NEW HOME STORE IN WAYZATA

If you're in the market for new furniture or accessories, here's a new shopping haunt: Gracious Home in Wayzata. The design and home-staging business recently expanded and opened its first retail location. Gracious Home describes its niche as bringing a "fresh twist" to classic design elements, such as using bold color, modern prints and unexpected finishes on traditional furnishings.

The design studio offers an array of fabrics for custom upholstery, bedding and window treatments, as well as lamps, artwork, gifts and other accessories. Gracious Home, open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, is at 775 E. Lake St. in Wayzata.

CALL FOR UGLY ROOMS

Is there a room in your house desperately in need of an update? Enter it in Sure Fit's "Fall Makeover Challenge." The slipcover company is inviting folks with dull, dated decor to submit a photo for a chance to win a $1,000 room makeover.

A judging panel will select three contest finalists, and then the public will vote on the room most in need of a makeover. Entries must be received by Aug. 15. To enter, go to Sure Fit's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/surefitslipcovers) and upload a photo of your ugly room, along with a brief statement on why it deserves a makeover.

HOME REPAIR 101

Wish you could save money by doing more of your own home repairs and improvements? Wannabe handywomen (and men) are invited to attend a workshop that will cover basic projects, such as simple plumbing and electrical repair and fixing damaged walls.

The workshop, taught by Krista Williamson, designer and CEO of K2 Workshops in Kansas City, is designed for homeowners of all levels of experience, and will include both demonstration and hands-on participation. The workshop will be offered twice, July 29 and 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Habitat Restore, 510 W. County Road D, New Brighton. The cost is $129, which includes a box lunch. To register, visit www.k2workshops.org/registration.php?cat=9

KIM PALMER