Who doesn't need a break from the hectic day-to-day routine once in awhile? A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that we are more stressed than ever, with nearly 75 percent of Americans experiencing moderate to high stress levels. With time and money as major obstacles, it's difficult for many people to take regular vacations to escape their busy, everyday lives. But with a little time, budget and creativity, an ordinary bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious, relaxing escape for an everyday getaway.

Spacious showers

The central feature of any bathroom is the shower or bath. Enlarging a cramped shower space does not have to entail an expensive overhaul. By installing a curved shower rod, you will add up to 7 1/2 inches of elbow room to your space and feel like you have an oversized, lavish shower without adding any square footage. Moen offers both fixed- and adjustable-length curved shower rods with pivoting flange to make installation a breeze.

Make the most of a mirror

Almost every bathroom has at least one, but a simple addition to your mirror can take the room from ordinary to extraordinary. Framing a mirror is a quick and easy way to draw attention and give any room a luxurious, hotel-like feel. Moen offers a variety of frame styles with its easy-to-install Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames line, allowing any DIYer to customize and create a new look. With Mirrorscapes' unique installation system, even the most inexperienced homeowner can recreate a room in less than 30 minutes.

Storing in style

Storage space might not seem like the most glamorous part of a room, but choosing unique organization accessories can make all the difference in your bathroom's makeover. The Banbury bathroom collection (available at The Home Depot) offers functional accessories such as bathrobe hooks, soap dispensers, towel bars and rings, and paper holders in a wide variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with the other items in your bath. Decorative Hotel Shelves, also from Moen, are another option available in today's popular finishes and unique designs to add a hint of luxury to the bathroom while providing maximum storage for linens and towels. These small details are a quick and easy way to give your bath a high-end look while maintaining functionality.

Soothe your senses

It's the little things that make the biggest difference, and there are many ways to enjoy the indulgent atmosphere of a hotel spa at a fraction of the cost. Pamper all of your senses with bathroom extras such as scented shower gels and lotions, oversized cotton towels and aromatherapy candles. Even a simple coat of paint in a relaxing shade like "Soul-Quenching" by Dutch Boy can make a dramatic difference and help create a calming, stress-relieving ambience. Pop a soothing CD into your Sony ICF-CD73V Shower CD Player/Clock Radio and your haven of relaxation is complete.

Everyone deserves time away from the stress of today's world, and with a few simple changes you can transform your everyday bathroom into an organized, relaxing daily escape. For more information on how Moen bath accessories can help you create your own room of relaxation, visit www.csi.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak."

Yet the same modern technologies that ensure windows keep water out are at work in modern skylights, says Joe Patrick, senior product manager with skylight manufacturer Velux. "The truth is, modern skylights are no more prone to leaks than any well-made, properly installed window in your home," he adds. "The only thing a properly installed modern skylight will allow to pour into your home is healthful natural light and fresh air."

Skylights are a great source of natural light, thermal heat or natural venting of stale indoor air, especially when paired with available blinds and controls. They are particularly useful in close, small areas where a window may not be practical, and are particularly popular for kitchens and baths for this reason. Skylights have been around for about as long as architecture has, but they enjoyed a heyday a few decades ago ... until homeowners began to focus on concerns about leaks.

Whether their fears were well founded or not, many homeowners began to equate skylights with leaks and energy loss. "That was sometimes a valid concern with poorly made or improperly installed skylights," Patrick says.

Modern skylight technology, however, including pre-engineered flashing kits (the metal "shield" that goes around an opening in a wall or roof) designed to work specifically with the roof type - shingles, tile or metal - makes properly installed skylights totally dependable. Modern skylights not only keep water out, they are energy efficient as well, with Energy Star qualified models available from leading manufacturers.

"Matched flashing systems and other improvements have done away with the number one fear of people who are considering cutting a hole in a perfectly good roof," says Roger LeBrun, Velux's product certification engineer. In fact, Velux markets "The No Leak Skylight" that features three layers of water protection. These new deck mounted skylights come with a no-leak product and installation warranty.

After three years of research, development and testing, Velux found that the top concern of homeowners, designers, architects and builders alike was the misconception that all skylights leak. Properly installed skylights shouldn't leak, even if they're not No Leak Skylights, Patrick says.

It's important to choose the right location for your skylight, being sure your roof pitch is matched with the appropriate unit and, once the location is set, to properly install the skylight. Proper flashing is a must so that the skylight can be flashed as dependably, or more so, as anything else that goes on a roof. Some skylights are "fixed," meaning they don't open, while others open to vent inside air.

Skylight technology has advanced to the point where Velux, a major producer and supplier of skylights throughout the country, was confident enough to dub its newest deck mounted product "No Leak." Features include three layers of water protection; advanced LoE3 glass for better energy efficiency and improved daylighting; pre-finished white frames and sashes to eliminate the expense of painting for the homeowner; pre-mounted brackets for quick installation of sunscreen blinds; a lower roof profile with an updated architectural design; and a neutral gray color preferred by consumers and builders for its ability to blend with most roof materials and colors.

"It is important to point out that existing Velux skylights, when properly installed, don't leak," Patrick says. "But others, especially older plastic bubble skylights, have, and our research shows that the whole skylight category has been stigmatized and held back because of that problem."  Patrick says that Velux has always warranted its skylights against leaking.

"The image of a skylight as a source of moisture and heat loss is just all wet," adds LeBrun. With the right product and proper installation, a new skylight can fill your home with natural light and thermal warmth, and passively vent stale indoor air, for years to come ... without a single leak.

Among the home-building community, the leak-free message is getting out there. A recent survey showed that nearly 100 percent of architects, builders, remodelers and roofers believe that current skylight technology is better than older technology. And more than two-thirds of all four groups believe that current technology is much better than older technology.

To learn more about skylights and proper installation, visit veluxusa.com, energystar.gov, nfrc.org, or efficientwindows.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn's grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home's decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz - especially if you're dealing with economy-induced stress.

"Fall is a great time to redecorate because as the weather cools people start heading indoors again," says Jonathon Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of "Walls that Wow."  "Home is more important again whereas summer was all about the outdoors. We want to make our homes comfortable, cozy and beautiful again. And when we decorate during the fall, we can show off our efforts at the holidays."

So what are the hot trends and easy do-it-yourself decorating upgrades that will be hot this fall? Fong and artist Matthew Lew offer a few tips:

Bright, aggressive color

"The hot colors in home décor this fall will be brighter, happier versions of traditional fall hues - butter yellow, orange, persimmon and all shades of blues," predicts Fong. "These are colors of optimism, and in the current economy, people want to be surrounded by hope. These happy colors put you in a good mood."

"The hottest colors for room redesigns this fall will be aggressive color combos, using colors like scandal red or lobster paired with yolk yellow or custard," says Lew, whose work has been featured on "Extreme Makeover Home Edition," HGTV's "Divine Design" and CBS's "The Early Show."

"People want a splash of color in their homes," Lew adds. "The aggressive color combinations are great because they can make a bold statement very simply without overdoing it. I think people are attracted to that, especially with the economy right now."

Texture that's easy to achieve

Adding texture to a wall is another trend, especially if it's a simple texture - such as stripes - that homeowners feel confident doing themselves, Fong says. Patterns, vinyl lettering or decals, and even wallpaper murals are great ways to add interest to boring walls.

Both designers agree wallpaper murals will continue to be popular, both for their versatility and ease installation by DIY homeowners. Fong has incorporated wallpaper murals from the Web site www.MuralsYourWay.com into his designs, and Lew's artistry is featured on several of the site's made-to-order wallpaper murals.

"Wallpaper murals are one of my favorite design options because they make a huge impact in a room at an affordable price," Fong says. "If you were to have a decorative painter replicate some of the great designs available in wallpaper murals, it would cost thousands of dollars."

If you're intimidated by the idea of a mural, you can start out smaller by adding wallpaper murals elsewhere in your décor, Fong suggests. "Cut the mural into smaller pieces and frame the individual pieces. Put it on a door. Mount it to a piece of wood and make a headboard or a dressing screen out of it," he says.

Finally, when you're ready for your fall design spruce up, Lew and Fong have a few tips for creating a design you can love:

* "Think baby steps," Fong says. Decorate a small wall or section of a large wall first. Give yourself a day to get used to your new wall.

* Consider your favorite colors and how you can use them to make your design "say what you want it to say," Lew suggests.

* Go beyond paint and texture. Try fabric, paper and metal, Fong urges. Get creative, but don't forget simple tricks too. "Sometimes the simplest thing is a mirror," Lew says. "It opens up the entire room and brings in light."

* Keep it real. "Look at your wall's dimensions and be realistic," Lew says. "Sometimes having the entire wall covered is too overpowering and a smaller scale would look better. For example, you might want to use part of the wall as a mural and then paint the other portions a similar color."

* "No matter how it turns out in the end," Fong says, "say you meant it to look that way."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

We all want the finer things in life, but while many of us have expensive tastes, we don't always have lavish budgets. And, when it comes to updating the kitchen, many items can have large price tags that - in today's market - we won't be able to recoup.  Luckily, with a little creativity you can achieve a cost-conscious kitchen remodel that gives you maximum enjoyment on a minimal budget.

Finished look for less
Does your kitchen have shiny brass light fixtures? If so, updating these can instantly make your home look more current and stylish. Home improvement retailers offer a wide variety of stylish and affordable choices in popular finishes, such as stainless steel or old world bronze. Or, for an even more economical choice, turn your current lighting fixtures from brass to beautiful by spray painting them with a new contemporary finish. Manufacturers such as Krylon offer unique choices, like Stainless Steel or Oil-Rubbed Bronze, that add beautiful texture for a high-end look.

Fashionable, functional focal point
Most kitchens have a basic faucet - but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will notice.  

When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pulldown functionality. Models such as the Moen Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet feature this unique design - with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings. The multi-function wand offers both a fast-fill stream for filling pots, as well as two Eco-Performance sprays that conserve water while allowing you to complete everyday tasks such as washing dishes or preparing foods - all with the same great performance. Available at Lowe's in both Stainless Steel and Mediterranean Bronze finishes, this kitchen update will have you saying "wow" with the aesthetic, functional and water-saving benefits. For more information on Moen Eco-Performance kitchen faucets, visit moen.com or lowes.com.

Sensational shelves
Nothing can make a kitchen look worse than cluttered countertops. But when it comes to storing necessities or displaying decorative items - there often is no other spot. While adding new cabinetry can solve your storage issue, it can be costly. Instead, build exposed shelves to give your kitchen a more updated look and an open, airy feel.

Home improvement retailers offer a variety of pre-made wood shelving in a variety of materials and finishes, or, if you are handy, you can build your own to save even more. Once they are complete, utilize them for a mix of decorative and functional kitchen items and be sure to keep everything neat and clean for a polished look.

Breathtaking backsplash
Adding ceramic tile in your kitchen can add color, texture and a high-end appearance, but upgrading your entire floor or countertops can be very pricey. Instead, adding a tile backsplash can make a dramatic change - with minimal cost and effort. Whether you're an experienced do-it-yourselfer or not, there are many online step-by-step guides, and many home improvement retailers offer classes for this simple project. And, in no time at all, you'll have a beautiful tile masterpiece that will accent - and protect - your walls.

With these few updates, your kitchen will look great and be more functional - all without breaking the bank.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Many of my customers first ask me why they should use our vinyl designs.   My quick answer is because they are mess free, affordable and changeable.

My detailed answer is decorating with vinyl lettering and designs has endless possibilities for your home or office AND it is mess free, affordable and changeable.

By adding a  phrase or even the font style of your choice choose,  you can change the look and feel of the room you are decorating.  Using vinyl designs will match any decorating style you are trying to meet;  playful, modern, sophisticated, elegant, romantic, warm or cool.   You simply decide by choosing the right font and/or even the right color.

I mentioned earlier that one of the best parts of using vinyl decorating is because it is less expensive than paint PLUS it’s changeable!  If you are anything like me you like to change the feel of your room in a matter of minutes as opposed to hours of painting?

Vinyl lettering comes down without worrying about ruining your paint! And for those of you who live in an apartment, where most lease agreements specify the “NO PAINTING” rule, you can decorate with color on your walls to bring out your personality and not break the rules doing it! Not to mention not breaking the bank to do it.

Visit my website at: http://www.decoratingtoyourdesire.com for more decorating tips and ideas.

(ARA) - Car keys. Mobile phones. Sunglasses. Not to mention backpacks, tote bags and the afternoon mail. Stuff. We all have it and most of us struggle with a convenient place to hide it. With our busy, come-and-go lifestyles, the kitchen tends to be the catch-all for everything that passes through and our countertops tend to absorb the brunt of it. But there are many organizational lifesavers that can help you literally get a grip on things in your kitchen, entry area or any other room.

The solution to feeling organized may be as close as your cabinetry. According to a recent study by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence (RICKI), when homeowners were asked to pick from a list of products they'd want in their dream kitchens, "customized storage solutions for cabinets" topped the list.

"As much as we'd all like to slow down our hurried schedules, it seems nearly impossible most days; but organization can be key to de-stressing when we are at home," says Cathy Hitz, brand manager for Diamond Cabinets. "A few changes in your kitchen cabinetry can make a world of difference in getting your home - and your life - more organized."

Get a grip - get organized

If your kitchen is filled with small dropped items that have taken over your countertops, try creating some reserved parking space for these items. One option is the Utility Drop Zone cabinet from Diamond Cabinets' Logix organization system, which offers a pull-out shelf with a charging station that's big enough to hold an entire collection of mobile phones, MP3 players and other small electronic devices, plus four convenient, out-of-sight shelves for organizing other small items that make up your "stuff." A magnetic white board and pencil holder are also placed conveniently on the inside door, providing a place to jot down messages and help everyone keep track of who's going where.

A similar version of the cabinet comes with the slide-out charging station, optional shelves, plus key hooks and coat hooks to accommodate anything from hats and scarves to dog leashes - plus enough floor space to stash a bag of pet food or a small basket of toys.

Stay on track

Change is good. But it's even easier with modular shelves that you can change without the hassle of pulling out the family toolbox. One of the simplest systems is the EasyTrax cabinet, which lets you add, remove or shift up and down up to five slide-out shelves. Need a place to tuck away tall appliances like the blender and food processor? Remove a few shelves. Have too much of a canned good thing? Go with all five. You can change the configuration into one-, two-, three-, four- or even five-shelf combinations at varying heights.

As an added feature, the modular cabinet also comes with a SmartStop guide that prevents the outer doors from slamming shut - so you not only get to feel organized, but you get some peace and quiet, too.

Courtesy of ARAcontent, HobNobMurfreesboro

(ARA) - Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it's stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.

To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are:

1. Shaker style kitchen design
2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes
3. Quartz countertops
4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets
5. Polished chrome finishes
6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers
7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads
8. Marble vanity tops
9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks
10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the kitchen
Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA's kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes.

If you're tired of running the dishwasher when it's only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it's independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it's an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It's available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

In the bath
Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels - used by seven of every eight designers - however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it provides a sophisticated look that's reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface - ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day.

NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients.

Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You'll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look.

Courtesy of ARAcontent, HobNobMurfreesboro

(ARA) - Whether you are thinking about selling your home or planning to stay put a few more years, some simple updates with an eye on detail can make a big impact both visually and financially.

As a seller, you want to get the most money for your home as quickly as possible. You only get one chance to make a first impression, so be sure it's a good one both inside and out. For those staying put, small changes can be the difference between a home you like and one you love.

Designing with doors

Some of the details homeowners should pay attention to include repainting a room, adding a chair rail and updating door and cabinet hardware. Another commonly overlooked and cost-effective way to spruce up a home is to install new interior doors.

Unlike standard, plain flush doors, raised- and flat-panel molded interior doors add charm, style and personality to any home. They come in many styles, finishes and sizes.

"Interior doors play an important role in home decor," says Bob Merrill, president and CEO for Chicago-based CMI, which makes CraftMaster Interior Doors. "With advanced molded door technology, we can make doors with a range of panel configurations from clean, straight lines for contemporary styles to arched or curved tops for more elegant tastes. And, the finish can be flat and smooth, textured wood grain."

Beyond their functional role, doors also convey an initial impression of your home. The average home usually has around 20 interior doors. You also can replace standard, hollow doors with solid core doors to add weight and help keep noises in - or out.

Merrill adds, "Molded interior doors are engineered to resist swelling, shrinking, cracking and splitting, which is an inexpensive way to add value to your home. Plus, CraftMaster doors are green - they are made with sustainable materials, recycled content and low VOC primers."

Trim that lasts

Your home's curb appeal is important, whether you are putting out the "For Sale" sign or intend to retire in a neighborhood you love. A house that is nicely landscaped and has a welcoming driveway is always appealing. However, replacing any damaged or outdated exterior trim with new freshly painted trim is a great way to quickly spruce up your home from the outside.

Take a close look at your home's exterior trim. There is a good chance parts may be warped, split or cracked, particularly around windows and doors, at the corners and along the roofline. Termite damage is also a problem in many parts of the country.

An engineered wood trim, such as MiraTEC trim, lasts long and provides excellent resistance to moisture, rot, termites and temperature extremes.  Plus, it has many green benefits.

"In today's tough economy, many homeowners are trying to add both value and personal style to their homes," says Merrill.  "MiraTEC trim is as durable as PVC trim, yet costs about half as much and holds paint better. And, most fiber cement trim costs about one-third more than MiraTEC, is harder to cut and nail, and it absorbs much more water."

MiraTEC trim also is recognized in the building industry as a very eco-friendly product.   It has a low impact on the environment, because it is made from sustainable materials and leftover wood that would simply rot or be sent to landfills, if left unused.

Whatever plans you have for your home, now is a good time to think about installing new interior doors or replacing exterior trim. You'll enjoy your house more and help add performance and value as well. To learn more about updating your home from the inside and out, visit www.craftmasterdoors.com or www.miratectrim.com. of ARAcontent

Courtesy ARA Content, HobNobMurfreesboro

(ARA) - Even in the throes of winter, when most gardens are hibernating under a cold-weather blanket, it's easy to bring the warm, vibrant feelings of spring into the home with colors, textures and patterns.

From the saturated colors of fresh fruits and flowers to the neutral hues of pavers and fountains, the promise of new spring gardens can provide an endless source of decorating inspiration.

In fact, styling a home is much like planting a garden: Begin with a base color, then add pops of lively hues to complement the space. Reminiscent of violets in the garden, try purple vases on the fireplace mantel. Finally, add accents such as a green rug, as if there were freshly cut blades of grass underfoot.

The color experts at Sherwin-Williams have selected several botanical shades in the Refreshed palette of its Today's Colors collection. These bright hues look especially fresh when paired with light, natural wood tones. 

"Our Refreshed palette is a playful exploration of a kaleidoscope of colors," says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. "It encourages the use of exuberant combinations like bright tangerine orange with sunny yellow - exactly what you would find in a springtime garden bouquet."

Using fabrics with botanical motifs is another way to reflect the cheery mood of spring renewal. Furniture upholstery, pillows and curtains can interweave organic elements into the home.

Experimenting with muted, natural colors is another twist on garden-style decorating. For example, the Treasured palette from the Today's Colors collection includes neutrals reminiscent of vintage, glazed pottery. Accent a room with an understated coral, yellow or green to give a home the feeling it has been well-loved for generations.

Relaxed neutrals are often at the center of nature's palettes, according to Jordan. Mixing in weathered browns or desert tans can add comfort and provide a serene backdrop for favorite flea market finds or energized colors, she says.

"To really bring a room to life, bring things that are living and growing into it; whether it be a beautiful orchid plant, magnolia leaves or a giant bowl of Granny Smith apples," says noted designer Larry Laslo, president of LL Designs.

Wonder whether a splash of spicy tomato red can add character to a living room or if weathered-stone grays can refine the walls of a master suite? Test colors without ever picking up a paint brush. The new Upload Your Own Photo feature at sherwin-williams.com allows do-it-yourselfers to experiment with the paint retailer's entire color spectrum, including interior and exterior facades. 

To breathe easy while painting indoors in the midst of winter, try a low-odor, low-VOC paint. The paint's durability and ease of cleaning will keep a room looking as beautiful as the day it was painted.

To view the complete Sherwin-Williams Today's Colors collection, or to experiment with the new Upload Your Own photo feature on the Color Visualizer, visit sherwin-williams.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity.

"Incorporating green elements into a kitchen remodel is no longer considered just a passing fad, but a way of life," says Dick Titus, executive vice president of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA). "Homeowners feel a social responsibility to choose products that are safe for the environment and their family's welfare."

Kitchen cabinets could take up as much as half of a kitchen renovation budget, so it's vital for homeowners wanting to "green" their kitchens to choose a quality cabinet manufacturer with roots in environmental sustainability. KCMA's Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) can simplify the quest. ESP enables cabinet manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability and helps consumers easily identify environmentally friendly products. After meeting the certification requirements in areas such as product resource management, air quality, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations, companies earn the ESP seal to display on their products. As a criterion in the NAHB Green Building Standard, the first ANSI approved green building rating system for residential construction in the U.S., ESP sets the standard for homeowners looking to integrate affordable eco-friendly cabinets into their home.

ESP encourages the following practices by awarding points to manufacturers who qualify:

Certified by a recognized sustainable forestry program

Wood products, especially cabinets, are an environmentally friendly choice for a number of reasons. One reason is that wood is a naturally renewable resource, meaning new trees will grow in place of those that have already been harvested. ESP certification awards points to manufacturers who use wood in their cabinets that is certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program. Programs such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) put a label on their wood products to show consumers that the resources removed from the forest are at a level the forest is capable of renewing without damaging its future. In doing so, these practices preserve the environment and valuable forest resources.

Use of materials with low levels of formaldehyde

To earn points in ESP's air quality category, manufacturers must prove that 80 percent of particleboard, medium density fiberboard, hardboard and plywood used in the cabinets meet the low formaldehyde emissions level of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Compwood ATCM. Such materials must be third-party certified by a CARB-approved lab to meet low formaldehyde emission standards. The CARB Compwood ATCM is the lowest formaldehyde standard in the world.  Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance that can be produced by the human body.  It is ubiquitous and a component of hundreds of consumer items.

Eco-friendly manufacturing process

When shopping for eco-friendly cabinets, it is important to not only examine the cabinets, but also the process that was used to manufacture them. Criteria for process resource management includes that the manufacturer have an active recycling program for wastes, an energy-conservation program or another form of environmental-management system. On top of conserving resources, these practices can reduce the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases, and aid in decreasing landfills, all of which have clear societal benefits.

Commitment to the environment and community

When purchasing ESP certified cabinets, homeowners can rest assured that the manufacturer is committed to both the environment and their community. ESP's environmental stewardship criteria require that the manufacturer have a written policy stating a firm commitment to protect the environment. The community relations category encourages the manufacturer to demonstrate community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations and observe all federal, state and local environmental requirements.

With almost  150 ESP certified cabinetry companies to choose from, homeowners have the ability to select environmentally responsible cabinetry tailored to their needs, no matter their price, style, finish and wood preference - just look for the ESP seal located on the base cabinet. For more information and tips on "greening" the home and finding environmentally friendly cabinetry visit www.greencabinetsource.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent