Lowe’s forms partnership with social media site

Lowe's and Houzz, a website for home remodeling ideas, design and social interaction, has announced a marketing relationship that kicks off with a "Dream Kitchen" sweepstakes. The winner of the contest will receive a “dream kitchen,” valued at $50,000, designed and built by Houzz's top designers and contractors with materials from Lowe's.

"We're proud to announce a first-of-its kind marketing alliance with Houzz," said Gihad Jawhar, VP Lowes.com. "With Houzz's impressive community of designers and renovators and Lowe's innovative online retail experience, we will provide the best possible tools and resources to improve homes at every stage of a project, from inspiration to completion."

Houzz enables consumers and remodeling professionals to collaborate using visual, mobile, local and social tools. The Houzz site and mobile apps feature more than 250,000 high-quality interior and exterior photos, thousands of articles written by design experts, product recommendations, and a directory of residential remodeling and design professionals across the United States, Canada and other countries.

By May 2012, Houzz's image gallery and articles will be integrated into the MyLowe's site, allowing consumers to add inspirational content to their home improvement projects. For more information about MyLowe's, visit lowes.com/myLowes.

The new partnership follows Lowe’s recent acquisition of ATG Stores, an online retailer of home improvement and lifestyle products based in Kirkland, Wash.