Ho-Ho-Home Sweet Home

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- There are only 51 days until Christmas, 49 days until Hanukkah and 52 days before Kwanzaa, but who's counting? With less than two months until the holidays are in full swing, now is the time to get your home into entertaining-ready shape without depleting your gift-shopping funds. Focus on the living room because you will spend most of your time there hosting your guests and waiting for Santa to shimmy down the chimney.

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Get the most look for the money by enhancing focal points-fireplace, walls, windows and lighting-in key living areas. If your fireplace lacks style, reface the surround with stone veneer to add color and texture. If your mantel is boring, replace with a more distinctive one with decorative corbels. Hang a framed mirror above the mantel to open up the space, place accent lamps on either side and add fireplace accessories to create a warm, welcoming effect.

Don't ignore the ceiling. After all, it is one of the largest surface areas in a living space. A simple, contemporary way to add interest and dimension to a room is to install wood paneling on the ceiling. It comes in a variety of finishes and can be installed vertically, horizontally, diagonally or in a herringbone pattern for a dramatic effect.

Don't underestimate the power of a coat of paint either. Even painting one wall can instantly update a room, but don't forget to clean your wall with the Wall Prep Sticky Roller to remove dirt and dust before painting. Try a rich color like Valspar 2008-9A Sumatra Blend for a classic look.

Now add the finishing touches. Ceiling fans and floor lamps along with the sconces will add pools of light in different areas for extra dimension and shine. Gussy up the space with curtains, fireplace accessories, rugs and shelving units to complete the look.

    Suggested Products:
    -- Gardner 34" x 46" Silver Leaf Wood Rectangular Mirror (Item #69502,
       $98.10)
    -- Portfolio 1-Light Wall Sconce with Antique Brass and Brushed Steel
       Clips (Item #238961, $29.98)
    -- Shur-Line Wall Prep Sticky Roller (Item #66415, $3.97)
    -- Stone veneer by special order (Item #70273, 242718 or 290588, price
       varies)
    -- Armstrong Woodhaven Ceiling Planks (Item #89091, price varies)
    -- 5-Tier Leaning Wood Shelving Unit (Item #65162, $128)
    -- Mohawk Home 5' x 8' Adobe Stripe Brown Rug (Item #262473, $98)
    -- Monte Carlo 52" Hugger Fan (Item #273576, $129)

For more information, ideas and products to get the home holiday-ready, visit Lowe's stores nationwide or Lowes.com.

About Lowe's

With fiscal year 2007 sales of $48.3 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 14 million customers a week at more than 1,600 home improvement stores in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1946 and based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

SOURCE Lowe's