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KAHI LEE: OK, there's a reason why the living room is called
the living room.
We spend a lot of time there.
So when it's time to add that certain pizazz,
why not think green?
I'm Kahi Lee, and I've got the skinny on how
to make it all possible.
This is Green Done Right.
Meet Steve and Elsie Koo.
They moved into this newly built, colonial style home
nine years ago.
And although this airy living room has an inviting vista,
they feel that improving the living room's flooring will
bring new life into the space.
THE KOOS: Hi, we're the Koos.
STEVE KOO: I'm Steven.
ELSIE KOO: And I'm Elsie.
A typical day in our household is very hectic.
We get up early in the morning and try to get the kids ready
for school.
My husband and I both have a full time job.
So we have to go to work.
And at the end of the day when we get home, we try to have
dinner as a family.
Having a lot of kids really keeps us busy, but we are one
big happy family.
KAHI LEE: Hi.
ELSIE KOO: Hi.
Good to see you.
Thank you for coming.
KAHI LEE: Oh, wow.
Big, bright, high ceilings, all great things.
I mean, it's made for entertaining, right?
ELSIE KOO: Right.
And we like having friends and family over.
The rest of the house has been taken over by the kids.
KAHI LEE: Now, what are some things that are maybe not
working for you?
STEVE KOO: I think because of the open space right now, it
doesn't seem very energy efficient.
So it takes a lot to heat up this space.
I think the carpeting as well is kind of showing its age.
ELSIE KOO: We really don't like carpet.
My son and my husband have a allergy to dust.
STEVE KOO: So something that would cause a little bit less
dust to settle in the room, that would be great.
KAHI LEE: OK.
We can definitely do that.
And anything in terms of style, the look of it?
STEVE KOO: I think to try to keep along with the furniture.
KAHI LEE: Modern, OK.
STEVE KOO: Yeah, kind of, a modern, contemporary look.
KAHI LEE: OK.
So here's what we have in store today.
We are going to rip up this old carpet.
You excited about that?
ELSIE KOO: Yep.
STEVE KOO: Great.
KAHI LEE: And we are going to replace it with a sustainable
flooring made out of cork.
We are also going to give you some drapery
which will be two things.
First of all, it's a thermal drape.
So it's going to keep the cold out or keep the cold in, in
the hot months.
And it will bring in some color.
And to top it off, we're also giving you some new organic
accessories to add some style, add some color.
It's going to look great.
And you're also going to be eco-friendly.
ELSIE KOO: Great.
STEVE KOO: Great.
KAHI LEE: So are you ready to get started?
STEVE KOO: Yeah, definitely.
KAHI LEE: Follow me.
STEVE KOO: Yeah, let's do it.
KAHI LEE: Cork flooring is much better than carpet.
Carpet traps contaminants such as dust mites, pet dander,
mold, and pesticides.
Heat loss through windows and doors can account for up to
50% of a home's heating and cooling energy costs.
Eco-friendly home accessories can be made from materials
such as recycled glass, organic fabrics, bamboo, and
other sustainable materials.
Want to find out exactly how we turned the Koo's living
room into a space that looks warm and feels warm?
Look for the next episode of Green Done Right.