Justin Sundling surveyed the lavishly appointed lobby of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum - all polished marble and gleaming brass - and in one respect, he wasn't impressed by the building's famed opulence.
Mayberry said the museum has already implemented many energy- saving measures, including a summertime adjustment to the boiler that saved $3,000 a month. But it must balance efforts with the need to preserve artifacts and exhibits at proper temperature and humidity.-The museum could go a step further, he said, by planting deciduous trees that provide shade in the summer and lose their leaves in the winter, allowing warming sunlight in when it is needed.Kate Hart, an award-winning designer, suggests replacing your existing showerhead, faucet and toilet with low-flow models to reduce water consumption.Still, Mayberry said, any money-saving tips are more than welcome. The cash-strapped institution, which almost closed last year because of funding shortages, must count every penny.As for kitchen cabinets, you might consider repainting. Keep in mind, however, if you're into a total kitchen remodeling, your life will be disrupted for a while.The tour - delivered as museum Director Matt Mayberry looked on - was part of a kick-off event for a new student-led group that offers energy assessments and free fixes.The latest trend in kitchens is furniture-like cabinets with dining room-like chairs around the breakfast counter. Delve into design magazines and search the Internet for appealing ideas. It is always best to have a professional help you with your choices because mistakes will be more costly down the line.Inspectors may also advise longer-term measures, some of which are rewarded with rebates through state programs and other sources.Oversize cocktail rings: A favorite of this fashion writer, attention-getting gobs of sapphire, pearl, and citrine set in gold are all the rage right now. In fact, at the New York jewelry show, you could not walk ten feet without being tempted to pick up yet another oversize cocktail ring; the gorgeous baubles were everywhere. The look is not fussy: diamonds, CZs and other adornments should be kept to a minimum and the stone itself should get all the attention. Square cuts are modern, but oval rings and round rings are pleasing too. As with other bold accessories, be sure not to overdo this look. One big ring will suffice (wearing multiple rings on multiple fingers is so juvenile). Scale back the rest of your jewelry as well.Compact fluorescent light bulbs, he said, would serve the same decorative purpose as the lobby lights while using 25 percent of the electricity.With big dinners and fun parties coming up with Thanksgiving and Christmas, you might consider getting new kitchen appliances. Of course, you will want to purchase the most energy-efficient item to save money each month. Be sure you know what the finished remodeled kitchen should look like before buying appliances. You don't want to buy the wrong size or wrong color appliances that won't fit into your dream remodeled kitchen."This is the best example we can give of wasted energy," he said.With a conservation checklist in hand, he gestured disapprovingly at the dozens of incandescent light bulbs on the coffered ceiling and in the chandeliers that help lend the former courthouse its character.Bold gold chains: For the moment, forget shiny, candy-like beads and last season�s jumbled, multi-layered look. Today, it�s all about one or two long gold chains with oversize links. The hottest gold necklaces have big, interlocking loops, or big loops interspersed on chains, sort of like a Tin Cup necklace with gold circles rather than pearls. Toss one on over your tunic/legging combo, your mini-dress, or pair a gold necklace with one of the season�s hot men�s suits or military jackets that are so popular right now.If remodeling is not in the budget, perhaps a light "facelift" is.The student chapter of the Energy Service Corps is a joint project of The Colorado Public Interest Research Group and Americorps, which help fund the group's outreach efforts.
Call the writer at 636-0366.
Author: LANCE BENZEL
No comments:
Post a Comment