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7 easy kitchen renovation ideas(BPT) - Thinking of updating your kitchen? If it has been awhile since you tended to the ...
02/04/2025

7 easy kitchen renovation ideas

(BPT) - Thinking of updating your kitchen? If it has been awhile since you tended to the heart of your home, it might be time for a refresh. The good news? You don't have to do an extensive (and expensive!) remodeling job to get a new look. You can spruce up your kitchen easily, in a weekend, with some small changes that will make a big impact.

Here are some ideas from the pros at Kohler.

Paint. Take one afternoon, a roll of painter's tape, a paint brush and a step stool. Add a fun new color of paint and you've got a new look for your kitchen. There is nothing easier, quicker or less expensive than a DIY paint job to brighten up your space. Even a new color on one wall makes a big difference.

Faucets. You'd be surprised how much a new faucet can change the entire vibe of your kitchen. Today, faucets are multi-functional works of art, statement pieces that catch the eye. The Kohler Components Kitchen Faucet Collection, for example, is defined by a warm, minimalist look. Styles are noted for their precision in detail and the intersection of form, texture and function. Featuring seven striking designs, the collection is eye-catching, but these aren't just pretty works of art. They incorporate advanced functionality, too. The Semi-Professional faucet showcases Kohler's innovative Sweep Spray that provides a wide, forceful blade of water to deliver efficiency in cleaning. The Bar faucet features a two-function aerator that allows users to switch from an aerated stream to SoftRinse spray with a simple twist. That's perfect for washing hands, rinsing delicate glassware and china, and prepping veggies and fruits.

Sinks. Long known as the workhorse of the kitchen, your sink is a central focal point of all of your meal prep and cleanup. But it doesn't have to look stodgy. With Kohler's Sink Collection, you can choose from under or top mounted, farmhouse, double or single bowl - whatever fits best with your kitchen decor. And deep color is all the rage. Why not venture from traditional white or cream into trendy teal, truffle, aspen or fresh green, or even dramatic black to update your kitchen style?

Backsplash. While you're choosing your new sink, consider a new backsplash that will really make the area pop. Think about subway tiles, a mosaic or a metallic look that can pull the various elements of your kitchen together.

Cabinet refresh. You don't need to invest in new cabinets to give your kitchen a new look. All you need is a coat of paint. Gone are the muted colors and whisper grays of past years. Today, it's all about deep, rich color. Pair sage green cabinets with black appliances (or a dramatic black sink and a standout faucet!), or smoky blue cabinets with white walls and a splash of yellow. Other trending colors include deep red, pastel blue and even rich black.

Cabinet hardware. While you're refreshing your cabinets, don't forget the pulls and k***s. Take an afternoon to browse at your local kitchen store or online - you'll be surprised by how many innovative, fun styles and colors of pulls and k***s you can find that will accent and highlight your kitchen's new look.

Lighting. Swapping out your old fixtures for a more dramatic look will instantly change the feel of your kitchen. Under-cabinet lighting provides a soft glow for those times when you don't need the room to be bright.

With a few small changes, you can freshen up your kitchen quickly and easily.

ARTICLE TITLE: Why Fall is Prime Time for an AC Upgrade(BPT) - As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures start ...
01/28/2025

ARTICLE TITLE: Why Fall is Prime Time for an AC Upgrade

(BPT) - As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures start to drop, homeowners across the country are gearing up for the seasonal transition into fall. This time of year often brings a flurry of activity as people prepare their homes for the colder months ahead through tasks like cleaning gutters, insulating pipes and reversing ceiling fans.

One item that homeowners may not be expecting on their seasonal to-do list is replacing their air conditioning unit. Although air conditioning is often deemed a summer necessity, homeowners may be surprised by the many benefits of replacing their unit as part of their autumn preparation.

Cooler weather, hotter deals: Why fall is prime time for an AC upgrade

Fall is one of the best times to replace your air conditioner for several reasons:

* Lower demand: During the fall, the demand for air conditioning units and HVAC services typically decreases. Lower demand means that units may include pricing incentives or limited offers from dealers. Additionally, choosing to replace before the existing unit breaks down allows homeowners to make more informed decisions about their needs.

* Get ahead of repairs: A fall installation of a new AC unit means you won't have to sweat unexpected repairs on your existing unit next spring or summer, especially if it's nearing 10-15 years old. This also avoids potential breakdowns during peak heat.

* Increased contractor/dealer availability: With fewer emergency calls, contractors and dealers have more availability to schedule consultations and installations. This increased availability can result in more flexible scheduling options and the opportunity to do much-needed maintenance like cleaning your air ducts or upgrading your thermostat.

Stack and save on your new unit with rebates, incentives

In addition to many manufacturers and contractors offering seasonal specials and discounts to encourage sales, the following cost-saving incentives may be available for qualifying units.

* Utility rebates and tax credits

* Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C)

* Manufacturer rebates

Utility rebates can significantly reduce the overall cost of installation and use of your new air conditioning system. Federal tax credits are also available for qualifying high-efficiency equipment through the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C). On top of the utility rebate and the federal tax incentive, a manufacturer rebate may also be applied to your entire order. These credits and rebates, along with the energy savings that often come with an efficient air conditioner, offer valuable incentives for those looking to upgrade their homes.

Stacking these offers and discounts can make it more affordable to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient air conditioning system, which in turn can also provide savings through lower monthly utility bills.

Five questions to consider before replacing your air conditioner

Before making the decision to replace your air conditioner, there are a few questions about your HVAC system you must consider to ensure you're making the right choice for your home and budget:

* How old is your HVAC system?

* Have you performed a system inspection?

* Is your current system energy efficient?

* Do you have a system that's compatible with smart technology?

* Is your system sized correctly?

Meeting with a trusted, local HVAC dealer to discuss these questions can help you make an informed decision before deciding to repair or replace your air conditioner.

Smart choice, cool comfort

If you're considering replacing your air conditioner this fall, the Lennox SL25KCV air conditioner is an excellent choice. It is without question the most precise and efficient 2025 Compliant Refrigerant air conditioner* that homeowners can buy, with an unmatched 26.00 SEER2 level of efficiency. This measurement shows how efficiently an air conditioner can cool your home over a season, with higher ratings indicating better energy efficiency and lower electricity costs. Additionally, the innovative design of the unit itself ensures durability while its smart features maximize accurate control.

This unit is also eligible for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C), potentially offering substantial tax credits. For more information on the Lennox SL25KCV air conditioner, visit Lennox.com.

*Efficiency claim based on comparison of the average SEER2 of the SL25KCV as compared to the average SEER2 of the competitive variable capacity compressor units as published in AHRI (September 2024). Actual system efficiency may vary based on the system match and other factors; consult AHRI Directory for exact system efficiency. Precision claim based on the average cooling capacity range of the SL25KCV as compared to the average published cooling capacity of competitive 20 SEER2+ variable capacity compressor units (September 2024). Averages calculated across the full tonnage range available.

ARTICLE TITLE: Ultimate guide to finding the most reliable home appliances(BPT) - When you're in the market for a new ap...
01/28/2025

ARTICLE TITLE: Ultimate guide to finding the most reliable home appliances

(BPT) - When you're in the market for a new appliance for your home, the choices can seem overwhelming. How do you know which features to look for, and what brands will be the most reliable? The last thing you want is to make a big purchase, only to end up with an appliance that doesn't work well or that needs that needs constant repairs costing an average of $300-$500.1

LG, who is known for their reliability, was recently named the #1 appliance brand in the U.S. according to OpenBrand2 and offers top-of-the-line appliances that you can count on. Here's a look at some of the most recommended appliances from LG to help you make more informed decisions for your home.

LG LSEL6331F Range

This high-performance range has a cooktop that features two high-power elements and two low-power ones - so it can not only bring water to a near-boil quickly but also simmer your tomato sauce steadily without scalding it. Its spacious oven excels at baking and delivers an even broil, too. The range can connect to the Wi-Fi in your home, so you can access smart controls via LG's ThinQ® app on your phone.

LG LDE4413ST Range

This Wi-Fi-enabled range costs nearly $1,000 less than some of its competitors, but it still has strong marks across the board. The cooktop has two high-powered elements and two low-powered elements, plus a warming element. The roomy oven earns a solid rating for baking, and it offers convection mode. It also does a great job with self-cleaning.

LG WM5500HWA Washer and LG DLGX5501W Dryer

LG consistently stands out for providing the most well-liked full-sized washers and electric dryers, like this pair offered in white or graphite steel. For both the washer and dryer, built-in intelligence thanks to AI technology selects the optimal wash or dry settings for you, taking the guesswork out of doing your laundry. You'll also be able to access smart functions of both appliances through their ThinQ® app.

The LG WM5500HWA 4.5 cubic foot Ultra Large Capacity washer lets you clean larger loads, with TurboWash® 360° Technology to power clean big loads in under 30 minutes - which helps explain why this model is ENERGY STAR® certified for an efficient clean that saves on water and energy. Even better, it's Allergy and Asthma Friendly certified by the AAFA with its Allergiene® Cycle, using the power of steam to deep clean your wash.

You can dry your clothes smarter, too. With the LGDLGX5501W 7.4 cubic foot Ultra Large Capacity dryer, you'll be able to clean larger loads, as well as refresh clothes in between washes thanks to TurboSteam.™ You can rest easy knowing your dryer is clean, efficient and safe due to the FlowSense® Duct Clogging and Lint Filter Indicators, and the LCD Digital Dial Control with LED Display provides helpful information with each turn of the dial.

For budget-conscious consumers, you might also consider their DLEX4000W or DLEX4200W, two similar but more affordable 7.4-cubic-foot capacity electric dryers.

LG WM3900HWA Washing Machine and LG WM3400CW Washing Machine

Front load washers from LG provide reliability, performance and efficiency. The WM3900HWA model has a cycle time of 85 minutes, while the WM3400CW's cycle time is 105 minutes. Both models offer excellent water efficiency, gentler cycles and reduced noise and vibrations. They both come with a one-year warranty.

LG LRDCS2603S Refrigerator

This top-notch 33-inch-wide bottom-freezer refrigerator excels in thermostat control and temperature uniformity. It also boasts very good scores for ease of use, energy efficiency and low noise output, making it a strong contender in its category. The fridge is equipped with an icemaker, built-in water filter and digital controls. This model is a reliable, high-performing choice for those in the market for a bottom-freezer refrigerator.

Are you ready to find the next reliable appliance for your home? You can feel confident in your purchase with LG home appliances. Learn more at LG.com/us/reliable-home-appliances.

1) Based on cost of LG's out of warranty repair services in 2023

2) #1 Appliance Brand in the U.S. | Source: OpenBrand Durable IQ, Major Appliances (AHAM Core 6) Q2 2024

ARTICLE TITLE: Fall in love with autumn and winter gardening(BPT) - Whether you're a master gardener, complete novice, o...
01/28/2025

ARTICLE TITLE: Fall in love with autumn and winter gardening

(BPT) - Whether you're a master gardener, complete novice, or something in between, fall is the perfect season to start enjoying or extend this popular family-friendly hobby.

As cooler temperatures set in, spending time outdoors becomes even more enjoyable, with fall's vibrant foliage offering a beautiful, colorful backdrop for your gardening projects. The plants and flowers you grow and display this autumn and winter won't just beautify your outdoor space - they'll also help create an inviting atmosphere. Whether you're hosting your family and friends on brisk sunny afternoons for sporting events or unwinding by the firepit on cool evenings, your garden will enhance the color and comfort of your home.

And gardening is totally on trend right now! Home services website Thumbtack has declared 2024 the "Year of the Backyard," highlighting homeowners' increased interest in upgrading their outdoor spaces. According to the survey, 62% of respondents plan to invest in landscaping projects. Similarly, Axiom's 2024 Gardening Outlook Survey echoes this enthusiasm, finding that gardeners are planning to spend more time and money on their gardens.

If you're ready to embrace this trend, Ball Horticultural Company offers expert tips on the best plants and flowers to elevate your outdoor space this gardening season.

Embrace fuzzy sweater feelings

To encourage the cozy feelings of fall, you'll love the deep, warm red color of Echinacea Double™ Scoop Strawberry Deluxe. These striking blooms with double flowers thrive in full sun, are drought and deer resistant, and stand out with their vivid color.

You can balance any of your bright flower colors with the stunning white-silver leaves of Centaurea Silver Swirl, perfect for borders or within your flower beds. Their mounding form and wavy leaf edges add texture to any landscape design. Plus, their silver color catches the moonlight and glows on evenings spent on the patio.

Both plants will thrive throughout autumn and can be found in garden centers in late summer for fall planting and mixing.

Enjoy

To get into the Halloween spirit this October, embrace darker, moodier colors and intriguing textures in your flower beds or planters.

For a touch of drama, Cool Wave® Pansy Violet Wing, with its deep purple blooms and cheerful white-and-yellow center, is ideal for moody autumn gardens. It outperforms other pansies, quickly filling in garden spaces, and thrive through frost, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or patio containers.

For contrasting texture, consider Asparagus FuzzyFern Frizz. This versatile plant thrives in both sun and shade, indoors or outdoors, and offers a frothy texture for flower bed borders, baskets, or planters.

Get cozy in the kitchen

If you love cooking, Kitchen Minis™ Bonsai Basil is the perfect choice to decorate your kitchen counters and windowsills - and boost your flavors! Using your own home-grown herbs will take your recipes to the next level, and these Kitchen Minis herbs pack big flavor in tiny plants.

This quick-growing, fine-leaf basil plant doesn't even need chopping - just sprinkle them directly over your dishes. You'll enjoy bountiful harvests straight from your kitchen counter in flowerpot sizes as small as 4 inches.

Have yourself a colorful holiday

Nothing says "happy holidays" quite like a vibrant Poinsettia. But did you know there are several varieties of shape and color?

For example, Poinsettia Peach Glow offers an eye-catching, unique novelty color perfect for a pop of unexpected color. If you're looking for something playful, Poinsettia Christmas Mouse features adorable, mouse ear-shaped bracts, unlike anything else on the market! This poinsettia is easy to care for and will charm both children and adults alike. For a stunning holiday plant, the Early Elegance poinsettia series includes a stunning, vivid marble color, along with one of the truest pink colors available for poinsettias.

With these options to help inspire your fall and winter gardening, you can make your outdoor and indoor spaces more vibrant, fun and colorful, all season long.

01/15/2025

The 2025 January/February edition of Bakersfield Home Magazine is now available online at https://bakhomemag.com/

CRYSTAL POOLS - Craftsmanship, Dependability, Expertise… over 45 years of quality pool and spa workmanship!Since we star...
01/15/2025

CRYSTAL POOLS - Craftsmanship, Dependability, Expertise… over 45 years of quality pool and spa workmanship!

Since we started back in 1974, Crystal Pools has established Itself as one of Bakersfield‘s oldest and most trusted swimming pool, spa, and rock waterfall builders. With our ongoing factory training for our technicians, to maintain the latest and most advanced cleaning systems available, we have the dedicated know-how and experience to build your pool professionally, and on time without delays, disappointments, or excuses. Our on-site estimates are free and you’ll have the security of knowing that you’re dealing with an honest, reputable pool and spa builder with thousands of referrals. We truly care about the job we do. Call us today. We’re eager to please!

A&R CHIMNEY Sweeps and Supplies Service offers professional dryer vent cleaning. Call now to take advantage of our speci...
01/15/2025

A&R CHIMNEY Sweeps and Supplies Service offers professional dryer vent cleaning. Call now to take advantage of our special discount. Reduce the risk of a lint fire and restore your dryer's efficiency.

INVEST IN HOME OR BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS. Call Ability Construction today!
01/15/2025

INVEST IN HOME OR BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS.
Call Ability Construction today!

For professional and affordable tree removal call Advanced Tree Service today.
01/15/2025

For professional and affordable tree removal call Advanced Tree Service today.

ALL CREDIT MORTGAGE: Experience personalized lending solutions and expert financial guidance. Contact Michelle today to ...
01/15/2025

ALL CREDIT MORTGAGE: Experience personalized lending solutions and expert financial guidance. Contact Michelle today to discover how we can help you.

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A SAFE POOL ENCLOSURESThe Strongest Pool Safety Products Industry Wide.Call today for a free quote at 661-742-1843      ...
01/15/2025

A SAFE POOL ENCLOSURES
The Strongest Pool Safety Products Industry Wide.
Call today for a free quote at 661-742-1843

Since 1999, California Energy Contractors has been the go-to specialist for energy-efficient home improvements. You can ...
01/15/2025

Since 1999, California Energy Contractors has been the go-to specialist for energy-efficient home improvements. You can now save $750 on exterior house painting with our innovative COOLWALL reflecting coating. Take advantage of our financing options (O.A.C.) and enhance the value of your home today.

Transform your home with California Energy Contractors, your trusted specialists in energy-efficient home improvements f...
01/15/2025

Transform your home with California Energy Contractors, your trusted specialists in energy-efficient home improvements for over two decades. Enjoy $2,000 in savings on your re-roofing project with us. Take advantage of our financing options, subject to approved credit, to make this the perfect time to elevate your home while increasing its value.

Get 30% off when you choose CALIFORNIA ENERGY CONTRACTORS as your local Anlin Windows and Door Dealer for your window re...
01/15/2025

Get 30% off when you choose CALIFORNIA ENERGY CONTRACTORS as your local Anlin Windows and Door Dealer for your window replacement. This limited-time offer includes financing options, making it the perfect opportunity to enhance your home and increase its value.

California Energy Contractors has been serving as the premier energy-efficient home improvement specialist since 1999. R...
01/15/2025

California Energy Contractors has been serving as the premier energy-efficient home improvement specialist since 1999. Right now, you can enjoy a 30% discount on your window replacement when you choose California Energy Contractors. Financing options are available, subject to approved credit, making this the perfect time to enhance the energy efficiency of your home and increase its overall value.

Ensure that your household heating system is operating safely and at its best with the expert assistance of the Can-Do C...
01/15/2025

Ensure that your household heating system is operating safely and at its best with the expert assistance of the Can-Do Crew team in Bakersfield.

Take advantage of the Winter Heating Tune-Up offer for just $79, and enjoy improved efficiency and peace of mind throughout the season.

CERVANTES TREE General Tree ServiceProfessional & affordable landscape maintenance, from tree pruning and general clean-...
01/15/2025

CERVANTES TREE General Tree Service
Professional & affordable landscape maintenance, from tree pruning and general clean-up to hauling and junk removal.

NANCY MICHELLE CERVANTES - TAX PREPARATION SERVICES.
The same dedication my mother had for over 30 Years!

Take advantage of the fantastic offer from Closets by Design in Bakersfield. For a limited time until 2/28/25, you can s...
01/15/2025

Take advantage of the fantastic offer from Closets by Design in Bakersfield. For a limited time until 2/28/25, you can save 40% off plus an additional 15% off on custom closets. Don't miss out on this great deal. Check out our ad for more information and details on how to redeem this amazing offer.

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