Lifestyle Trends
Designs for a new decade
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During unsettling economic times, people tend to get "back to basics" by cocooning more with their families, avoiding high-ticket expenditures and looking for ways to repurpose and re-use existing items. Next year's home decorating trends clearly reflect this comfort-focused and cost-conscious mentality by emphasizing soothing color palettes, natural materials, environmentally friendly products, and "old made new again" furnishings, wall murals and textiles. |
Tips to protect your home from severe weather
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When people think of winterizing their homes, most often their heating bills spring to mind - along with insulation and weather stripping. The winter months bring not only high energy bills, but also an increased chance of certain kinds of damage to your home and its contents. A few precautions can help protect you from serious losses and disruptions this season. |
Keeping your wood floor's natural shine
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Wood floors are a beloved part of a home, and are also a great investment that can boost your home's value by up to $10,000, according to the Hardwood Information Center. |
Radiant barriers - a brilliant way to reduce your cooling costs
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What is a "radiant barrier?" Well, according to the U.S. Department of Energy it's a way to reduce your monthly energy bill. Radiant barriers are designed to help block the summer heat from reaching the inside of your attic and home, and blocking heat means less energy costs to cool your home in warm weather. |
Add value, living space and enjoyment with a finished basement
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Finishing the basement remains a good way to improve value and livability while also expanding square footage. Think of it as double the return on investment - not only are you creating an appealing space in your home, you're actually making the home bigger for potential buyers who want maximum living space. |
Break out of your color comfort zone this winter
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While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it. |
Greening the kitchen with eco-friendly cabinetry
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Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity. |
Accessories: What every well-dressed skylight is wearing this year
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In the world of fashion, accessories can make an average outfit look sophisticated and stylish. The same can be said in the world of home fashion, where smart accessories can turn an already great idea - installing a skylight - into an energy-efficient, eco-conscious home run. |
The home improvement that can 'green' your winter
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Spring and summer needn't be the only seasons of "green." In fact, winter is a great time to green your home, especially if you undertake improvements that deliver environmental, economic, emotional and physical health benefits. Adding a skylight delivers all those green pluses - and it's doable even during winter. |
Fast fixes for foreclosed homes
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The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home's appeal and value. |
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