Given today’s challenged real estate market and all of the struggles that homeowners are having when it comes to selling their homes, why not let the experts from EXPO Design Center help your readers lure potential homebuyers with professional-grade tips for transforming any space. Below are ten quick and easy things that your readers can do to inexpensively spruce up their homes and infuse new energy into drab spaces.

1.    Choose three main focal rooms, such as the kitchen, bathroom and main living space and make these spaces appear spacious and inviting so that homebuyers can begin to envision their family in the home.
2.    Give focal rooms and foyer a fresh coat of paint. Neutral colors such as beige and cream appeal to a variety of tastes and do not overpower potential buyers, so stick to soft, muted shades. Hint: Don’t forget to paint crown molding too.
3.    Purchase new hardware and faucets in bathrooms and kitchens. Though small, this update will have a lasting impact.
4.    Make sure the lighting is right. For instance, add drama with fun pendant lights in the kitchen or bathroom and make the family room feel cozy with soft table or floor lamps.
5.    Replace worn accessories such as throw pillows and area rugs with new ones for a fresh look.
6.    Clear all visible clutter. Knowing that space is almost always an issue, homeowners should focus on keep their spaces (closets and bookshelves included) organized and clear of clutter, paperwork and too many knickknacks.
7.    Create curb appeal by maintaining the yard, planting simple flowers around the entry way and having the entry way well lit. Ordering new house numbers is also a plus.
8.    Create charm by placing a fresh vase of flowers on the kitchen counter or in the front foyer.
9.    It may seem small, but dingy towels in the kitchen and in the bathroom can be a turn off for buyers, especially considering many buyers are looking to start fresh in their new home. Replace old towels with new ones.
10.    Keep it clean! Although new accessories and hardware go a long way, dusting and vacuuming can also do wonders.

EXPO Design Center offers an extensive cash and carry product line that will give consumers many options when it comes to choosing new accessories, hardware, lighting, etc. For more information or to schedule an interview with one of our designers, feel free to contact Lindsay Muller at 410-821-8220, lindsaym@imrecommunications.com.

As most areas of the country are gearing up for warmer weather, many homeowners are looking to spruce up their backyard patios before the first summer BBQ. Let EXPO Design Center help your readers bring in the 2008 summer season in style. With the help of EXPO designers, homeowners can easily turn their boring outdoor patios into stylish places for friends and family to gather.

Gorgeous furniture sets featuring deep seated, weather-resistant cushions and elegant fabrics in bright, refreshing colors give homeowners the freedom to infuse their own personality into their spaces and set their backyards apart from the neighbors’.

Featured products include:
-    The Fairmont Deep Seating Collection
-    Ernest Hemingway Cushioned Recliner
-    Bluworld of Water Slate Wall Fountain

EXPO Design Center offers an extensive cash and carry product line that will give consumers many options when it comes to choosing the perfect patio set and accessories. For more information or to schedule an interview with one of our designers, feel free to contact Lindsay Muller at 410-821-8220, lindsaym@imrecommunications.com.

When it comes to bathroom design trends, we can all look to the baby-boomer generation as the leaders of the pack. Although spa bathrooms have been a trend for quite some time now, baby-boomers have bright about the trend in creating a universal bathroom where homeowners can literally design their bathroom for all stages of life.

A universal bathroom incorporates a walk-in bath tub so that it is easy to get in and out even as homeowners age, non-slip flooring, a hand-held shower head in addition to a stationary unit, reinforced walls (under drywall) next to toilet, tub, and shower so that grab bars can be added if needed and even a refrigerated medicine cabinet to store medicines, lotions or even wine! Additional products, such as levers for door handles and electrical outlets at counter height, can also be included to make life easy throughout any life stage.

EXPO Design Center designers are available for interviews regarding this and other lifestyle/décor trends. For more information or to schedule an interview with one of our designers, feel free to contact Lindsay Muller at 410-821-8220, lindsaym@imrecommunications.com.

With the cost of living constantly on the rise, consumers are finding that rather than moving into a new home, the smart choice is to make the most of the home they already have. Let EXPO Design Center help your readers add to the curb appeal of their homes during this economic downturn. When it does come time to sell their home, the curb appeal will only add to its value. Some simple suggestions to add curb appeal are listed below.
•    Replace old hardware whether it be with new handles, deadbolts or the high tech keypad levers of which EXPO has a wide variety to fit any style.
•    Dress up the front door
•    Install outdoor lighting – EXPO has a wide variety of sconces, path lights and lanterns.
•    Install window boxes or planters
•    Add outdoor art water features – the Blueworld Serrano Waterfall with a durable system used both indoors and out is a perfect option.
•    Tile your doorstep – A tile for residential exteriors in all climates such as Daltile Paredon Pattern Tumbled Stone Tile is perfect.
EXPO Design Center designers are available for interviews regarding this and other lifestyle/décor trends. For more information or to schedule an interview with one of our designers, feel free to contact Kaitlin Kenny at 410-821-8220, kaitlink@imrecommunications.com.

With the cost of living constantly increasing, along with the concern for our environment, it is more important than ever to cut costs while simultaneously helping Mother Nature. We are increasingly seeing environmentally friendly homes being built, but what about those who are concerned about the environment and want to stay in their current residence.

Switching to water conserving appliances such as a dishwasher with a “small load wash cycle” or a steam clean option is a great place to begin. Also, several innovative faucets and multi-task sinks are available to help with water conservation. Being friendly to the environment will also benefit the homeowner by purchasing energy saving refrigerators and other major appliances.

Let one of our local designers help your readers understand the importance sustainable living and how EXPO can help them get started. For more information or to schedule an interview with one of our designers, feel free to contact Kaitlin Kenny at 410-821-8220, kaitlink@imrecommunications.com.

When living in a small space, homeowners need to be creative and use every inch of their home in the most effective way possible. Let EXPO Design Center help your readers make any space seem bigger.

Custom closets can add extensive storage and are an easy way to maximize any room. Whether it be a laundry room, entry way or closet, there are hundreds of design options available to help fit homeowners needs. Mirrors and lighting will also always add to the décor and make a room seem larger if used correctly.

When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, layout is key. Keeping space, storage and lighting in mind will again be sure to maximize the area and offer superior function and style. Light-colored cabinets, ample counter space and open shelving ensure an open and airy feel. Another option is to conceal the refrigerator and dishwasher behind cabinetry panels to keep a tidy look.

EXPO Design Center designers are available for interviews regarding this and other lifestyle/décor trends. For more information or to schedule an interview with one of our designers, feel free to contact Kaitlin Kenny at 410-821-8220, kaitlink@imrecommunications.com.