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Your front porch is your homes calling card, setting the stage for presenting the rest of your house in its best light, and creating a memorable welcome for visitors. Thats why choosing the right decor and, more importantly, the right paint color is a critical step.

According to interior design experts, the best place to start when selecting a front porch paint color is by evaluating your landscaping, looking for colors that complement your grass, trees, shrubs and flowers. Also take into consideration any architectural elements that will come into play, such as brick, stonework, metal gutters and roof details. Any color you choose needs to work well with these various fixed elements.

Color experts also advise taking into consideration your homes exposure. For example, a front porch with southern exposure would be better suited to paler shades of paint, while the lighting from a northern exposure accentuates the cooler tones in a color.

Here are some suggested paint colors to consider:

A muted shade of green will tie into the greenery surrounding your home to create a pleasing cohesive look, without detracting from your landscaping.

A deep blue paint will bring a sleek sense of style to your front porch, making your home stand out from the street.

A warm blue will help offset a stand-out yard and garden. Look for colors that are reminiscent of summer skies.

An off-white shade is always dependable and brings a crisp, fresh look to your home. Look for a warm but neutral hue that blends nicely with your homes overall exterior.

A silver shade of grey brings a sophisticated look to your front porch and helps highlight its architectural features. It also works well with just about any exterior color.

Source: Martha Stewart

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Whether youre planning to completely remodel your kitchen or want to give it a new look without making a major financial investment, flooring tile is one of the most important elements. The floor is one of the first things that guests notice when they come to visit and it typically experiences significant foot traffic on a daily basis. Choosing kitchen tiles can feel overwhelming since there are so many materials, colors and design options available. Here are some things to consider when making a selection.

Think About Your Familys Needs and Your Budget
The prices for kitchen tile vary widely. Before you start fixating on a specific design or type of tile, set a budget for materials and installation so you can focus your attention on realistic options.

Kitchen floor tile can be made from a variety of materials. Choose one with your familys lifestyle in mind. Porcelain tile is harder and denser than ceramic and is also less porous. Glazed porcelain is more slippery and scratches more easily than non-glazed porcelain. Ceramic tile is softer, more porous and easier to install and clean than porcelain. If you use the kitchen a lot for cooking, eating and socializing, or if you have kids or pets, choose a durable tile that will not crack easily. Clay, limestone and quarry tile are good options.

Be sure to choose tile that is intended to be used for flooring. It will have a slightly raised or textured surface to provide traction. Tile designed for counters and walls is smoother and too slippery to use on a floor. It also may not be durable enough for daily foot traffic.

Think about the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Choose floor tiles that will complement the cabinets and give the kitchen a cohesive appearance.

Choose tile that will be easy to clean and that will resist stains. A darker color may do a better job of hiding dirt and stains, but it may also make the kitchen look smaller. Some tiles may need to be cleaned with a specific product. Ask about cleaning requirements before you make a choice.

Kitchen tile comes in many sizes. Choose a size that is appropriate for the dimensions and layout of your kitchen.

Get Professional Advice
Homeowners are often shocked by the number of options available when it comes to kitchen flooring tile and confused by the differences between them. Since the kitchen is typically the room that is used the most, you should talk to a flooring professional so you can make an informed decision. If you plan to redo the kitchen floor yourself, measure the room at least twice so you order the right amount of tile. Make sure that you have the appropriate tools for the job and follow the manufacturers instructions carefully.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Design a library that will give your abode major appeal with these tips.

Identify the Style

Determine the look that youre going for. Is it a moody traditional look or an eclectic modern one?

Consider the Functionality

If your library will function as a home office, include space for a desk and keep the overall ambiance in mind.

Built-in Bookcases

Consider the size of your book collection and if youll be using the shelves to display artwork or other objects.

Comfortable Seating

Whether its a chaise lounge or plush leather chairs, the furniture should be comfortable and sophisticated.

Thoughtful Lighting

Recessed lighting is best for reading, whereas wall sconces can contribute to the ambiance.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

All your hard work in creating a beautiful, lush lawn, can quickly go to waste in times of excessive heat and dryness. If you keep just a few simple things in mind, however, you can help ensure your grass holds up when conditions get tough.

1. Dont walk on dry grass. Well-watered blades of grass will bounce back when you walk on them. Dry grass, however, will stay tamped down when trodden upon. So when you’re in a dry stretch, try to avoid walking on your lawn. Keep in mind, too much foot traffic is also a problem when the grass is wet as it can cause the soil to become compacted, which prevents air from getting to grass roots.

2. Check your mower blade. If your lawn mower blade is dull, it will shred the grass, causing it to lose moisture. Shredded tips will also turn an unsightly brown. Make sure your blade is sharp so you can get a clean cut, and keep it at one of the highest settings to maintain taller grass. Tall grass means deep roots that can reach moisture hiding further down in the soil.

3. Water in the morning. The ideal time to water your lawn is between 6 am – 10 am. Watering during this time frame prevents water from evaporating too quickly (like it would in the middle of the day) and gives your lawn a chance to dry before nightfall. Watering at night makes your lawn prone to disease.

4. Time your fertilization. If you have a stressed, dried-out lawn on your hands, avoid feeding. Fertilize before the peak of your hot season, then again once things cool off and the rain returns.

Source: Scotts

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.