The unsung heroes of our homes, walls don't just confine a space - with the right design, they can refine it, too.

It's All About those Accent Walls
This handcrafted wood-planked wall in a custom stain elevates this room instantly, taking the space from "builder" to "custom" and drawing attention to the luxe ceiling height, too. The lesson here: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone!
Rebecca Rollins Interiors 367-4394

Multitasking Walls for the Win
Need more space - but also need a bed, desk and storage in your room? Meet the wall bed - often referred to as a Murphy bed. Today's designs are high-functioning, gorgeously appointed and available locally at A Royal Suite Home Furnishings.
259-7000

courtesy of Shutterstock (left)

Yes, You can "Go Dark" on your Walls, But...
If you paint your walls in a dark color and leave the ceiling in a light color, like the off-white that most homes have, then you have a very clear contrast line at the ceiling. This will cause your eye to travel up the wall and then stop at that line, making it feel like you have a low ceiling.
For some people, this can create a "closed in" feeling, making the room feel smaller to them. If you paint the ceiling the same color as the walls, or even half the strength of the walls, then the contrast line is nonexistent - or at least not as noticeable. Your eye will travel up the wall and continue onto the ceiling without hitting an obvious stopping point. This should create the visual lift and have the effect of making the room feel taller and not so closed in. So go ahead - pick a dark color if you want to! Just remember to paint the ceiling in the same color if you are worried about making the room feel smaller.
ALLBRIGHT 1-800-Painting 294-1159

The Hunter Douglas Energy Smart Style Savings Event is Going on Now
The Vignette modern Roman shades feature luxurious fabrics and soft folds, giving your walls a clean, crisp look. Each full or flat fold in the fabric is designed to create a uniform aesthetic that operates seamlessly. The added benefit of no exposed rear cords improves window aesthetics and offers enhanced child safety. 
Blinds & Shutters of All Kinds 298-1230

courtesy of Shutterstock

These locally-owned and operated companies don't just "clean," they go out of their way to
make the lives of their customers - and neighbors! - better every day.

In the Know About H20
Don't get Hung Out to Dry When You Experience Water Damage
Your dishwasher leaks or a toilet overflows or a pipe bursts or the roof is damaged during a storm or the laundry room floods or... Oh my!
There are about a million different ways your home or business can experience water damage, but there's just one best option to get life back to normal - fast.
"Using certified IICRC mitigation professionals, as well as Applied Structural Drying methods that can save a minimum of 25 percent on drying time, can put your life back together faster - and often save you money," says Joel Moss, co-owner of Paul Davis Restoration of Santa Clarita.
We're taking his word for it. Why? Because the Paul Davis Restoration of Santa Clarita team is so well known for their exceptional water-damage response, they were hired by insurance agencies in Louisiana after their major hurricane and were called to do the same water mitigation and restoration work in Texas after the state's extreme weather event left thousands of homeowners with major property damage.
"Whether we're working in our hometown or across state lines, we use proprietary technology and proven methods to achieve optimal results," explains Moss.
Paul Davis Restoration of Santa Clarita 310-0884

It's Time to Nominate a Local Family or Organization for Clean-It-Forward
Ready to submit stories of a nonprofit organization or local resident in need of deep-cleaning services who otherwise couldn't afford it?
Once these stories are submitted, the Surface Busters team and its customers vote on the top candidates and announce the winner soon after. The recipient receives up to $3,000 worth of free hard-surface cleaning and restoration services.
If you know of a family, school or other nonprofit organization in need of hard-surface cleaning and restoration and they don't have the money to pay for it due to a difficult situation they may have experienced in life, you are invited to submit their information via the simple nomination form on the company's website.
surfacebusters.com/clean-it-forward