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Color Is Back: Use It Sparingly

For years, black was the hot accent color. You saw black granite, black tile, and even in some kitchens black cabinets. These days, color is everywhere and homeowners are taking full advantage of it.

Painting your home a myriad of colors is a fine idea--if you're careful about which colors you choose and what you do with them. A wall of Mediterranean blue or lemon yellow or even celery can be exceptional, if paired with the right white, eggshell or pale gray.

The only time you shouldn't use too much color is if you plan to sell your home anytime in the near future. Homebuyers like to see houses that are painted white because white helps the buyer create a blank canvas in his or her mind. It's easier to visualize how your belongings would look against a white background, rather than a red or purple one.

If you're selling soon, choose a shade of white or another neutral color. But, if you're planning to stay until at least the paint peels, explore the color wheel.

Ilyce Glink is the bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First Time Home Buyer Should Ask, and is the Managing Editor of Right at Home Daily.

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Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?

Getting a home that fulfills as many of your wants and needs as possible should be your ultimate goal. But when you're faced with a home that falls short, should you fix up what you have or sell and buy something new?


After closing on your new home, don't be surprised if your first impulse is to pick up a paintbrush. Even if your new condo, townhouse or single family house is in perfect condition, our natural instinct is to make a house our own. Barbara Buchholz, former editor of House & Garden Guides Magazine and co-author of Porch Style and the New Homeowner's Handbook presents some issues to consider before you start.

Getting Your Warranties
The Truth About Estimates
Your Rights as a Contractee
How to Find a Contractor
Managing the Renovation
Writing and Negotiating the Contractor's Contract
Finding a Competent Contractor, Architect and Designer


Unless you're going to do the work yourself, you'll need to pull together a team of folks to help you. For small jobs, you may only need, say, a painter. But for major jobs, expect to hire a contractor, architect and perhaps even a designer and landscape designer upfront. Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style, tells you what to look for.

Should You Renovate or Tear Down and Start From Scratch?
The True Costs of Home Improvements
Landscaping and Hardscaping
Do It Yourself or Hire a Pro?
Assessing Your Needs vs. Your Wants


New curtains, new paint job, new appliances, new light fixtures, and new carpet. The list of things you can do to improve a home is endless. But ask yourself, "What's the budget?" Lisa Skolnik, city editor for Metropolitan Home magazine and co-author of Porch Style and Jim Sulski, real estate development and home improvement contributor for numerous publications including the Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business and Consumer's Digest offer some things to think about when planning and budgeting for your renovation project.

Pre-Renovation: Design Plans, Blueprints, and Estimates
Financing Your Renovation: Home Equity vs. Construction Loans
Ways to Reduce Remodeling Costs
How Much Can You Afford to Spend?
Building Your Renovation Team
Change Orders: How They Affect Your Budget