Home Makeovers That Don't Require A Hammer (Or Break The Bank) Simple fix-ups can provide a cost-effective fresh look ATLANTA, June 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The trend of home makeovers has become an American pastime that's second only to-maybe-baseball. For every bat that hits a ball this time of year, there's someone taking on a new do-it-yourself project that will give their home a fresh look. Contrary to the massive home makeovers that dominate reality TV programming, there are countless projects that don't even require a hammer. "Taking on a do-it-yourself project is not considered a chore or work anymore-it's something people actually enjoy doing," said Lou Manfredini, nationally known Mr. Fix-It, Home contributor to the TODAY Show on NBC and Author of five best-selling home improvement books. "People today have the confidence and passion to tackle projects on their own. A few simple fix-ups can really enhance the way someone feels about their home." Here are some easy and cost effective solutions for a home makeover. 10 Minute Touch-Up: Painting is the number one home improvement project in America, but touching up scratches and scrape marks on walls in high-traffic areas can be a never-ending process. Rubbermaid(R) has the answer with Paint Buddy(TM) for fast, easy paint touch-ups. Fill Paint Buddy with leftover paint and keep walls looking freshly painted all year long. Find out more at http://www.paintbuddy.com/ . Easy Installation: Before tearing out those old kitchen cabinets, think about how some new handles and drawer pulls might update their look. With an average of 32 knobs in a kitchen, an investment of around $200 will save time and money. Check out the web site http://www.amerock.com/ to see the latest designs in cabinet hardware. The designers at Amerock(R) suggest a simple switch from shiny brass to a more contemporary look with brushed metal or stainless steel hardware to completely change the look of a room. Let There Be Light: Nothing brightens a room like natural light! Updated window treatments can help make that happen. There are dozens of options available today, including the new custom Wood Blind Collection by Levolor(R) showcasing 55 beautiful furniture quality finishes featuring the Cordless Lift System option, eliminating the need for traditional operation cords. This new collection easily coordinates with other wood furnishings in the home and can be complemented by updated drapery hardware and soft treatments for a completely unified look. View the entire collection at http://www.levolor.com/. Clear The Clutter: The garage can easily become a dumping ground for everything in a home that doesn't have a spot for storage. The FastTrack(R) Garage Organization System from Rubbermaid helps you organize it all with an assortment of shelves, hooks, racks and baskets, many designed for difficult-to-store items such as wheelbarrows, ladders, power tools and sports equipment. Accessories are easy to reposition anywhere on the track, and have a rustproof satin-nickel finish and rubbercoated grippers. The system is easy to install and holds up to 1,750 pounds. Check http://www.rubbermaid.com/ for retail locations. A Healthy Glow: Dress up the deck, patio or any outdoor entertaining area with candles that double as a mosquito repellent. Bernzomatic(R) makes a Mosquito Block candle that helps shield people from these pesky bugs that can carry disease and ruin a party. In addition to helping provide your outdoor area with a warm candlelight glow, the Mosquito Block candles' patented Linalool formula blocks a mosquitoes ability to find you. This summer, a few simple fix-ups can save you time and money. "It doesn't take a major construction project to give your home a new look or feel," Manfredini said. "A few creative touches can deliver the update or makeover most people are looking for." NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Electronic color images of these products are available on the websites listed. For Amerock images, contact: Michelle Dean at 410-423-1634 DATASOURCE: Rubbermaid Home Products CONTACT: Grant Deady of Zeno for Rubbermaid, +1-312-396-9734, Web site: http://www.rubbermaid.com/ http://www.levolor.com/ http://www.amerock.com/ http://www.paintbuddy.com/

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