May 21, 2013

2013 LIVINGSPACES A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD

SPRING

inside

Pros and cons of open floor plans Top 10 dream home features Using BOLD paint colours

E-EDITION availab le on lin e at comoxvalleyrecord.com

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

COORDINATE YOUR HOME’S

exterior colours like a pro (NC)—No matter whether you are building a new home, or freshening up an existing one, choosing complementary exterior colours is quite a challenge.

Experts tell us that the most attractive exteriors use three to four shades to define the primary surfaces: main body, main trim, complementary trim, and supplementary trim.

Using multiple colours will create interest and depth and are used to highlight an architectural feature, such as a pergola.

The main body colour is the dominant shade of the structure, often the brick, stone, wood or vinyl siding. The main trim colour is found on windows and moldings.

The complementary trim colour is used on doors and shutters. Lastly, the sup-

plementary trim colour can be found on decks, siding, fences, pergolas or other architectural features.

Choosing the right ones will result in an eye-pleasing, coordinated look that is bound to increase the value of your home, as well as protect your investment.

If you need some guidance, Olympic exterior stains has developed a helpful guide to lead homeowners through the many choices of not only colour, but the type of stain best suited to each application. It’s called “Become a Color Genius” (www. olympic.com/staincolorguide) and it’s packed with information, tips, and seven colour schemes to enlighten and inspire homeowners.

Once you select your colour palette, it’s time to determine the level of stain

coverage for the wood components of your home. A clear stain allows wood to weather to a natural grey, yet still be protected from the elements. A toner delivers a slight hint of colour that maintains the natural beauty of wood.

Maybe you prefer a subtle wash of colour that allows the wood’s grain and

texture to show.

If so, choose a semi-transparent stain.

For a rich opaque colour, choose a solid stain and you will still see the rich texture of the wood, but with more depth of colour. Both semi-transparent and solid stains come in many beautiful shades that coordinate with one another.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

USING BOLD

paint colours Paint is one of the least expensive and most versatile means to changing the look of a room. According to the experts from “This Old House,” 60 percent of the colors of a home that visitors perceive come from the paint on the walls. Choosing a color scheme can be challenging, which is why so many people stick with neutrals like beige and white. For those who are ready to add a spark of color, there are a few guidelines to consider.

Color theory is a science and there are rules of using color that are taught as early as a child’s first foray into art class.

We know there are primary, secondary and complementary colors on the color wheel.

Even novice home decorators can do well with color if they use the color wheel as their guideline.

According to HGTV, color should flow throughout a house. Every room need not be painted the same color. However, colors should be complementary enough that they flow into one another. Don’t paint one room in child’s basic primary colors, while

painting other rooms in jewel tones and pastels. Stick with one theme and carry it through the house.

Once you have decided to use a bold color, first find your color inspiration. Color combinations that appear in nature are more readily accepted by people, so look for an item in nature, such as a seashell or a flowering plant that you can base your color choices on. Others pull inspiration from a particular design item. For instance, maybe an area rug strikes your fancy. Use colors that appear in the rug in the room.

Keep in mind that using bold color doesn’t mean you have to paint every wall from ceiling to floor in that color. Rather, if you’re just starting out with bold colors, select one wall to serve as an accent wall.

Use that wall as your bold canvas and paint it with your chosen hue.

Some people like to experiment with a more flashy color in a smaller space.

If you’re nervous about beginning in the living room or kitchen, how about trying

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out bold color in a smaller space, such as a powder room? A more intimate space might seem less overwhelming when painted in a bold color. Go for a deep purple or another jeweled tone. However, try to avoid greens in the bathroom, as they may reflect off of the mirror and cast a hue onto your face that makes you look unwell. Pinks and peaches will shed a rosy glow.

If you will be incorporating complementary colors into the room, use the paint color swatch as your guide. Most paint manufacturers use three or four different shades on one sample card. When selecting a complementary shade, be sure to pick from the same tone on the card. That means if you’re choosing the darkest of color #1 from a card, you’ll want to choose the darkest from color #2.

Another idea is to leave walls neutral and use bold color on design accents. For example, designers at marthastewart.com recommend painting the inside of niches, shelves or cabinets with glass doors in bright tones and the outside white to create an eye-catching space without going overboard. Put a bold color on moulding or use an appliance or a fixture in a bright color as your splash of boldness.

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ance. If you will be painting an entire room in a bold color, think about having the other decor items in neutral colors. Sofas and rugs should be neutral colors, or consider toning down a vibrant color with the use of white molding or baseboards.

All it may take is a little inspiration to get started on fun, inviting color schemes in the home. Furniture store Raymour & Flanigan offers a handy design tool for incorporating different colors into a space.

Find ideas at www.raymourflanigan.com/ Design-Center/Color-Story.aspx.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Top 10

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(MS) -- If you were given a chance to design a dream home, what features would you choose first?

Take a look at the most popular wish list from Nudura, a leading firm in building technology: 1. Curb appeal. Home exterior, driveway, and landscaping must attract admiring attention.

2. Concrete and natural stone, rather than wood framing and brick. These homes are not only beautiful, they are stronger, more sound resistant, and far more energy efficient than wood frames and brick.

3. Maximum energy efficient throughout from top to bottom.

4. Solar panels in the roof to generate a personal energy source.

5. A large, designer kitchen with natural stone countertops and futuristic applianc-

es, cabinetry and waterworks.

6. Natural hardwood flooring like Brazilian cherry and sustainable bamboo.

7. A sunroom, a front porch, and a backyard finished patio.

8. Vessel sinks, or freestanding bowls above the bathroom countertop, accompanied by wall-mounted faucets.

9. Bedroom walk out or balcony.

10. Designer bathtubs and walk-in shower with marble tile, a seating bench and rainfall showerhead.

Home offices

in tight spaces

A home office is a necessity for many adults these days. While some people have entire rooms available to house a home office, others have to make do with less space, and that can mean fitting an office into a tight space. The first step in establishing a small home office is figuring out the space you have and any limitations that may accompany it. For example, maybe you have an unused corner in the living room but don’t want to have wires and equipment out in the open.

An armoire-type desk that can be

closed when not in use is a viable option in such a situation. Perhaps there is an unused closet in a bedroom.

A wall-mounted desk surface, such as a piece of custom-cut countertop material, complete with foldaway mouse and keyboard tray can easily turn the space into a compact nook.

Maybe there is an entryway with a small table that would be large enough for a laptop. A stool or ottoman that can be tucked under it can serve as a desk chair and extra seating for company.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

designing

GO GREEN

a laundry room When purchasing a home, buyers often look at the kitchen space and how many bedrooms there are, while largely ignoring other rooms, including the laundry room. Oftentimes, the washer and dryer are relegated to a dark corner of the basement or garage, and homeowners simply accept their laundry lot.

More and more manufacturers now produce washers and dryers that are both functional and aesthetically appealing. As a result, homeowners and renters need not feel they have to hide laundry rooms like they did in the past.

Having the laundry nearby the family action — and paying attention to laundry room design — can make the work of keeping clothes tidy that much easier.

Many designers would agree that you need not sacrifice style for function in a laundry room. As with any other area of the house, impart design elements into the room and make it a room in which you want to spend time.

• First and foremost, select appliances that offer the features you need and want. Also, find appliances that fit the space you have.

Front-loading appliances have become the latest must-have, but some units may be too big or expensive for your space.

Those with a limited area for laundry can invest in a stackable set, in which the washer and dryer are combined into one vertical unit. For those who want to add a pop of color, select among the variety of colored washers and dryers that are turning up in store showrooms. You’re

Front Load Washers are Energy Star Rated It is estimated that on average the consumer will save approximately $110 per year in total consumption of water and energy, also using upwards of 60% less detergent, softener and bleach.

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no longer limited to white, black and beige.

• Consider cabinetry in your laundry space.

Cabinets and drawers are not just for the kitchen.

They can hide cleaning products, detergent, dryer sheets and so much more.

Fill drawers with stain-removal sticks and items to mend clothes that may be missing a button or have a small hole that needs tending.

• A laundry area also can be much more than just a place to wash and fold clothes. Many people like to turn this spot into a multipurpose zone. By including some shelving and a refrigerator in the laundry room, you can create a food-storage pantry. A large countertop normally used to fold clothes can also double as a gift-wrapping station. Think about merging a laundry room with a craft room where sewing or scrapbooking can take place.

• Remember to leave room for the soiled clothing. Raising hamper bins off of the floor to be suspended from a rod above the washer frees up valuable floor space. Otherwise, keep the hamper

behind a curtain or tucked into a cabinet to ensure the laundry room always looks neat, even when you haven’t yet gotten to the newest pile of dirty clothes.

• Don’t be afraid of adding color and artwork to the laundry space. In fact, embrace it. Here’s an out-of-the-way area of the home where you can explore your creativity and have a little fun. Try an eye-opening color, such as apple green or bright yellow to add a sunny disposition to the room.

• Save space by installing a counter just above the dryer so you will have a place to fold and stack clothing.

• The bulk of dirty clothes will be generated in the bedrooms and bathroom of the house. But who wants to carry clothes down to a laundry area on a lower level? See if you can tuck a laundry room into an upstairs closet or nook to make doing laundry more practical.

Although a laundry room is often an afterthought, taking time to organize and plan the space can make it both functional and inviting.

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What homeowner has not lamented that they have many more belongings than they have storage space? In some homes, particularly in older homes, closet space and other areas to store items may be lacking. Apartment dwellers often find they’re lacking in storage space as well. But savvy homeowners can find both permanent and temporary solutions to their home storage problems.

One of the easiest ways to create storage space is to simply remove some belongings from the residence.

Go through closets around the house and pick through the attic and/or garage to see if there are any items that can be discarded or donated. Items that are broken can be discarded, while those things that still have utility can be donated or sold.

The next step is to maximize the space of your existing closets. Many closets are equipped with just a shelf and a clothing rack, greatly limiting the storage potential. Investing in a closet organization system is one way to transform a poorly utilized space. These systems can be purchased, often inexpensively, from a home improvement center.

Compiled of modular racks and shelving, the positioning can be customized depending on the size of the closet.

Oftentimes, the addition of shelving or another rack for hanging clothes can solve some storage issues. These closet systems also are ideal for renters because they can be installed with minimal damage and be removed when a lease expires.

Homeowners may have to think vertically to solve storage solutions. Wall

Messy closets and clutter elsewhere in the home may be indicative of a storage deficit. But there are ways to easily increase storage space. space may be abundant in a home where closets are not. Therefore, shelving and cabinets can be places to keep items neatly off the floor. A series of shelves can be installed next to a washing machine to keep laundry supplies organized.

In children’s rooms, build bookcases the height of the room so children can store frequently used reading material and toys on the lower levels, and adults can put collectibles and mementos near the top. Hang hooks to hold hats and robes.

Whenever possible, look to store items on the walls where they will keep clutter off the floor.

Storage can even be created in the bathroom, where the space over the toilet can be used to hang a cabinet to store hand towels and other toiletries if the space under the sink has already been claimed.

Many apartment dwellers recognize the advantage of having items that serve

double-duty in their living spaces. For example, a convertible sofa can be used for sitting and then turn into a bed for overnight guests. Ottomans that have a storage compartment can house anything from throw blankets to magazines.

An armoire may house the television but also have a pull-out shelf that can hold a laptop computer.

In the kitchen, move food items out of cabinetry and into a “pantry” you create elsewhere in the house, such as a laundry room or garage. This frees up more room for pots and pans.

Cabinets that have pull-out shelving help maximize tight recesses of cabinets and keep things organized and in sight. For those with limited cabinets, pots and pans can be hung from a pot rack suspended in the kitchen.

Even when there is a small amount of storage space, individuals can find clever ways to neatly store items.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

HOME IMPROVEMENT TRENDS that won’t break the bank Faux painting techniques are an economical and innovative way to transform any surface and can complement any decorating style. Dull concrete floors, both indoors and out, can be brought dramatically to life with a latex paint such as DRYLOK® Latex Concrete Floor Paint.

Planning and Preparation Before choosing a design, look carefully at your surface and space. Some designs are useful for disguising flaws in a floor. For other designs you may need to patch and smooth flawed surfaces first.

You will also need to think about the traffic in the area you are painting. Is it worth doing an elaborate, time-consuming pattern in a high traffic area? Large, bold patterns may be out of scale for a small room. Equally, small, detailed patterns may get lost in large spaces.

Inspirations for Faux Painted Floors Brick and Stone Brick and stone finishes can add texture and/or color and can be effective indoors and outdoors.

Tiles and Mosaics Faux terra-cotta tiles are a versatile option for porches, patios and dining areas.

The earthy appearance creates a warm, earthy feel and goes well with the rustic Tuscan look and matches many decors.

Patterned and Textured Finishes For a finish that isn’t too busy, you can use paint to create subtle visual texture.

With pattern, your choice is endless. Covering an entire surface is one option. Alternatively, you could paint a faux rug, perhaps with patterns inspired by oriental carpets.

The most important thing to remember is to follow the proper preparation and patching procedures from the product label.

If you are using a pressure washer to clean the surface, do not use on a pressure setting above 1750 psi to avoid damaging the concrete. Remember concrete acts like a sponge. Pressure washing and cleaning in general may trap residual moisture in the concrete. To check for trapped moisture, tape a 12” x 12” piece of 3 mil plastic or

aluminum foil tightly on all four edges to the surface. Remove it after 24 hours. If the floor side of the plastic or foil is damp, allow additional drying and then repeat the test. It is very important not to have trapped moisture in the concrete; it is the number one reason why epoxy and latex concrete floor paints fail.

Protecting the Pattern A clear protective coat, is the perfect finish to protect the design from scraping of patio furniture, grease, weathering and washings. Remember to use a product that

is made to be a clear protective coat, not a penetrating sealer. A penetrating sealer is designed to enter the pores of the surface and settle into the masonry.

It will not penetrate the floor paint. The clear sealer is a protective measure that should be repeated every two to four years depending on the use and exposure of the surface.

Bold or subtle, bright or neutral, faux painting techniques can give your floor an expensive-looking makeover that won’t break the bank.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Pros and cons

of open floor plans Open floor plans have evolved to be the floor plan of choice in new homes and current home renovations. Turn on a home renovation show, and you’re likely to see eager homeowners knocking down walls to open the kitchen to the family room. Walls have become anathema to homeowners.

There are many supporters of the open floor plan, particularly those who entertain frequently or like to keep an eye on children throughout the house. Although open floor plans are touted, there are plenty of people who have never been enamored with having all of their rooms flowing into one. There also are some people who prefer a different style.

For those who are not fans of the open floor plan, blame the excess of the 1980s for their inception. In homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, rooms were compartmentalized and isolated for specific activities. During the 1980s, an era of “bigger is better,” when entertaining was widely popular among homeowners, designers noticed that many homeowners preferred an open floor plan in which rooms merged into one another, creating the illusion of more space.

These floor plans also enable people to be in separate rooms and still interact with one another across the space.

A home’s floor plan largely depends on the preference of the homeowner. There are many advantages to having an open floor plan versus one that is more compartmentalized. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons.

Pro Open floor plans can be safer for parents of young children. If the home opens up with the living spaces branching off from the kitchen, parents can keep an eye on children while the parents prepare dinner. It also eliminates the number of

places that kids can hide and get into mischief.

Con Privacy is reduced in a home with few walls. Much in the way that an open floor plan enables children to be seen from every angle, it also enables you to be seen — and all of your belongings as well. There’s also no place to retreat to if you need a minute to collect yourself when entertaining. You’re on display unless you retreat to the bathroom.

Pro Entertaining can be easier in a home with an open floor plan because hosts and hostesses are not separated from their guests or holed up in the kitchen the entire time. An open space enables everyone to mingle and conversations to flow.

Con Those who like to host events without showing guests all of their dirty dishes or secrets of the kitchen may dislike an open floor plan.

Pro Light can flow effectively through an open space, minimizing dark rooms and reducing the need to install more windows.

Light in and of itself can help a home feel more spacious.

Con While light can flow easily, so can sound. Noises through the house may be amplified. A student doing homework in the dining room may be disturbed by the television blaring in the family room. Talking on the phone or even finding a quiet nook to read a book may be challenging.

Pro Open floor plans allow for more family time together in one space than a home with a more compartmentalized layout.

Con People who are collectors or who have a lot of furniture or accent items may find that open floor plans do not work well with this type of design mantra.

Pro Because several rooms run into

INSIDE OUTSIDE Live Life Well

one another, color choices for walls and furnishings in a home with an open floor plan can be limited and cohesive, making choices easier.

Con On the flip side, those who want to incorporate different color schemes and eclectic styles may have difficulty deciding on where to “end” rooms or how to co-mingle furniture.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

DECK MAKEOVER

ADD SOME GOLD GLAMOUR

in 10 easy DIY steps

(NC)—One day’s work can revive the most tired outdoor spaces. Today’s do-it-yourself products make deck restoration as easy as 1, 2, 3, like this: 1. Splash-test an inconspicuous area for water absorption (if the water penetrates into the wood it needs to be protected).

2. Wet the plant life around deck and cover it to protect against product run-off.

3. Wear old clothes, protective glasses and gloves.

4. Clear the deck of all furniture and decorative items.

5. Clean with the most effective solutions like a product called Thompson’s WaterSeal Heavy Duty Deck Cleaner. This

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product label recommends agitation with a deck brush following the application.

6. Rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer and wet the plant life after cleaning process.

7. Repair loose screws or damaged boards on deck surface.

8. Allow deck to dry for a few hours.

9. Protect the finish and your work, with another top-selling DIY product called Thompson’s WaterSeal Advanced Formula. It is available in clear, honey gold, nutmeg brown, and natural cedar finishes.

10. Clean up all equipment with soap and water.

(NC)—With a major resurgence on runways and in design, gold accents have made a grand return to home interiors.

Gold can add a sense of warmth and style to your space regardless of your overall decorating style. With some simple updates, you can add the perfect Midas touch to brighten your space.

• Throw Pillows – Add some flair to your living room by adding throw pillows with gold accents. This inexpensive option provides comfort and style. It can also breathe new life into a seemingly dull sofa. If you’re DIY savvy, consider embellishing existing pillows with gold fringe around the edges.

• Wall Decals – Modern wall decals are cost-efficient and easy to apply and can be changed with the season. Why not try a fun pin stripe or a quatrefoil print in a small space such as the powder room for an extra touch of pizazz?

• Door Knobs – Bronze-toned pulls on kitchen or sideboard cabinets can

refresh and add life to previously dull cabinets whether they are dark or light, and can be the perfect accent for your décor theme.

• Metallic Paint – A dramatic new trend in paints, feel free to ‘bronze’ your home with this finish. It doesn’t take much to make a statement and the look will remain timeless. Consider painting dishes, legs of accent tables, picture frames or accent objects.

• Kitchen Faucet – Looking to refresh your kitchen space on a budget? Consider swapping out your kitchen faucet.

This pinnacle item within the kitchen truly sets the tone for the space, so why not consider a faucet with a gold-toned hue? Delta Faucet’s lineup features stylish models in a Champagne Bronze finish that add flair and function to the kitchen space.

Incorporating just a few of these suggestions can add warmth and instant glamour to your space.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

Kitchen work

Cheap ways

triangle

The kitchen is arguably the most-used room in the house during waking hours. Having a kitchen that is laid out in an efficient manner can improve productivity and make for a more enjoyable experience.

Designers often stress having an effective work triangle in the kitchen.

The phrase “kitchen work triangle” started with the Building Research Council (formerly the Small Homes Council) at the University of Illinois.

The idea came from studies of space usage and the search for efficient kitchen designs.

What the triangle essentially means is positioning three key items of the kitchen for efficiency. The stove, sink and refrigerator represent the three main points of the triangle. Having these items spaced accordingly can make work easier.

Having them too close together can create a cramped, ineffective room. The placement of the triangle points alone does not make a successful layout. According to the University of Missouri Extension, the triangle space should also be measured

to freshen the house

accordingly.

Put 4 to 7 feet between the refrigerator and sink, 4 to 6 feet between the sink and stove and 4 to 9 feet between the stove and refrigerator, with the ideal size resulting in a work triangle where the three sides total between 15 and 22 feet.

Most people want their living spaces to smell clean and fresh. However, pets, aromas from the kitchen, cigarette smoke, and other things can make a home smell bad. Here are inexpensive ways to remedy all that.

• Find the source of the bad smell and eliminate it. This could be a garbage pail sitting in the sun or sink disposal that’s filled with food debris.

• Use a chunk of cedar or sandalwood in drawers and closets for a fresh woodsy smell.

• Simmer some cinnamon sticks and water in a pot on the stove.

• Dab a favorite essential oil onto a piece of fabric

and stash it wherever you want a pleasant smell — even in the car.

• Toss a used dryer sheet in the linen closet to keep sheets and towels smelling freshly washed.

• Grow herbs in a window box. When the breeze blows, the fresh smell of basil or rosemary will come into the home.

• Keep fresh flowers or plants inside the home.

They’ll filter the air and provide a pleasant aroma.

• Use lemons to clean the sink and kitchen surfaces for a fresh, citrus smell.

• Bake some cookies or another dessert for a wonderful aroma.

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• Push cloves into an orange. Hang the clove-studded orange on a string and place in a corner. The orange clove scent will slowly fill the room.

• Open up the windows and let fresh air in.

• Soak cotton balls in vanilla and stash around the house.

• Bathe and groom pets frequently.

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TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2013

7 Inexpensive ways to update a home now Oftentimes, buying a home opens up a bottomless pit of opportunities for projects and improvements. While some homeowners engage in different repairs and fix-ups out of necessity, many others like to freshen-up their spaces out of personal preference instead of need. But even the most well-intentioned projects can be waylaid if budgets are tight.

What many homeowners may not realize is that there are many ways to make updates and changes to a home that do not require a major overhaul or a large price tag. The following are seven projects that won’t break the bank.

1. Move around furniture. You may be able to change the look of a room without spending any money. Interior designers know how to arrange furniture for maximum appeal, but the average homeowner can do it, too.

Find a focal point in the room and angle the furniture toward it. Don’t make the focal point the television, however. Try changing the placement of chairs and sofas. Simply moving a curio cabinet from one corner to another may also make a difference.

2. Add lighting. Lighting at different levels in the room can create a vibrant impact. Many homeowners mistakenly put in a couple of table lamps and think that will be adequate. However, properly illuminating a room means varying the lighting to create different moods at different times. Plus, more light can make a room feel more welcoming.

3. Add new pillows or drapes. Changing a few aspects of a room can give it an entirely new look. If you want to add a splash of color but don’t know what to do, think about incorporating some new throw pillows or change the curtains. An accessory here and there in a bright color also can incorporate a new hue without it being overwhelming.

4. Change knobs or small accents.

Give a room a new look by focusing on the small details. Switch out cabinet knobs for something updated and modern. Take inventory of wall outlets and light switches and think about selecting new ones that coordi-

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5. Use plants. Empty corners or spots you’re not certain how to fill may benefit from a plant. Plants are inexpensive ways to add instant color and visual appeal to a room. Plus, having live plants can help improve indoor air by filtering out contaminants. A home with plants also feels more cozy.

6. Hang new wall art. It may be time to look at your photos and artwork and make a few adjustments. Finding new prints to hang could instantly change a room’s ambience. And you needn’t spend a lot of money on professional photography, either. Grab your camera and take a few close-up shots of flowers or take in a landscape scenery. Many of today’s home printers can produce professional-quality prints in minutes.

7. Try a new coat of paint. After you’ve exhausted other avenues, choosing a new paint color may be the new look you desire. Painting is one of the least expensive yet most dramatic methods of

changing a home’s interior. With dozens of hues to choose from, and new apps that enable you to take snapshots of things in nature or in your life and match them up to a paint color, you will have scores of opportunities to explore fresh new colors for your home.

When you get inspired to make improvements to the home but fear how much it may take out of your wallet, consider inexpensive tricks that can induce a big “wow” factor.

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