Win a Dream Deck

Is your deck a wreck? Or do you have no deck at all? Having a great outdoor space is like gaining a room during the summer months, and if you don't have one, you're missing out on a lot of fun. But here's hope for the deck-deprived. Thompson's Water Seal is offering a sweepstakes that will award one winner a $10,000 deck makeover budget, plus help from a deck design expert.

Whether the winner wants to build their first deck or improve and expand an existing deck, Jeff Wilson, star of HGTV and DIY Network programs including "Build a Deck," will come for an on-site consultation. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 1, 2011. To enter, visit www.thompsonswaterseal.com/dreamdeck.

COLOR CUES

Your home's color palette makes a strong statement. Is it saying what you want it to? Gabberts explores "Color Flavors: Vanilla or Vibrant" in a seminar Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. Georgia Ehrreich and Sheree Pickle will help solve your color dilemmas and find inspiration. The free session will be at Gabberts, 3501 Galleria, Edina. For reservations, call 952-928-3123.

KIM PALMER

Living like Vern

If you like clean, modern design with global influences, a look popularized by designer Vern Yip of "Trading Spaces" and "Design Star" fame, here's a new way to bring it home. Yip, in partnership with HSN (Home Shopping Network), last week launched his first complete home collection.

The line, which includes furniture, bedding, window treatments, rugs, lighting and other decor items, will feature Yip's signature "Lotus" and "Medallion" designed quilt, in addition to other blanket and duvet sets. (The lotus is a symbol in his family history.) Vern Yip Home is available exclusively at HSN (www.hsn.com).