Lighting 101

Advances in lighting technology have transformed the way we light our homes. While homes still need both task and ambient lighting, there are many options available. Gabberts will shed light on this topic at a free seminar. Pat Kennedy and Carsten Doeren from lighting manufacturer Holtkoetter will talk about changes in the industry and LED lighting: what it is and why it's here to stay.

The seminar will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. It's free, but reservations are requested at 952-928-3123 or www.gabberts.com. Gabberts is at 3501 Galleria in Edina.

KIM PALMER

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 at 10 a.m. on Aug. 31, Sept. 7, 14 and 21. Gertens is at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

Eco-House designed by and for millennials

The next generation of homeowners can get a sneak peek into the future at the Minnesota State Fair's Eco Experience.

University of Minnesota design students have built a Gen Y Eco-House geared toward the housing must-haves of Generation Y, sometimes called millennials, born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s.

The new exhibit shows that homes that appeal to this age group will likely be small and compact, have multi-functional spaces and most important, have energy-smart features such as solar photovoltaic panels. Based on the U students' research, Gen-Yers eat out a lot, so kitchens will be minimal and bathrooms will be outfitted with showers, not tubs. The Gen Y Eco-House also demonstrates that building smaller is the key to sustainable and energy-saving housing, said James Garrett, an architect and the students' instructor.

The Eco-Experience also features hands-on activities and demonstrations. Check out the Home Energy Exhibit for tips on ways to save energy in your daily life. Visit www.ecoexperience.org.

LYNN UNDERWOOD