If You Want To Make Your Space Look Bigger, Avoid These Paint Color Trends

 Most people want their spaces to look bigger than smaller. There are some ways you can make a space seem bigger and it really is. There are many colors that are trendy this year, but this does not mean you should use them in your small spaces. If you want to make your space look bigger, choose white paint. Make sure to use an eggshell or satin finish which will reflect light. When light is reflected, it creates the appearance that a space is larger.

Even if you pick white, not all white shades are the best. It can be a challenge to pick which hue is right. A perfect choice is white paint in a soft shade that has warm undertones. This hue will add brightness to any space. Remember to test your white paint in your space to see how it reflects the light. If white is too sterile, then a pale lavender or cooler tones can also make a space feel open and airy.

A trend that has become very popular is painting the ceiling a dark color. You do not want to do this if you want your space to look larger than it really is. If your walls are in a light tone, paint the ceiling the same color which will make the room seem bigger.

A larger room nowadays looks great with dark trim on lighter walls, but this does not deem true for a smaller space. Painting the trim the same color as the walls can trick the eye to help the space look bigger. You do not want any visual distractions. Another example is not to paint one wall a different color than the others in a small space.

Remember strong bright bold colors will always make a space feel smaller. Go for light, airy tones to make your space feel open and bright.

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A Kitchen's Design Begins With the Layout

The kitchen is the heart of the home and every kitchen has its own layout. A luxury kitchen is not defined by the best design, appliances, fixtures, or features but by the layout. Industry professionals say there are six different categories the layout of a kitchen falls under.

1. The Island

This style type of kitchen will fit most home designs. It gives additional counter, cabinet, and appliance space. There will need to be a large footprint allotted to the kitchen as the island will take up a good bit of space. An island requires space for itself and space for walking room around the island.

2. The Peninsula

A peninsula kitchen works great in a home with a kitchen that has many walls. Benefits include an extension of cabinet space and counter space that looks out into open space. Similar to the island, the peninsula is not free-standing and takes up less space. It does close off part of the kitchen almost like a wall would.

3. The One-Wall Kitchen

A one-wall kitchen is the best layout for saving space. This is a great layout for lofts, studios, or extremely long kitchens. In this style of kitchen, everything is fixed to a singular wall. This creates a very clean design with plenty of room. The only downside is the lack of prep space. An island can be added in front of the wall to create more prep space but this takes this layout and changes it to more of a galley kitchen.

4. The L-Shaped Kitchen

An L-shaped kitchen is the best layout to get the most corner space and fits into any home design. This layout can limit foot traffic in a large kitchen. The space made by the L can have many unique features such as a large kitchen island.

5. The Galley Kitchen

A galley kitchen is a little bit on the smaller footprint side. There can only be one cook in the kitchen so to speak. This layout maximizes functionality in a narrow space. The only home design this layout will not work in is a layout with a great room or keeping room concept. It is not functional as an eat-in kitchen and is isolated from the rest of the home.

6. The "U" Kitchen

A "U" kitchen is great for creating an open cooking space with tons of cabinetry, prep space, and functionality for multiple cooks. This type of kitchen can have an eat-in kitchen or huge island. This layout is perfect for a large footprint and it needs at least 2 walls if not 3.

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Tips For A Kitchen Make-Over

 The kitchen is the heart of the home and a kitchen renovation should be planned out and budgeted to make sure it fits your wants and needs. Make sure to think about resale value when renovating. When it comes to selling a home, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces that a buyer looks over. Here are some questions and tips to consider when renovating your kitchen.

How to plan a kitchen renovation?

Remember both a small or large kitchen remodel takes thought and planning. A bad remodel can make you unhappy and a hard sell when it comes to listing your home. One of the most important aspects of any home project is the budget.

You want to plan your projected kitchen renovation cost. A small remodel costs around $10,000 to $15,000 where a big renovation can cost over $30,000. Make sure to survey your neighborhood's resale values. If you are in a high-end neighborhood, you should have a higher investment cost for your kitchen remodel.

When you have the total renovation budget, you will need to break down your budget. Breaking down your budget can give you a clearer picture. Add a little cushion to your costs. Professional agree that around 10% - 20% on top of your total renovation budget should be sufficient. There can be an increase in the cost of materials, labor, or extra expenditures.

If you are stained for finances or have a certain about you can borrow, you might want to create a priority list of what must be done and what can be skipped for now. If you have a smaller budget, try to get hands-on and do some of the labor yourself. Examples of projects that can be easy for a homeowner taking out old doors of your cabinets, securing your appliances, and repainting. As a side note, obtaining a loan to renovate your kitchen is tax-deductible.

How to update your kitchen on a budget?

Remember you can give your kitchen a nice facelift even if you have a smaller budget. Refacing or refinishing your kitchen drawers and cabinets can save some money. If your kitchen cabinets are in good shape, then re-painting and adding new hardware can them can give them a whole new look. Adding wood veneer to the drawers can also give a new design to the kitchen. If your cabinet doors are in bad shape you can also just add new doors to the existing cabinets.

Another way to save money is by purchasing discounted countertops. Countertops in your kitchen are a big focal point. Granite and quartz slabs can be expensive but purchasing countertop remnants can save money. If you cannot find any remnants that fit your project, then use porcelain, ceramic, recycled glass, Formica, or butcher blocks.

Lighting can be another alternative to help with your budget. Installing LED lighting can make a huge impact. To do this, install LEDs under your cabinets and countertops. LED lighting around the kitchen will create a modern and sleek look on a budget.

Laminate floor tiles with older designs are a great way to save on your budget. Other options are using vinyl, porcelain, and ceramic tiles for your new kitchen floor. Make sure your floors complement your walls and ceiling.

How long to redo a kitchen?

The time frame to remodel your kitchen is up to you. Having a good timetable will help you save money and time. There are two main parts of a kitchen renovation. These are pre-construction and construction.

A remodel where old things are just replaced without changing the kitchen layout will take about 6 to 8 weeks for a standard-sized kitchen. If you are doing a huge renovation where the layout is changed as well as replacing old materials, then it will take around 10 to 12 weeks.

What kitchen upgrades add value?

Renovating your kitchen in a smart way will add value to your home. Installing a kitchen island not only provides extra working space but also adds value to your resale. Refinishing or refacing your kitchen cabinets and drawers is another to add value. Installing hanging lights above the kitchen island and kitchen countertops adds beauty, functionality, and value to your kitchen and home.

A sink is very important to a renovation. There are many styles such as farmhouse, granite composite, stainless steel, and cast iron. Not only is a sink important, but an addition such as a bar sink, island sink, corner sink, or a sink with a drainboard is a must.

What is considered a minor kitchen makeover?

Typically a small kitchen remodel is budgeted under $25,000. There is no layout change and no demolition of kitchen walls or ceilings. Usually what is included is refacing and repainting cabinets and drawers, new kitchen countertops, new modern lighting, new fixtures, repainting jobs, buying smaller and greener appliances, and installing a new backsplash.

No matter the size of the job, planning ahead and budget are the key. Remember if you are using a professional, ask questions and get referrals to have peace of mind and assurance your kitchen renovation will be a success.

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2022 Brings New Home Décor Trends

 

Now more than ever our home has become our sanctuary. Everyone has spent more time in our homes in the last 18 months than ever. Here are twelve trends that professionals predict for 2022.

1. Curved Furniture Silhouettes

Furniture designs are becoming a bit softer this year with curved edges and feminine shapes. This will make the room feel more cozy and safe but with bold colors and big designs. Furniture will become more of an artwork according to designer Linda Hayslett of LH. Designed. The pieces will be more refined but will also blend with function. She says to picture softer curves with a gorgeous naked back. Comfort is not the only thing homeowners are looking for, they also want something fun and striking that creates an interesting and memorable space.

2. Decorative Cabinetry

Professionals predict that your cabinets in your kitchen, powder room or mudroom will be more creative styles. Beveled shaker cabinets are coming back into style. The shaker today will be more beveled than standard with a combination of shaker styles and rails giving a more unique look.

“I think (and hope) that 2022 is the year more creative cabinetry styles will go mainstream,” says designer Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors. “If you’re going for a more contemporary look, I always suggest something a little different, like a vertical paneled door detail or a flat-panel style with a really unique piece of hardware.”

 

3. Sustainable Practices

“Sustainability is the new sexy—and, in 2022, we predict consciously-designed and responsibly-manufactured products to be at the forefront of every home,” says Georgie Smith and Hilary Gibbs, founders of recycled tile company LIVDEN. “From building materials to furniture, consumers are looking to adopt more innovative products that are designed from the start with sustainability in mind. Next year and beyond, we see widespread adoption of green technology in residential interiors. From smart thermostats to innovative recycled water systems, homeowners will not only be more conscious of their consumption but will also actively look to reduce their energy and water usage. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing beautiful design. In 2022, we predict a surge of colorful and bold sustainable materials and products that will force us to reimagine what sustainable design is and can be.”

4. Loads Of Texture

This speaks for itself when it comes to decorating a space. You can layer the simple basic neutral palettes in different textures to get this look. “We'll definitely be seeing an uptick in texture in 2022—the more, the better!” says designer Andi Morse of Morse Design. “There will be more soft velvets and boucle fabrics mixed with woven furniture and sisal carpets. These elements help add warmth, creating an inviting space.”

5. Parisian-Inspired Interiors

“Next year, we’re going to see modern interpretations of Parisian-inspired designs as a popular home trend,” says Kelley Carter, Bloomingdales’ Home Fashion Director. “The intersection of color and materials will be a focal point here, with pastels and metallics coming together to create an inviting space. By bringing in design pieces made of translucent materials—like colored glass and iridescent crystal—they can create a glowing effect when you place them in an area of the home with plenty of natural light. It’s a nice way to brighten up the space and create a dreamy, warm atmosphere typical of Parisian culture.”

6. Fun Foyers

The foyer is the first place a person sees the interior of your home. This is the place where you will make a first impression. “One of my favorite new trends for 2022 is fun in the foyer,” says designer Hillary Stamm of HMS Interiors. It’s the first room people see when they come to your home, so don't be afraid to make it amazing! From vintage rugs to books and baskets, aim to create a styled but welcoming vibe.”

7. Home Bars

Homes have become more of live work and play space since the pandemic. Many rooms have learned to become flex zones such as a dining room for eating and a classroom for school from home. “Be it wet or dry, everyone wants a gorgeous, tricked-out bar in their homes right now,” says Scheer. “While it's a holdover from the pandemic, I think it's a trend that's here to stay and I'm not the least bit mad about it.”

8. Nature-Inspired Hues

“Green has always worked beautifully in interiors, especially when clients ask to bring the outdoors in,” adds designer Caroline Turner. “However, I think 2022 will be the biggest year yet for the versatile hue. Whether the application is big (my preference) or small, the right green can really pack a punch. Olive, sage, emerald, and forest are some of my favorites.”

Bringing the outdoors in through color has become ever so more popular these days. “The new neutrals for home colors are actual nature colors,” says Hayslett. “The past couple of years, people have had to spend more time outdoors, where the colors are always calming and never too stark, bright or loud. 2022 will see more designs bringing in those muted nature colors such as leafy greens, bark browns, ocean and sky blues, sandy beiges, cloudy whites, and more into the home.”

9. Vintage And Reclaimed

Second-hand shopping has become the rage as supply-chain issues have pumped the breaks on new home items. Furniture delivery is now months to a year away for most retailers. Vintage and antique furniture will become even more popular this year. “With the massive shipping delays and increased raw material prices we've seen as of late, vintage pieces have become even more desirable,” explains Lauren Meichtry of Elsie Home. “I've seen some stunning vintage pieces brought back to life with new upholstery and a little refinishing. Nothing like a global pandemic to force our hand into getting even more creative.”

10. Closed Floor Plans

“The pandemic has impacted every facet of life but especially our homes,” says Turner. “More and more time spent at home creates the need for privacy within. A big part of our job today is creating niches and nooks that feel calm and private. We’re adding walls and openings more often than we are knocking them down. The additional design opportunities are a bonus—the more closed rooms, the more creative you can be. One large open floor plan often relies heavily on neutrals and repetition to not overwhelm the eye, while a more closed floor plan has natural transition points that help a big design moment feel contained.”

11. Indoor-Outdoor Living

“Homeowners are putting more investment into their exterior spaces than ever before,” says Jean Brownhill, founder of Sweeten. “Homeowners are moving pools, outdoor kitchens, firepits, and extensive seating and dining to the top of their wish lists. In warmer climates, indoor spaces extend out to patios for indoor-outdoor living, often doubling the square footage of a home’s eating and entertaining areas. Installing bi-folding and sliding doors that span the full width of a wall can help you seamlessly connect to the outdoors, while large windows are a better option in climates with four seasons.”

12. Colorful Tableware

According to Food52's table buyer, Casey Simring, "tablescaping is quickly becoming an art form and medium for self expression. Dinnerware, glassware, even flatware, have all become opportunities to show off your personal style and curation—and the style is no longer your grandmother's bone china plates." This year? It's all about mix-and-match color. "The beauty of a mix-and-match colorful table is that you can grow your collection over time," Simring says, "adding pieces from different collections to create an eclectic yet stylish tabletop. If you're nervous, just start with the small stuff: snag a set of mixed color napkins, fun taper candles, or even a mini cake stand. Then work your way up to the tinted glassware and dinnerware styles—I find it's easier for me to commit to a set of funky color bowls before a full dinnerware set. If you're intimidated at having to style colors together, start with either warm or cool tones—you'll be surprised how easy it is to create a palette from there!"

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Learn How To Design a Kitchen That Is Perfect for Entertaining

 

The kitchen is said to be the heart of the home and a place where family and friends gather. Delicious food is also a big part of most gatherings. A kitchen with a practical layout and up-to-date appliances is the recipe for a good working kitchen. If you want to make sure your kitchen is in working order, follow these tips to create both a beautiful and functional space.

1. Create Space for Gathering

The layout of your kitchen can make all the difference. You will want your kitchen to function as an entertaining-friendly kitchen. This can be done by selecting a floor plan that allows more than one person to be working in the kitchen. To do this, you will want tons of counter space to prep meals and allow everyone to have a place to gather.

A perfect way to create this extra counter space is by adding an island or peninsula to your kitchen space. An island can hold your kitchen sink, breakfast bar, and appliances. Remember to include good lighting for your space.

“I want people to help themselves to coffee or a glass of wine and to sit down and talk while I prep,” says Kate Arends, blogger and founder of Wit & Delight.

2. Choose Hardworking Appliances

Investing in hard-working, good-quality kitchen appliances is a must if you love to entertain. “It’s about efficiency. When entertaining, I want to do just that — entertain. I don’t want to be thinking about whether or not the oven is working or if there’s enough room in the fridge,” states Arends.

A big French door refrigerator can hold large platters. One appliance that you do not think about when entertaining is a dishwasher. Choose a dishwasher with adjustable racks so you can accommodate different sizes. A beverage fridge is another great idea so guests can have access to cold drinks.

3. Select a High-Performance Oven

An appliance that does come to mind when entertaining is the oven. You want to choose a high-performance oven that has a large cooking space. A built-in double oven is a good choice if you do not have a big kitchen. A double oven allows you to cook several dishes at the same time.

“Home appliances can be an investment and it’s important to get the right tools for the job,” she says. “I love to cook, so my focus was finding a range that could do all the things and an oven that I could set remotely. Some people won’t need these features — it’s a very personal decision,” offers Arends.

4. Use Materials to Tie Spaces Together

This applies especially to an open floor plan. Choose appliances, flooring, counters, cabinets and colors that flow with the living and dining areas.

“Look at the color of the walls in the living room and pull that into fabric in the kitchen, or use hand-painted tiles that pull a color from the dining room. Your cookware could be the color of the sofa,” she says. “It’s about being creative and seeing the opportunity to create a harmonious color palette,” says Arends.

5. Take Some Risks

Put your own stamp on your kitchen. Doing this makes your kitchen feel like your own warm welcoming space. Add some floating or open shelves where you can store personal collectibles. Color and texture can also anchor your kitchen. This can be created by adding tiled backsplashes, a brightly colored range and rich color countertops.

"Sometimes we forget that the spaces in our homes are for us, not for others,” she says. “We all deserve to live in spaces that delight us, no matter the size or if we own or rent. I hesitated on decisions because I was worried about resale value. I have such pride and ownership in this house, more than I felt in the last one, because I’ve leaned into what I wanted from a space."

“I wanted my kitchen to feel cozy and relaxed,” Arends says. “To achieve this, I moved in lamps and art — things that you often find in living spaces. That’s how I made the space feel more like me.”

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2022 Kitchen Trends For Your Home

 

The kitchen is the heart of the home and is a very important space. This has become even more prominent since the pandemic. Here are the 2022 kitchen trends the industry is sharing.

1. Sunny Celebration

Bright and open spaces have become very important, especially since homeowners have had to stay indoors during the stay-at-home orders. The new year brings joy and brightness. The color trends for our kitchen are nice yellows, burnt oranges that are set against cool blues and light whites. The contrast will make a room pop.

2. Two-Tone Upgrade

This look was seen at the end of 2021 and seems to be hot in 2022. Two-toned kitchens are in! Even though they contrast in color, the look is streamlined and complementary shards are used.

3. Natural Pink

Nice pastels such as pink have become a trend for the color of the 2022 kitchen. Th pastel shades give a neutral and refreshing look to your space.

4. Sands of Time

This dune-colored palette is sure to make your kitchen look serene. This design is popular for 2022 and is said to be a Minimalism and Scandinavian design combined.

5. Matte Grey

Is it grey or gray either-or, this color is a great stylish design for your kitchen. Touch-to-open cabinets in a matte grey gives a simple and sleek design.

6. Natural-Inspired Green & Oak

They say that green is a calming color. Bringing green into your kitchen is a trend you will see this year. Expect to see kitchen cabinets in colors inspired by wood-land hues such as brown and greens.

7. All that Glitters

Another trend you will see this year is a metallic accent in your kitchen. A new trend will be dark cabinets with a metallic backsplash.

8. Countertop Continued

A nice countertop in the kitchen can boost your kitchen's look. A trend to see this year is waterfall kitchen island tops. These countertops look seamless and simple in design.

9. Backsplash & Beyond

Kitchen backsplashes have been a trend for a while now. There are many to choose from and countless designs. The 2022 trend for backsplashes will be a wrap-around backsplash. This means the backsplash will go from behind the stovetop to the ceiling and down onto the floor.

10. Practical Alternatives

Wooden beams or steel poles are being incorporated into the design of the 2022 kitchen. Also, steel countertops are the rage, they are easy to clean and durable.

11. Fully Integrated Smart Kitchens

Smart homes are becoming the norm now. Smart technology allows for smaller, more conveniently shaped appliances in the kitchen.  These appliances are energy efficient and can make your life easier. A smart fridge can actually let you know when you are running low on a particular grocery item!

Remember that the kitchen is the heart of the home and can bring family and friends together. Make sure to spruce up your kitchen for the New Year.

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Buyers’ Must-Haves When It Comes to Kitchen and Bath Features

The National Association of Home Builders' publication What Home Buyers Really Want, 2021 Edition, gave us the top features buyers want in a kitchen and a bathroom. In the kitchen, four out of every ten buyers feel that a double sink is essential and expressed they would probably not purchase a home without this feature. For bathrooms, most buyers said it was essential for a separate shower and tub in the primary bathroom.

The kitchen top 10 kitchen features that rated essential or desirable were a double sink (side-by-side) 81%, walk-in pantry 81%, table space for eating 78%, a central island 77%, drinking water filtration 76%, granite/natural stone countertops 73%, recessed lighting 69%, customized backsplash 69%, pull-out shelves 68% and a breakfast bar 64%.

Broken out by buyers who say it is essential and buyers who say a feature is desirable were surprising. For the top 10 features that were essential 42% of buyers said a double sink, 35% table space for eating, 34% chose a walk-in pantry, 32% said a central island, 32% drinking water filtration, 26% granite/natural stone countertops, 26% recessed lighting, 23% customized backsplash, 22% pull-out shelves and 19% breakfast bar.

Bathrooms are deemed very important to today's buyers, especially the primary bathroom. The top ten on the list for the home's primary bathroom were a linen closet 76%, both shower stall & tub 74%, double vanity 69%, private toilet compartment 67%, toilet, tub & sink-white 65%, granite vanity 65%, ceramic tile walls, multiple shower heads 59%, whirlpool tub 56% and body spray panel 56%.

Buyers who said that the bath shower stall & tub were essential ranked the highest at 36% while the linen closet ranked the highest in desirable at 49%. The lowest-ranked feature for both essential and desirable were dual toilets.

If you are in the market for a new home, now is the time to purchase one due to historically low interest rates. Remember to use a Realtor who can help you with the process from choosing a home to closing.

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Seven Improvements To Make in Your Bathroom Before Selling Your Home

Two of the most important rooms during the sale of your home that should be in tip-top condition are the kitchen and the bathrooms.

“Kitchens and bathrooms sell homes,” says Kris Lindahl, CEO and founder of Kris Lindahl Real Estate. “If a buyer sees a bathroom that still needs projects or upgrades, the home is going to be much less appealing to them.”

To get top dollar for your home, here are some bathroom improvements that are a must.

1. Go for double sinks

Realtors and other home professionals will tell you that a double vanity upgrade is a must on most home buyers' checklists. Even a small bathroom can fit two small sinks which are better than one sink in a home with limited bathrooms.

“Upgrading to double sinks is always appreciated by buyers,” Lindahl says.

2. Install new bathroom hardware and accessories

This small task can update a dated bathroom in minutes. This DIY project takes only a screwdriver and a couple of hours to instantly give your bathroom a new look. It is ideal to have your faucet, doorknobs and shower frame complement each other and not clash.

“Swapping out hardware like light fixtures, towel bars, cabinet pulls and sink fixtures can make an impact relatively affordably,” Lindahl says.

Another simple trick to update your bathroom's look is to frame the mirror above the vanity. This tip is inexpensive and adds value to the space.

3. Replace or paint your vanity

The vanity is an important piece found in a bathroom for both functional and designer purposes. Many pros describe a bathroom vanity as the centerpiece in any bathroom. When updated a vanity make sure to use high-quality stone such as quartz or granite. If a new vanity is out of your price range, then paint the cabinets of your current vanity a high-gloss white or pale gray.

“Luxe sophistication and clean lines: That’s the theme for bathrooms in every price point,” Susan Kelleher, an associate broker at R New York. “I love the mirrored medicine cabinets from Restoration Hardware—functional, beautiful, and tres chic.”

4. Update old floors

A perfect way to add appeal to rooms is to update the floor. Carpet in your bathroom is not the desired look. This can be a DIY or hire contractor project.

“Updating old floors to tile or luxury vinyl tile really adds appeal,” Lindahl says.

5. Install new light fixtures

Simple, sophisticated light fixtures are what every bathroom needs. Updating the lighting and fixtures are simple yet dramatic changes.

“Great lighting [and] high-end faucets and hardware appeal to buyers in every price point,” Kelleher says.

“Updating light and plumbing fixtures is a quick way to modernize an old bath.”

6. Add space and storage

“Buyers are looking for more space in new homes, and the bathroom is no exception,” Turner says. “Think about expanding the shower in the master bathroom to fit a bench or seat. It’s an important feature that can be utilized in a lot of different ways.”

During the pandemic, homeowners have been finding ways to make the most of the space. Expanding a bathroom to have storage space or room for necessities is important to the current homebuyer. In fact, some professionals go as far as to say it might be worth borrowing space from a neighboring room to expand your bathroom.

“Take the adjacent linen closet to make a larger bathroom,” Kelleher says. “Even a small closet can make a big difference, and you can create cabinet space under each sink for maximum storage.”

7. Make your bathroom bright and light

Buyers are attracted to clean neutral colors in a bathroom. Potential buyers desire a clean slate. A neutral base to work from will make your bathroom improvements stand out.

“Classic white never goes out of style in a bathroom,” Lindahl says. “Replacing an old, colorful tub with a white one is a good idea.”

It's amazing what these simple steps can do to update your old drabby bathroom. If you are in the market to sell your home now is the time to make those improvements.

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