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Home Help: Timeless or trendy? Achieve both in your home decor this year

TIP OF THE WEEK

Are you looking for ways to update your home this new year? With so many fresh interior ideas available, it can be difficult to balance current design trends with classic styles for a look that is both of-the-moment and everlasting. Follow these guidelines to find a way to blend now and forever for a look you will love today and tomorrow.

Focus on the foundation: If it's time to do a complete overhaul of your home, you may be tempted to invest in the latest and greatest in materials and furniture offerings, but sometimes the simplest of tweaks can bring your existing pieces up to date. For example, your sofa may have great structure but could use a bit of reupholstering. Or perhaps your oak kitchen cabinets are an ageless shape, but could be transformed by painting them a fresh color and swapping out the hardware.

Incorporate color: Many people seek to transform their current bath into a soothing, spa-like retreat. To capture that feeling, paint walls and even ceilings the cool or deep bold colors of water. Similarly, a bedroom is a place for rest — a calm, down-to-earth haven. Include harmonious hues for a natural, relaxed vibe.

A dash of detail: Now with a solid foundation and freshly painted walls, move to the decorations that will truly transform your home. Remember: Small pieces can make a grand statement, so pick and choose how you will incorporate trendy accessories like table lamps, hand towels, planters, window coverings, pillows, throws or table settings. If you want to go bold with hues or graphic prints, now is your chance to infuse colors in small doses. That'll make it easy and more cost-effective to swap out or mix and match accessories in the future.

Whether you want to take small steps to refresh the look of your home or want to tackle larger renovation projects, by following these steadfast ideas, it's easy to stay on trend while paying tribute to classic design. You can have the best of both worlds for timeless decor that can easily transition with you through the years.

— Brandpoint

HOME-SELLING TIP

Conserving energy: Of all the budget-friendly improvement projects you can complete before spring, a new garage door will not only save on energy costs, it will give you one of the best returns on your investment and provide a great value for your home. Over the last few years, surveys conducted by the Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report indicate that installing new garage doors has been a project in the top rankings for return on investment.

— Brandpoint

DECORATING TIP

A moment of zen: From formal to contemporary, it is easy to find beautiful cabinetry for your bathroom. As far as aesthetics, cabinetry sets the mood for the room. Bathrooms can take on a warm environment and showcase a beautifully stained cherry furniture piece with glass doors, or they can give off a clean, cool feel with a white painted vanity. Sometimes a simple change of hardware is all a space needs to give it a fresh look. When eye-pleasing pieces fill the room, it is much easier to find your haven.

— Family Features

GARDEN GUIDE

Great greens: While winter isn't known as ideal gardening season, there are plenty of plants that survive and even thrive during January and February. Try your hand at growing hardy greens like kale, chard and mustard while winter's chill fills the air, and you'll find yourself dining on healthy, nutrient-rich salads before you know it.

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