Kitchen, Bed & Bath

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(ARA) - As the season changes, many of us will get the itch to tackle any number of home improvement projects before winter. For some, a complete remodel is in the works. For others, just a few quick fixes are needed to make the home a more enjoyable space during the long winter months or in preparation for holiday entertaining.

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(ARA) - Does your home feel tired, worn or outdated? Do you walk into rooms and wish they looked more like the pictures in magazines? You're not alone. Many homeowners who have put off home improvement projects for some time have decided to turn their dreaming into reality - especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

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(ARA) - Today, time is an incredible luxury - one that we too rarely have. Between family responsibilities, work commitments and everyday stresses, it can often be hard to accomplish everything on the to-do list, let alone carve out time for oneself. A mainstay on the to-do list has always been laundry, and with the average American household doing 7.5 loads per week, the time spent washing, drying and folding really adds up.

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(ARA) - Shopping for home furnishings and accessories can be a rewarding experience, but it can also drain your wallet. So when it's time to find just the right items to furnish or just brighten up your home, you want to get it right the first time, because most of us don't have the luxury to toss out all our purchases in a couple of years and start from scratch. So how do you know if that couch or lamp is going to stand the test of time?

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(ARA) - It goes without saying that the kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. For most, it's the heart of family life and usually the one room where everyone gathers together. With so much hustle and bustle, it's no wonder that the kitchen runs the risk of looking overworked.

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(ARA) - Most people have experienced the shriek of a smoke alarm when cooking a meal or stepping out of a steamy shower, when there is no hazard present. The instant reaction is to find a way to silence the alarm. Unfortunately, some people may even pull down the alarm to make the piercing sound stop. To avoid the problem in the future, many choose not to reinstall the smoke alarms, creating a potentially deadly situation.

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(ARA) - The number of kitchen styles and design options for homeowners to consider during the building and remodeling process is enough to make a person go crazy. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by simplifying your options.

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(ARA) - Gone are the days when a stylish home and a busy family have to be mutually exclusive. Home decorating is hotter than ever and everyone is getting in on the trend.

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(ARA) - Keeping your home beautiful, organized and running smoothly is a never-ending task. The chores from the kitchen unfold into the dining room, which spills into the living room, the bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry room and beyond. Once you've added it all up, the amount of time and energy you spend on housework - day to day and year to year - is staggering.

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(ARA) - Love the way you feel after slipping into your little black dress, or donning a well-tailored black suit? Black is not only a great shade on you - it's also a great shade for your home. The stylish finish is especially perfect in the kitchen - and can be seen in everything from kitchen appliances to hardware, and now even faucets. Make your kitchen feel just as good as you do in your go-to outfit with the magic of black.

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(ARA) - So, you've finally decided to take the plunge and add that much-needed extra bathroom. Smart idea! According to the 2011-2012 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, an added bath will return more than 50 percent of your investment at resale. So what should you do to make sure your money is well spent?

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(ARA) - You've made the decision to remodel your home. The budget range and project scope have been set. You've even preemptively told your sister-in-law she'll need to host Christmas (alright, that was before you knew you were going to remodel). Now what?

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(ARA) - Open a design magazine or visit a home improvement website and they'll extol the virtues of repainting as a great way to freshen a room's decor. But there are plenty of less labor-intensive ways to give a room a new look.

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(ARA) - A little black dress, a great pair of jeans and a leather jacket - some styles never go out of fashion. Some elements of home decor share that same sense of timelessness, and none more so than a simple floral theme.