House Painting</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/lullaby-paints/">Sweet Dreams: A New Line of No-VOC Paints for Nurseries</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>A Brief History of Nutcrackers</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/nutcrackers-history/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/nutcrackers-history/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 19:35:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Interior Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decor]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=21354</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>These fancifully painted fellows herald the holiday season in grand style. Slideshow: Nutcrackers on Parade Before the term &#8220;nutcracker&#8221; conjured images of twirling ballerinas, it referred to a practical tool whose use dates back to Roman times. Back then—and for much of its history—nutcrackers were made of various metals. The figural wooden designs that have [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/nutcrackers-history/">A Brief History of Nutcrackers</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>These fancifully painted fellows herald the holiday season in grand style.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_21359" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/christmasspirit2009-12-22_nutcrackers3.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-21359" title="christmasspirit2009-12-22_nutcrackers3" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/christmasspirit2009-12-22_nutcrackers3.jpg" alt="assorted traditional nutcrackers" width="495" height="331" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Assorted Traditional Nutcrackers. Photo: Christmas Spirit</p></div>
<p><strong>Slideshow: <a href="http://www.bobvila.com/decorative-nutcrackers/22461-nutcrackers-on-parade/slideshows" title="Decorative Nutcrackers" target="_blank">Nutcrackers on Parade</a></strong></p>
<p><span id="more-21354"></span></p>
<p>Before the term &#8220;nutcracker&#8221; conjured images of twirling ballerinas, it referred to a practical tool whose use dates back to Roman times.</p>
<p>Back then—and for much of its history—nutcrackers were made of various metals. The figural wooden designs that have become synonymous with the <a title="Holiday Season DIY and Decor" href="http://www.bobvila.com/topics/diy-holiday-season" target="_blank">holiday season</a> originated sometime in the 15th century in the forested regions of southern Germany, an area known for its woodcarving traditions (think cuckoo clocks and ornately detailed furniture).</p>
<div id="attachment_21797" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 283px"><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Gumps-SteinbachTheNutcracker-1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-21797 " title="Gumps-SteinbachTheNutcracker-1" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Gumps-SteinbachTheNutcracker-1.jpg" alt="Steinbach &quot;The Nutcracker&quot; at Gumps" width="273" height="272" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Steinbach&#39;s "The Nutcracker" at Gumps</p></div>
<p>We can thank writer E.T.A. Hoffmann for introducing the humble nutcracker—a traditional German woodcraft—to the international stage. It was Hoffmann’s 1816 novella &#8220;The Nutcracker and the Mouse King&#8221; that inspired <em>The Nutcracker</em> ballet, which went on to become a cherished Christmas event around the globe following its 1892 debut in St. Petersburg, Russia.</p>
<p>The first American productions of the ballet were performed in San Francisco in 1944 and New York City in 1954, sparking new interest and a collecting craze.</p>
<div id="attachment_21800" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 283px"><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Gumps-ChristianUlbrichtWoodlandSantaNutcracker.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-21800" title="Gumps-ChristianUlbrichtWoodlandSantaNutcracker" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Gumps-ChristianUlbrichtWoodlandSantaNutcracker.jpg" alt="Christian Ulbricht's &quot;Woodland Santa&quot; Nutcracker at Gumps." width="273" height="273" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ulbricht&#39;s "Woodland Santa" Nutcracker at Gumps</p></div>
<p>Today, the stern-faced figurines have become synonymous with Christmas, and homeowners often incorporate them into festive displays.</p>
<p>The most coveted designs on the market hail from the same German workshops that have made nutcrackers for generations, among them the Steinbach Family and Christian Ulbricht, which can cost $300 or more.</p>
<p>Replicas crafted in Asia are considerably less expensive, about $25 to $50 apiece, offering enthusiasts of any budget the opportunity to cluster a lively group of nutcrackers along a windowsill, shelf, or mantel.</p>
<p>For more on holiday decorating, consider:</p>
<p><a title="DIY Christmas Ornaments" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/diy-christmas-ornaments/" target="_blank">58 Outstanding DIY Ornaments</a><br />
<a title="Holiday Lights Go Neutral: 9 Options" href="http://www.bobvila.com/holiday-lights-pine-cones/23451-holiday-lights-go-neutral-9-options/slideshows" target="_blank">Holiday Lights Go Neutral: 9 Options</a><br />
<a title="Feather Christmas Trees" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/feather-christmas-trees/" target="_blank">Feather Trees: Yesterday&#8217;s Christmas Decor, Today</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/nutcrackers-history/">A Brief History of Nutcrackers</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Feather Trees: Yesterday&#8217;s Christmas Decor, Today</title>
		<link>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/feather-christmas-trees/</link>
		<comments>http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/feather-christmas-trees/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:07:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Marie Proeller Hueston</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Interior Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[christmas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decoration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tree]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/?p=21777</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>A century-old tradition, these artificial Christmas trees continue to charm homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike. Like many of our cherished holiday decorating traditions, feather trees originated in Germany during the Victorian era. Their construction was simple but ingenious. Dyed goose feathers were attached to branches with wire to resemble pine boughs. The branches were then [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/feather-christmas-trees/">Feather Trees: Yesterday&#8217;s Christmas Decor, Today</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>A century-old tradition, these artificial Christmas trees continue to charm homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike.</em></p>
<div id="attachment_21804" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-21804 " title="A feather Christmas tree sits atop a coffee table/ bench" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/MaisonDecor-Feather-Tree-Arrives-024.jpg" alt="Feather Christmas Trees at MaisonDecor" width="495" height="371" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo: Maison Decor</p></div>
<p>Like many of our cherished holiday decorating traditions, feather trees originated in Germany during the Victorian era. Their construction was simple but ingenious. Dyed goose feathers were attached to branches with wire to resemble pine boughs. The branches were then inserted into a wooden dowel &#8220;trunk&#8221;, which in turn was set into a base. Tiny faux berries or candleholders sometimes graced the tips of branches as well.</p>
<div id="attachment_21816" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 261px"><img class="size-full wp-image-21816   " title="Vintage German feather Christmas tree" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/FeatherTree-German-Vintage-Pinterest.jpg" alt="Feather Christmas Trees - Vintage German" width="251" height="321" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Vintage German Feather Tree</p></div>
<p>Feather trees were brought to our shores by German immigrants in the early part of the 20th century, enjoying widespread popularity with American consumers during the 1920s and 1930s.</p>
<p>Importation was halted during the Second World War, and in the years that followed, the use of feather trees declined. The delicate decorations now seemed a bit old-fashioned for post-war tastes.</p>
<p>Collectors kept the tradition alive. Today, feather Christmas trees have made a comeback. Antique examples are highly sought after by some, but their high price tags ($300 and up) and fragile condition lessen their appeal to others. Fortunately, there are numerous new creations to choose from, many of which sell in the $40 to $80 range.</p>
<p><strong>Slideshow: <a href="http://www.bobvila.com/feather-trees/23132-trending-now-feather-trees/slideshows" title="Feather Trees Gallery" target="_blank">Trending Now: Feather Trees</a></strong></p>
<p><span id="more-21777"></span></p>
<p>The classic styles feature green branches with red berries or ivory branches. Updated variations boast bright colors like fuchsia, lime, and turquoise.</p>
<p>Tall feather trees can be found, but most are intended for <a title="Decorative Tabletop Christmas Trees" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/decorative-tabletop-christmas-trees/" target="_blank">tabletop use</a> and commonly measure between two and three feet in height.</p>
<div id="attachment_21811" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 505px"><img class="size-full wp-image-21811 " title="Artisan Dennis Bauer wraps a goose feather to make a traditional feather Christmas tree" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/wordpress_production/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ohio.com-ArronBeaconJournal-ArtisanDennisBauer-feathertree-Photo-MichaelChritton.jpg" alt="Feather Christmas Trees - Goose Feather" width="495" height="323" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Artisan Dennis Bauer wraps a goose feather to make a traditional feather Christmas tree. Photo: Michael Chritton for Arron Beacon Journal</p></div>
<p>Feeling crafty? Many people choose to make their own feather trees, either in the traditional manner of wiring goose feathers to branches, or in an alternate style where soft feathers are layered in rows up the sides of a wood or Styrofoam cone.</p>
<p>For more on holiday decorating, consider:</p>
<p><a title="Holiday Lights 101" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2176-holiday-lights-101/pages/1" target="_blank">Holiday Lights 101</a><br />
<a title="Christmas Trees: Real vs. Artificial" href="http://www.bobvila.com/articles/2182-christmas-trees-real-vs-artificial/pages/1" target="_blank">Christmas Trees—Real vs. Artificial?</a><br />
<a title="Picking a Christmas Tree" href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/bob-vila-radio-picking-a-christmas-tree/" target="_blank">Bob Vila Radio: Picking a Christmas Tree</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.bobvila.com/blogs/feather-christmas-trees/">Feather Trees: Yesterday&#8217;s Christmas Decor, Today</a>
<a href="http://www.bobvila.com/">Home Improvement, Home Remodeling & Home Repair - BobVila.com</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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