NEW PRODUCTS

Author Lesley Riva believes that color can transform any room.

She focuses on its power to warm or cool a space, add character to a dull space or alter its feeling in her new book, “Paint Style: The New Approach to Decorative Paint Finishes,” which was written with the experts from Benjamin Moore Paints.

In the book published by Firefly Books, Riva, who often writes about color and interior design, takes a practical approach to the art of adding color to a home. She offers professional advice on how to select colors and what types of paint and equipment are needed to produce a particular look.

After an introduction that defines the role of decorative paint finishes throughout the ages, the book opens with a color library.

“Color’s power to shape the way we feel is almost magical,” Riva writes before delving into the basics of color, the color wheel and how to determine the right palette. She suggests the best uses for particular color families and how to combine various shades.

Then, through color photographs with detailed captions and step-by-step instructions, more than 50 projects are showcased. Each project is rated by skill level.

Chapters include techniques such as glazing, stenciling and stamping, geometrics and faux finishes.

A list of resources and index complete the book.

The book is available at book stores, online book sellers or by calling 800-387-5085.

New Sharp air purifier also adds humidity

Sharp’s new line of air purifiers uses a unique combination of three technologies to quietly and efficiently clean and refresh the air in a home.

Using a triple filtration system, Sharp’s proprietary patented Plasmacluster technology and a humidification function, these air purifiers can trap dust, pollen, mold spores and pet dander; decrease odors; and freshen and humidify the air.

“Whether due to odors, pollen or dust, indoor air quality is a major concern for most homeowners,” said Christine Lewis, associate vice president of marketing, appliances, Sharp Electronics Marketing Co. of America. “Our air purifiers use a unique three-pronged approach to actively and efficiently clean the air. They operate quietly to blend unobtrusively into the home environment, and they are highly energy efficient for a low total cost of ownership for the consumer.”

The triple filtration system includes a permanent washable prefilter that traps dust and other large airborne particles; a washable active carbon filter that absorbs common household odors; and a True HEPA filter with antimicrobial coating that traps 99.97 percent of particles (as small as 0.3 microns) that pass through the filter.

The humidification function generates as much as 50 percent relative humidity, helping to reduce static and make the air more comfortable in dry environments. Its natural cool vaporization system also enhances the effectiveness of the Plasmacluster function, and the humidifier’s anti-bacterial and anti-mold filter provides an additional measure of protection.

The line offers two models. The KC-C100U is suited for a study, bedroom or home office measuring as large as 254 square feet, while the KC-C150U is powerful enough for a living room or family room as large as 347 square feet. They are priced at $399.99 and $499.99, respectively.

For more information, visit www.sharpusa.com.