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Calming Color: Design inspiration for a comforting, relaxing home

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(Family Features) Updating your home can provide the perfect opportunity to explore new design styles or refresh living spaces with a new color scheme. In fact, a coat of paint can help set the mood for entire rooms in your home.

By turning to nature-inspired designs, you can create a sense of comfort and relaxation. A hybrid color, like Valspar’s 2024 Color of the Year, Renew Blue, is gentle and airy with a touch of blue to set a restful and meditative mood. The grayed sea green – inspired by fleeting things such as fog, mist, clouds and glacier lakes – is a seasonless and versatile hue that features a mid-tone blue with warm undertones and can be used in outdoor living spaces and four-season rooms alike.

“This mid-tone shade has become popular for wellness environments over the years due to its low saturation level, which evokes a sense of rest and calm,” said Sue Kim, Valspar’s director of color marketing. “The harmonious green and blue open the possibility for outdoor applications, blurring the boundary between interior and exterior.”

To help elevate the mood in your home, consider implementing Renew Blue into one of these popular design trends that can update the look of nearly any of your indoor or outdoor spaces.

Coastal
Coastal looks are timeless designs that have remained relevant for years because of their positive correlation to calming beach locations. Perfect for outdoor spaces like the backyard, you can implement a more curated and personal take on the trend by shifting from “typical” coastal design that pairs beachy hues with natural textures like rope, driftwood and wicker to something more classic and natural like the Cape Cod variation by working in some nautical touches like anchors, oars or seashells.

Modern Farmhouse


In the entryway, using beautiful and functional decor, such as unique ceramics and handwoven textiles, helps usher in a modern rustic style. By using timeless tones and accents, as well as layering heritage art, you can create visual mystery while elevating the ordinary to make your home feel warm and welcoming to guests from the moment they walk through the door.

Nordic Comfort
Modern Traditional is a style that came together over time, and the Hygge look is a refined take. It pulls elementary cues from traditional farmhouse style but has shaker-inspired elements mixed in and is done with a slightly modern twist. It can make a larger space like the kitchen feel welcoming, open, carefully curated and warm.

Modern Boho
Boho is a nature-loving and free-spirited style connected to earthy and botanical elements. From handmade decor to vintage metallic finishes, this style reimagines the past and elevates everyday spaces like bathrooms into personal retreats designed with wellness in mind.

Pastel Wabi-Sabi
Leaning into the modern sentiment of “less is more,” this style reflects a naturally minimalist design aesthetic and showcases color coordination with mood-boosting hues and joyful color. Perfect for nurseries and other spaces that should be bright and welcoming, pieces with pared-back, welcoming shapes and silhouettes that allow quality natural materials to shine are perfect for decorating the room.

Visit Valspar.com to find more on-trend home design inspiration and order up to 10 free paint chips to be delivered to your home to see how your favorite colors will fit your space.

Exploring Color Pairings

If a concept like color drenching – using one color from the baseboards to the ceiling and decor – isn’t what you’re envisioning, pairing a gentle and airy color like Renew Blue with other hues may be just the trick to create the space of your dreams. Consider these popular Valspar pairing options:

  • Perfect Backdrop: The familiar, natural tone of beige has returned strong, balancing warm and cool shades to create comforting spaces that harmonize well with various design styles.
  • Dusk in the Valley: A barely-there, grayed pastel that is soothing to the senses, even amid constant changes. Layering pale tints in various materials can create a sense of calm and relaxation.

Personalized Advice for Your Space

If you’re unsure where to begin your color search – or need advice on color matching, building your painting confidence or troubleshooting complicated projects – the experts at Valspar offer free virtual advice. Simply provide details about your space, lighting and style preferences using the questionnaire at valspar.com/en/color-consultation and by uploading photos of your space and any inspiration to receive personalized recommendations directly to your account.


SOURCE:
Valspar

Automotive

Hyundai 2024 Santa Fe and Kona Win Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Award

Hyundai’s 2024 Santa Fe and Kona named winners of Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award.

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"Hyundai 2024 Santa Fe and Kona interior"
The 2024 Kona is photographed in Baltimore, Md. on Sept. 12, 2023.

Exciting news for Hyundai enthusiasts! The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2024 Hyundai Kona have been named winners of the prestigious Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX award by WardsAuto. Making Hyundai the only manufacturer with two vehicles on the list.

The Wards 10 Best Interiors and UX competition focuses on identifying driver interfaces that are user-friendly, navigation systems that are easy to program, and smartphone integration that allows for safe access to various features while on the road. This award evaluates the overall quality and comfort of the vehicles’ interiors, as well as the user-friendliness of driver-assist technologies.

This isn’t the first time Hyundai has been recognized by WardsAuto. Last year, the Hyundai Palisade took home an award, cementing the brand’s commitment to creating innovative and desirable vehicle experiences.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona stands out for its dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, offering a versatile interior that is both visually appealing and technologically advanced. With a price point of $35,000, the Kona provides great value for its modernist aesthetic and abundance of features.

The 3-row Santa Fe, on the other hand, impresses with its spacious interior, perfect for urban and outdoor activities. The Calligraphy grade’s ivory and olive-green geometric interior sets a new standard for vehicle interior design, revolutionizing the industry.

Wards judge, Christie Schweinsberg, praises both vehicles for their exceptional features and value. The Kona’s affordability makes it an accessible choice for many, while the Santa Fe’s thoughtful additions such as a drawer for second-row passengers and a UV-C sterilization tray for phones further elevate its appeal.

The evaluations for the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX competition took place during winter and early spring, giving judges ample time to experience the vehicles in their daily driving routines. Metrics such as design and aesthetics, comfort, materials, connectivity, and infotainment are taken into consideration, along with advanced driver-assist system content and overall value.

To celebrate the achievement, the 2024 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX awards ceremony will take place on June 6, 2024, during the AutoTech: Detroit Conference. This event promises to be a showcase of innovation and excellence in the automotive industry.

Hyundai continues to listen to its customers and push the boundaries of vehicle design and technology. With these awards, the brand proves its commitment to providing innovative, intuitive, and desirable vehicle experiences.

So if you’re in the market for a Hyundai, the 2024 Santa Fe and Kona should be at the top of your list. Not only do they offer exceptional interiors and user experiences, but they also represent the cutting-edge innovations that Hyundai stands for.

About Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

To access additional content about cars and related topics, please explore the Automotive category on STM Daily News. https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/

About STM Daily News

STM Vlog and Podcast is dedicated to creating content that promotes Social Good. Our platform, Stories This Moment, highlights and profiles individuals who are making a positive impact on the world. From arts and entertainment to science, community activism, events, and philanthropy, we cover a wide range of topics to inspire and uplift our audience. Our goal is to spread positivity and reach people in a meaningful way. Through our engaging video content and informative podcast episodes, we aim to create a community of like-minded individuals who want to make a difference in the world. Join us on our journey to promote Social Good by checking out our STM Vlog and Podcast on YouTube. https://stmdailynews.com/about-us/

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home improvement

10 Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient and Sustainable

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(Family Features) Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and sustainable way involves several steps that not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact.

Consider these tips from the heating and cooling experts at Carrier to help make your cooling system more eco-friendly:

  1. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient HVAC System. If your HVAC system is outdated, consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model. Look for systems with an Energy Star or high SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating, which indicates better energy efficiency. The higher the SEER2 rating, the more efficient the unit. Financial incentives for installing a higher-efficiency system are available through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. You can also shop for rebates from manufacturers and utility companies.
     
  2. Look for a Carbon-Free HVAC System. Heat pumps, ductless and VRF (variable refrigerant flow) systems that run on electricity and use low global-warming potential refrigerant, like Carrier’s Puron Advance, can help reduce your home’s negative impact on the environment.
     
  3. Install a Smart Thermostat. A smart thermostat can be programmed based on your preferences and adjust temperatures automatically. These devices can be controlled remotely through smartphones and help reduce energy consumption by cooling your home only when necessary.
     
  4. Conduct Regular Maintenance. Keep your HVAC system running efficiently with regular maintenance. This includes cleaning or replacing air filters every 1-3 months, checking refrigerant levels, cleaning outside condenser coils and ensuring the system’s components are in good, working condition and the airflow is not blocked.
     
  5. Seal and Insulate. Improve your home’s insulation to maintain a consistent temperature. Seal windows, doors and any gaps or cracks to prevent cool air from escaping. This can significantly reduce the workload on your HVAC system.
     
  6. Use Ceiling Fans. Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home, allowing you to set the thermostat at a higher temperature without sacrificing comfort, thus saving energy.
     
  7. Add Window Treatments. Use blinds, shades or curtains to block out sunlight and reduce heat gain during the hottest parts of the day. This simple step can make a big difference in how much your air conditioner needs to work.
     
  8. Upgrade to a Variable-Speed Compressor. Traditional compressors operate at full power or not at all. However, a variable-speed compressor can adjust its output to match your cooling needs precisely, resulting in better efficiency, energy savings and improved indoor comfort.
     
  9. Ventilate Properly. Ensure proper ventilation in your home, especially in areas like the kitchen and bathroom, to remove excess heat and humidity, which can reduce the need for air conditioning.
     
  10. Update Roofing. If you’re replacing your roof, consider cool roofing materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofing materials, reducing the heat that enters your home.

By implementing these strategies, you can improve or update your HVAC system to cool your home more sustainably. Not only do these steps help the environment, they can also lead to lower energy bills and improved indoor comfort. Always consult with an HVAC professional to determine the best and most efficient options for your home and needs.

Find more information and tips to sustainably cool your home at Carrier.com.


SOURCE:
Carrier

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Automotive

Nissan Dominates the Best Value New Cars List: A Closer Look at the Kicks, Frontier, and Sentra

Nissan dominates as Kicks, Frontier, and Sentra clinch spots on Cars.com® 2024 Best Value New Cars list, showcasing remarkable value and excellence.

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Image: Nissan Motors USA


In a resounding triumph, Nissan has once again emerged as a leader in the automotive industry by securing coveted spots on the highly esteemed Cars.com® 2024 Best Value New Cars list. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to Nissan’s unwavering commitment to excellence and delivering exceptional value across their lineup. In this blog post, we will delve into the phenomenal achievements of the 2024 Nissan Kicks, Frontier, and Sentra, as well as the notable recognition received by the Versa SV.

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🌟 Explore Nissan’s award-winning lineup! 🚗✨ #NissanExcellence https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/

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  1. 2024 Nissan Kicks S: Best Value in Subcompact SUV Category
    The 2024 Nissan Kicks S has undoubtedly made its mark as the ultimate subcompact SUV that offers unbeatable value. With its stunning design, remarkable features, and impressive fuel efficiency, the Kicks S showcases a perfect blend of style and practicality. From city streets to off-road adventures, this versatile SUV is a true game-changer.
  2. 2024 Frontier King Cab S 4×2: Best Value in Midsize Pickup Segment
    Nissan’s commitment to excellence shines through with the 2024 Frontier King Cab S 4×2, which has claimed the prestigious title of Best Value in the Midsize Pickup segment. Boasting remarkable performance, durability, and an array of advanced safety features, the Frontier is built to effortlessly conquer any terrain. Whether it’s for work or play, this pickup truck exceeds expectations.
  3. 2024 Sentra S: A Standout Compact Car
    The 2024 Sentra S secures a well-deserved third place in the Compact Car category, further solidifying Nissan’s reputation for crafting outstanding vehicles. With its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional fuel efficiency, the Sentra S offers a remarkable driving experience matched with an exceptional value proposition. Embrace the joy of every journey with this impressive compact car.
  4. Honorable Mention: 2024 Nissan Versa SV
    The 2024 Nissan Versa SV receives an honorable mention, highlighting its noteworthy features and outstanding value proposition. With its spacious cabin, advanced safety technologies, and remarkable fuel efficiency, the Versa SV proves to be a reliable companion for everyday adventures.


The recognition earned by the 2024 Nissan Kicks, Frontier, Sentra, and Versa SV on the Cars.com® 2024 Best Value New Cars list showcases Nissan’s dedication to delivering top-notch vehicles that offer exceptional value, unrivaled quality, and remarkable performance. As Nissan continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation, car enthusiasts can confidently explore these award-winning models with the assurance of a remarkable driving experience. Embrace excellence and discover the best value with Nissan’s impressive lineup of vehicles!

“For further details regarding Nissan’s products, services and their dedication to sustainable mobility, please visit their website.” nissanusa.com. “Feel free to follow Nissan on their social media channels.” FacebookInstagramOpensX (Twitter) and LinkedIn and “Please take a look at all of our newest videos” on YouTube.

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/automotive/

About Nissan Motors

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. is a multinational car manufacturer based in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. The company sells vehicles under the Nissan, Infiniti, and formerly Datsun brands. Nissan also offers in-house performance tuning products (including cars) under the Nismo and Autech brands. The company’s roots date back to the early 20th century with the Nissan zaibatsu, which is now known as Nissan Group.

Nissan has been a member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance since 1999, with Mitsubishi joining in 2016. This partnership is between Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors of Japan, along with Renault of France. As of November 2023, Renault has a 15% voting stake in Nissan, while Nissan holds the same stake in Renault. Additionally, Nissan acquired a 34% controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors in October 2016.

Nissan ranked as the sixth largest car manufacturer globally in 2017, following Toyota, Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, General Motors, and Ford. In the same year, Nissan held the title of the largest car maker in North America. With a revenue of $78 billion in 2022, Nissan secured the ninth spot among the world’s automobile makers and emerged as the leading Japanese brand in China, Russia, and Mexico. As of April 2018, Nissan became the largest electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer worldwide, with over 320,000 all-electric vehicles sold. The Nissan LEAF, the car-maker’s top-selling electric model, claimed the second position in global electric car sales, just behind the Tesla Model 3.

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