Kids' room makeovers

Back-to-school time already? Where does the time go? You and the kids could use the occasion to have a little fun redecorating their rooms.

Paint is always an easy way to freshen up. For a girl's room, a soft lavender can impart a princess feel. Combine that with soft blues and pinks or yellows for a comfortable look in a room that's easy to sleep in.

For a boy's room, consider a striking combo of navy and white. Red could be used, too, but not too much because the color could be distracting when he's trying to do homework or sleep.

Chalkboard paint is great. You can paint one wall or part of a wall, and use it to draw on, or write notes.

For a special piece of art, you could find a favorite picture and have it enlarged. Frame it and hang it. Or you could make it into a triptych by cutting it into three parts and framing each piece. If your child is an "artist," his or her creations can be hung on the wall. Placing the artwork in clear acrylic frames is one way to display it without interference of other colors or frame parts.

Promote a comfy reading environment by adding cuddly seats, such as the old-fashioned beanbags, or extra-extra-large pillows that kids can plop on. Be sure the lighting is ample in that reading area.

A little office space should be created in the bedroom, if possible, for doing homework. If a full desk would take oo much room, then perhaps a narrow shelf attached to the wall, with a chair tucked under it, will do the trick.

ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN, Scripps Howard News Service

Free lawn seminar

Want a healthier, better-looking lawn next spring? Fall is a good time to set grass seed for the following year. Gertens is offering a free seminar focused on the various lawn products and tools available to produce beautiful lawns. Bring your lawn-related questions to this Q&A format event.

The seminar will be offered over several weeks, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, Sept. 7, 14 and 21. Gertens is located at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Today's hues

Color trends come and go. A dated palette can make your home look old and tired, while a current color can breathe new energy into your decor. Mark Masica, manager of color services for Hirshfield's, and designer Jennifer Ball will team up for a free seminar to discuss the latest color trends and ways to incorporate them into your home. The seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Gabberts. The seminar is free but reservations are requested at 952-928-3123 or www.gabberts.com.

Also this week, Gabberts will offer two events in its Design Series. At 6:30 p.m. Tuesday is "Speed Design: Fast Impressions. Multiple Solutions." Speed design is patterned after speed-dating. You can sign up for three consecutive 20-minute consultations with designers to get their opinions on improving your living space. Bring room dimensions and photographs. Reservations are required, and space is limited. To reserve a spot, call 952-928-3123 or visit www.gabberts.com.

On Wednesday, from 5 to 9 p.m., Gabberts will offer "Mixing Styles With Arts & Crafts Creatively." Designer Lisa Thies will discuss ways to create an eclectic home environment incorporating Arts & Crafts furnishings. Call for a complimentary half-hour appointment, 952-928-3123 or www.gabberts.com.

Gabberts is located at 3501 Galleria in Edina.

At Home in Edina

There's a new home store in town. At Home and Co. recently opened its doors at 50th and France in Edina. The new store, which promises upscale decor at affordable prices, offers furniture, case goods, lamps, pillows and home accessories from across the country.

Seven interior designers are available for design consultation and to assist with home furnishing selection, space planning and project management.

Store hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. At Home and Co. is located at 3924 W. 50th St., Edina.

Japanese gardens

What makes Japanese landscapes so serene? An expert will be at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Wednesday to discuss the styles, stories and history of Japanese gardens. Kendall H. Brown, professor of Asian art history at California State University-Long Beach, will sign copies of his new book, "Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America," at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. At noon, Brown will give a talk, followed by a guided walk at 12:30, to the Arb's Japanese garden, which is featured in Brown's book.

The Arb is located at 3675 Arboretum Dr. in Chaska.

KIM PALMER