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U.S.A. Facts

- Alaska has a longer coastline than all other 49 states put together.

- There are three towns in the United States that have the name ‘Santa Claus’.

TIPS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

(BPT) - Holidays are when most people open their homes for friends and family. Sharing the season's greetings is always the priority but these gatherings are also an opportunity to show off improvements made during the year.

This is one of the reasons that autumn is a popular time for home improvements. Fifty-two percent of homeowners plan to make home improvements this fall, according to the leading real estate website Zillow. It is also a great time of year for deals as retailers unload inventory to make room for new styles.

Creating a warm and inviting atmosphere includes much more than just poinsettias and Santa Claus centerpieces. There are a number of affordable steps homeowners can take to add a real "wow factor" to their holiday entertaining.

Kitchen updates

The kitchen is commonly one of the busiest rooms during the holidays. Since guests often gather there, it makes sense to make the space the focus for a few improvements before the holidays. Simple and inexpensive updates, such as adding new knobs and handles to cabinets or installing a new backsplash, will make a big difference. Stylish new light fixtures can also give your kitchen a quick facelift that will impress your guests.

De-clutter

It's important to create inviting open space for guests to enjoy. De-cluttering bookshelves and removing miscellaneous furniture can help make a room feel larger and more open, and will allow room for festive seasonal decor. Spending time to organize the refrigerator will make space for any holiday dishes a guest brings.

Improve the entry

The front entry provides the first impression of a home, so it's important to create a stylish, cared-for and welcoming look. Homeowners can complete small projects outside, such as updating house numbers, painting the front door and creating holiday-themed arrangements. Simple decor updates just inside the door - such as adding family photos and new rugs - will add a warm and personal feel.

-Courtesy of Brandpoint-

ENERGIZE YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR

(BPT) – Chances are you've thought about adding a splash of color to the exterior of your home, and you're not the only one. Many people have the same idea, but they don't act because they're worried they will choose poorly. Selecting the wrong color for your home's exterior isn't only costly, it's embarrassing as well.

"Many homeowners are afraid to add color to their home's exterior because they don't want to make a mistake," says Sensational Color's Kate Smith, Color Marketing Group (CMG), a career color trend forecaster. "Especially when people look at the style of their homes, they can become confused by what colors will enhance their exteriors."

One common mistake homeowners make when seeking to add color to their home's exterior is they fail to identify a full color palette. They set out to choose that perfect color for their home without thinking about how it will interact with the newly-installed window frames or new roof.

Smith says the selection of your main color should take into account the colors of fixed features related to your home, such as the brick, stone or stucco found on your foundation, porch or walkway. Selecting color options for the trim, shutters and the front door should only come after the main color has been selected.

"No homeowner should feel locked into blah or standard colors on their home's exterior," says Smith. "Low-maintenance vinyl window frames and grids come in pine green, chocolate and even brick red to add pizzazz to the home. And, homeowners can create a welcoming front entrance by painting a fiberglass door a striking accent color. Tie that all together with painted urethane trim pieces that add the 'icing on the cake' for the home and you can really make a home more appealing with coordinated colors."

                                                -Courtesy of Brandpoint

Give your home a fresh look with color

(BPT) - A fresh coat of paint can give any room an instant lift, making it a great solution for converting a space from drab to fab.

Though neutrals reign as America's most popular paint choices, the National Home Color Survey from Sherwin-Williams shows people are becoming bolder with color. Three-in-four homeowners indicate they want to incorporate more color into their home, most commonly in their living room, bedroom and kitchen.

"Colorful paint is an easy and inexpensive way to stylishly transform a space," said David Bromstad, HGTV(R) star and celebrity interior designer. Bromstad offers the following tips for anyone looking to add color to their home:

1.) Identify a colorful object as the focal point of the room. Select bold items to build your room around, such as a piece of artwork, rug or chair that really makes a statement.

2.) Coordinate your color transitions. For high-impact transitions, combine bolder shades with their more neutral counterparts and for a more tranquil transition, stick to softer or lighter shades that are from the same color family.

3.) Highlight unexpected areas. Turn ordinary areas like ceilings, banisters or door frames into extraordinary spaces. If you want to keep walls neutral, paint a piece of furniture, such as a chair, headboard or the back of a bookshelf.

"Every colorful room adds personality to a home, from playful to serene to luxurious and beyond," said Bromstad. "That's what's great about paint colors; they allow you to express yourself through your home."

                                                       - Courtesy of Brandpoint-

Making the perfect outdoor living space in your backyard

(BPT) - As the weather begins to warm and the daylight hours get longer, your yard can quickly become the most important "room" of your home. However, you aren't alone if your backyard looks outdated and lackluster. Weather conditions can be tough on outdoor areas, but with a few simple updates, you can create the perfect outdoor living space.

Lighting: Weather permitting, your yard can be the perfect place to relax for an evening. Avoid sitting in total darkness. The many options of patio lighting including path sconces, post lamps and even string lights - all are an answer to keeping your outdoor space lit and inviting.

Furniture: The key to decorating any room in your home is attractive, comfortable furniture that beckons to be sat upon, and this is no different for your outdoor furniture. While prices on outdoor furniture can be a little overwhelming, used furniture with a little love and creativity can be good as new, without the high cost. Cozy chairs, chaise lounges and benches can gain new use with a coat of outdoor spray paint, then recover cushions and add colorful pillows to finish it off.

Plants, flowers and shrubs: Even if they're only alive for a few months out of the year, flowers can bring any yard to life. A few strategically placed shrubs, flower beds and herb gardens can help turn your outdoor area into a lively space perfect for relaxing personal moments or parties with friends and family.

Statues and accessories: Give your backyard even more personality by selecting a few garden statues or other accessories that reflect your style - such as recycled metal sculptures, elaborately painted bird houses, unique planters or large colorful rocks.

With a few simple updates, you can easily create an outdoor retreat in your own backyard that can provide you the space for entertaining, reading and relaxing without a costly renovation. So go get started.

- Courtesy of Brandpoint-