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Picking out the right color scheme in each room can be daunting, but sometimes a simple monochromatic design is the best solution. When done properly, a single-color palette can make for a sophisticated and relaxing setting, yet achieving this takes careful planning. Before you get started, here are a few dos and donts to keep you on the right track to creating a well-balanced monochromatic room.

Do: Start with a base color
The first thing you want to do is pick out the primary tone for this space and how its going to be applied. Whether its the walls, a sofa or bedding, this will be the center of the aesthetic that you build off of and will define the mood in the room.

Dont: Feel like you have to stick to neutral tones
If youre on the fence about a monochromatic room, neutral tones can be a safe way to test it out. However, the look can certainly be pulled off with more ambitious shades, like crisp and fun pastorals or dark, moody hues.

Do: Use a variety of shades
The entire room shouldnt be the exact tone of your base color. That would be boring. Mix it up with different shades that complement each other so that the space doesnt feel flat. A bit of variety goes a long way.

Dont: Overdecorate
When the palette revolves around a single color, it can be easy for the room to feel too intense. For this reason, its best to keep the decor uncluttered and even somewhat minimalist. This allows the color scheme to speak for itself without being overwhelming.

Do: Focus on layers
To avoid monotony, introduce different textures and patterns in the room. Window treatments, rugs and fixtures all play into providing layers that allow ones eye to flow across the room.

Dont: Be afraid to break the color scheme
Even though its a monochromatic room, you can still have a surprising accent piece that creates a bit of contrast and balances everything out.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

One of the most important steps to making your home look its best is to get rid of stuff. We accumulate a lot of things after living in a house, and when it’s time to sell, all of those possessions can make a house look cluttered.

Thankfully, the internet makes it easy to pass on your unwanted items to people who will make good use of them, thanks to websites where you can sell just about anything: clothes, toys, kitchen supplies, furniture, books, frames, etc. Each site has its pros and cons, and this guide can help you find the right one for you.

Decluttr.com is a site where you can sell just about anything. All you do is register, let them know about the things you want to sell, and you’ll get an offer. For items like CDs and DVDs, you can even use a barcode scanner to enter your items. You can also sell cellphones, tablets, laptops, books, Legos and video games. You don’t have to send photos or create listings.

They even help you remove data from your items. The downside is that you won’t get the best possible price, but you’re essentially guaranteed to get something for your items.

It’s hard to believe it, but eBay has been around for more than 20 years. You can sell just about anything here, and the advantage is that you set the price you think is fair. The negatives are that you’re not guaranteed to sell items because a shopper has to find your items and make a bid. Plus, you have competition. For example, if you want to sell DVDs because you now watch everything via streaming, you can be sure lots of other people are doing the same. It takes more work, but if you put in the effort and successfully sell items, you could walk away with some decent money.

Craigslist can be a very effective way to sell larger items, especially furniture, but it’s also helpful for items that are heavy, or could break in the mail, like kitchen appliances. Entering listings is easy, and another advantage is that each site is local, so you’ll probably be able to arrange sales quickly.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is it time to upgrade how you store your wine? Perhaps a rack, or even a dedicated wine refrigerator, is no longer getting the job done. If youre contemplating making the leap to a wine room, youll be happy to hear that this feature has major appeal when its time to list your home. Collecting fine wine is a passion shared among many high-end homebuyers, and they consider adequate storage to be more of an essential than a luxury.

Here are a few tips for designing the perfect space to keep your vino collection.

Climate Control
Traditionally, the cellar has been the go-to place to keep wine due to the ideal temperature and humidity. These days, however, technology allows us to keep the collection anywhere in the house. Wherever you choose to store your wine, the key is to keep it at 55-degrees Fahrenheit and about 70 percent humidity. Glassed-in wine rooms are a popular look at the moment, and to create one, youll need to use insulated, UV-resistant glass, as well as a state-of-the-art cooling system.

Display
The wine room is just as much about presentation as it is about storage and will always impress guests. Depending on your preferences, there are tons of options for how you display each bottle, from traditional wooden to contemporary stainless-steel racks. Illuminating each bottle is a key component, and youll want to be sure to use LED lights that wont generate heat.

Capacity
Of course, you need to consider your storage capacity, as personal collections range from a few bottles to hundreds of bottles. You dont want your wine room to look empty, but youll also need the space to make a few additions as you wait for each bottle to reach its peak.

Tasting Area
A tasting area inside or near your wine room is a thoughtful feature that comes in handy when entertaining on a grand scale or having an intimate dinner party. After all, wine is meant to be enjoyed with close friends and family, so having a place to do so is just as important as storing it.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Windows that are old, damaged or worn out are inefficient and can lead to high utility bills. Replacing windows can be a huge financial investment, but it can also be an opportunity to choose styles that are better suited to your familys needs and preferences.

If youve lived in your house for several years, you may have a running list of things that you dont like about the current windows. For example, some rooms might not get much sunlight or ventilation. Windows in some areas may be difficult to clean, or maybe your house is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape that you wish you could see more of. Replacing the windows gives you an opportunity to address these issues.

Benefits of Various Window Styles
If youd like to let more sunlight into certain rooms, you may want to consider sliding windows. If theres space available outside, you can install large bay or bow windows that will extend out into the yard. A picture window can provide plenty of sunlight and a view of the natural surroundings.

If your house tends to get hot in the summer and you spend a lot of money on air conditioning, you can install windows that will provide more ventilation. Casement windows can be opened with a crank, and awning windows can be opened at the bottom to allow cool breezes to circulate throughout the house. With double-hung windows, you can choose to open the top, bottom, or both, depending on the outdoor temperature.

Many homeowners put off cleaning their windows or pay professionals to come in and complete the task because they dont want to deal with climbing a ladder to gain access to hard-to-reach windows. For second-story rooms, double-hung windows are an ideal choice, as they can tilt inward for easy and safe cleaning.

How to Choose the Right Windows for Your House
Choose window styles that suit your homes style. Double-hung and casement windows work in most homes, but you can explore other options that fit your homes architectural design.

Many houses have the same window style throughout, but it doesnt have to be that way. You can mix and match styles, but be careful not to go overboard, as too many styles could detract from the appearance of the house. If you combine multiple styles, be sure to choose the same materials and colors so that your home has a unified appearance.

Get Expert Advice
If youre thinking about replacing your houses windows, choose the styles carefully. New windows should last decades, so be sure to select the ones that are right for your home and your family. Think about what you do and dont like about your homes current windows, and talk to local contractors about various options and prices.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Is it time to update your decor? Whether youre looking to spruce up your home before putting it on the market or you need new furniture for your next place, thoughtfully designed interiors are essential. For the fashionistas who want to bring haute couture into their house, these five luxury clothing brands have home collections that are worth getting excited about:

Armani Casa
Armani recently unveiled a home collection at Milan Design Week, and its a must-see for every fan of minimalism. Inspired by natural elements and Asian landscapes, it includes everything from table settings and lighting to a stunning chaise lounge. Clean lines and exquisite finishes are consistent throughout, epitomizing the essence of Italian craftsmanship.

Hermes La Maison
The renowned purveyor of leather goods has made a foray into houseware with the Hermes La Maison collection. The wide range of home goods maintains the fashion houses timeless look and sophisticated style, with items for every room. The elegant bath linens, sleek leather chairs and tableware galore will breathe new life into your home.

Kate Spade Home
The Kate Spade Home collection is utterly effortless. True to the iconic designers hallmark style, playful prints and patterns are at the center of this line. They have the perfect breezy look, with floral bedding, citrus-patterned plates, and a powder pink toaster that every kitchen needs. Theres even a cocktail set that will come in handy at your dinner parties.

Fendi Casa
Known for being bold and lavish, the fabulous style seen in Fendis clothing carries over into the designers home line. Fendi Casa is a chic, contemporary collection that will transform your house, inside and out. The outdoor furniture, kitchen cabinets and breathtaking living room decor will all be appreciated by the fashion-forward homeowner.

Bottega Veneta Home
Bottega Veneta Home is all about neutral tones and rich textures. Simultaneously simple and opulent, the collection can lend itself to virtually any setting, from traditional to contemporary, and exudes meticulous craftsmanship with every piece.

Published with permission from RISMedia.