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Planning Guides

To do it right and to not forget anything, consult RONA's planning guides full of practical advice to plan your construction, renovation and decoration projects.

No image available A fun and attractive playroom What could be more exciting than using your imagination to design a playroom your children will remember forever? Create a space that reflects their interests, personalities, hobbies and preferences. Read these considerations before starting your project.
Keep in mind that today's kids are tomorrow's teens. They will replace toys with watching television, playing electronic games or listening to music with friends. These same teens will turn into young adults who may wish to challenge mom and dad to a game of pool or table tennis.
Design your playroom to transition through the different stages of life, ensuring your little ones—no matter how old or big they may be—always have a space to “play.”




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No image available A guide to the living room The living room is often the heart of the home—a room in the house that is always busy, always open and always accommodating different activities. Most families enjoy the majority of their time at home in the living room, so it is essential to plan, design, and style accordingly.
If you’re starting with a blank slate, this guide will walk you through ideal materials to use in the living room. Or, perhaps you’re simple giving your room an update—our layout tips and color suggestions will prove beneficial.
Take the time and money this season to construct the ideal living room in your very own home. As the hub of the household, what room could be more deserving of a little TLC?

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No image available A teenager’s bedroom During the younger years, your child adores your every move. As he or she grows, your tastes tend to differ…sometimes drastically. When it comes to designing a teen’s room, differences in preferences and selections will likely be your greatest hurdle. Be patient and allow your teen the freedom to express him or herself.
A private retreat is an important part of growing up. When it seems no one understands you—usually even yourself!—it’s nice to have a restful get-a-way to call your own.
Help your teen update his ‘big kid’ room and turn it into a posh pad that reflects his personality, interests and hobbies. Loosen the reigns, incorporate some new privileges (as well as responsibilities!), and allow your teen to blossom into a young adult in his own space.

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No image available Baby’s room When designing a room for the littlest member of the family, there are many things to think about. First and foremost, you must provide a safe environment for your baby to sleep and play in. Secondly, comfort is key for both you and baby. Lastly, you must incorporate a good storage plan or you will quickly be overcome by the mounds of clothes, toys, diapers and other necessities that seemingly arrive with baby.
Because baby spends a lot of his or her time in the bedroom—naps and night time sleep, feedings or nursing, as well as playing—make the baby’s first bedroom something creative, special, welcoming, and even a bit magical.
Read these considerations for furniture needs, storage solutions, color selections and even current trends to help get the creative juices flowing for your baby’s very first bedroom.

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No image available Bathroom design Designing or remodelling a bathroom can be a daunting task. Whether you’re starting from scratch, completely refurbishing an existing bathroom or making a few minor renovations, some basic know-how and top tips will help make the project a success.

It is essential to stay focused on your needs and lifestyle in order to understand the possibilities of your new space and make the room functional. The choice of materials, fixtures, faucets, lighting and storage units require careful thought since they all play a role in the final comfort and look of the bathroom.
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No image available Bathroom floors - options It is important that you choose the bathroom flooring material carefully, as it will likely be there for years and years to come.
Water and slip résistance are the two primary concerns. Next you’ll want to make sure the material is easy to maintain and care for. Lastly, don’t forget about style and design—the floor is the foundation of the room’s décor.
Tile is still the most popular choice in the bathroom because of its water résistance, easy cleanability and extreme style versatility. However, if tile isn’t your top choice, there are many other materials suitable for the bathroom.
Read both the advantages and disadvantages of each flooring material before you make your final selection.

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No image available Bathroom renovation: size requirements To build or renovate a bathroom can easily turn out to be a very complicated undertaking. Beyond the choice of fixtures such as the vanity, toilet or shower, and the choice of colours and materials, it is important to be aware of basic size requirements and clearance guidelines in order to create a comfortable and functional bathroom. Also, the design must conform to the existing plumbing system.

To create your relaxing and personal space and still adhere to basic guidelines, please consult our guide.
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No image available Child’s bedroom One minute you’re planning the perfect nursery to bring your precious infant home to, and seemingly the next you’re moving on to ‘big kid’ beds.
A child’s bedroom is a unique space for him or her to play and rest in. Creating a space that reflects your child and fosters creativity, independence and responsibility is an important aspect of parenting.
Encourage your child to help in the designing. Safety is of the utmost priority, followed by storage solutions. Once safety and storage measures are in place, the sky is the limit for a creative, fun, stimulating bedroom for your child.

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No image available Colour meanings Colours can definitely impact moods, so it’s important to learn about colour symbolism and psychology before selecting colour schemes for your home. Your own lifestyle should be the basis for your decor choices, then you need to decide on the particular atmosphere you want to create for each room. For example, you may want an energetic and stimulating decor in the bathroom for a dynamic start to the day, whereas someone else may want an oasis of peace and tranquility to relax after a long day.
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No image available Create a multipurpose laundry room A well-designed laundry room makes life easier. Once the area for the washer and dryer and clothes-care has been decided, you can make this room so multipurpose it will be part of daily life. Sink, counters, mudroom and storage are all elements that will make you more efficient at carrying out daily household tasks. With good planning, the right furnishings and appropriate materials, spending time in the laundry room takes on a whole new meaning!
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No image available Deck building Deck packages are available only in Alberta stores. Please contact your local Alberta store for details.

A deck extends the living space of a home to the outdoors, providing you and your family with an area to relax, entertain and enjoy the summer. A deck will also increase the resale value of your home. The more time and thought you invest in the planning and prep stages, the more use you will make of your deck. Choose from a variety of materials to enhance the finishing, and add decorative items to help define different activity zones. Start the planning process by gathering deck design ideas, then plan the deck on paper. Begin with the overall dimensions, then gradually add more detail as the design takes shape.
For those who want to save both time and money, ready-to-assemble decks may be the answer. Kits also include instructions that are easy to follow. You will need some building experience, however.

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No image available Eco-friendly maintenance of annuals plants They embellish flower beds, showcase perennials and protect vegetables from harmful insects: annuals are a must in any garden!

Easy to grow, most annuals will bloom abundantly throughout the spring and summer and often well into the fall. Their wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes offer endless possibilities to enhance your garden. Find out how to choose annuals and properly care for them.


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No image available Exterior fall home maintenance checklist In the fall, homeowners are closing down summer’s outdoor landscape, decorative, and comfort items to protect them from the upcoming harsh seasons. In the winter, the wind blows harder than during any other time of the year. Freezing water can break apart concrete and metal pipes, gutters, and downspouts. The freeze / thaw cycle is also damaging - and is worse in some areas rather than in others. Your home and its possessions can be protected by following a few guidelines. Our recommendation is that our system is a starting point for the development of a customized checklist that will be used for your specific home for many years to come.
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No image available Exterior spring home maintenance checklist As soon as the weather begins to warm, the instinct to clean and to prepare for new growth prevails. Begin exterior work with yard clean-up projects to close out harsh winter damage and to prepare for the new growth season. Prune trees, shrubs, and flower foliage with so the plants can take off with quick, healthy growth. Plan to systematically clean exterior home features, outdoor structures, and even outdoor furniture useful for warmer weather. Assess all possessions to make repairs and conduct yearly maintenance. Get ready to enjoy the warmer weather with some fresh improvement ideas.
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No image available Exterior summer home maintenance checklist When the weather is temperate and the hours of daylight are longer, take some time to both maintenance and to build improvements onto the exterior of the home. Avoid large expensive projects by keeping up with a seasonal maintenance schedule. Make improvements so that the family can better enjoy living and socializing at home. If the option to sell is in the near future, begin to pamper the home now and be ahead of the game for next year.
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No image available Fencing: planning and installation Fence packages are available only in Alberta stores. Please contact your local Alberta store for details.

The addition of a fence can be either necessary or purely decorative. There’s no need to sacrifice your outdoor decor: choose fence panels that will harmonize with the existing elements of your outdoor environment.
Versatile, durable and low-maintenance, treated-wood fences are very popular, as are composite fence panels. Installing fence panels is straightforward and doesn’t require specialized tools, aside from a posthole auger. Note however, that digging post holes and pouring concrete is physically demanding work.
Determine your needs, then choose the location of your fence, the model you want and the materials you’ll need. We recommend you have someone to help you: this is definitely not a one-person job.

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No image available Finish the basement – planning and design Not so long ago the basement was ignored – it was where we deposited the things we didn’t know what to do with, and where odd pieces of furniture accumulated over time. The idea of a basement being a functional room was never considered.

Today, it’s a different story – basements have become part of our living space in their own right. As much thought goes into their decoration as in other parts of the house; they offer extra storage space and can be turned into useful, pleasant rooms, often designed with a special purpose in mind, where all the family can get together.
What’s more, finishing the basement is a good investment. It’ll add to the value of your home as well as giving you many more square feet of living space.

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No image available Foyer and mudroom floors – best options Escorting you in and out of the home multiple times each day, the foyer is a high traffic area. Choosing a flooring material for this space needs to take into consideration both its durability and ease of maintenance, yet without compromising design.
The products on the market today are diverse from the real-deals to the bountiful (and quite impressive!) imitations. Be sure to check out all of the products—even one’s you think are out of the question—before making your final decision.
Regardless of your style or budget, you are sure to find a flooring material to lay the foundation for the rest of your home after reading this guide. Take the time to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each, and you’re sure to be happy with your selection for years to come.

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No image available Garage storage solutions The garage is home to a multitude of items serving different purposes and needs. Tools, yard equipment, pool accessories, sports gear, bikes, coats, recycling bins – not to mention the car – must all coexist in this multi-functional space. All the more reason, therefore, to impose some structure to keep the area tidy; racks, hooks, panels, shelves, cabinets, bins, baskets and nets are available in various shapes, sizes and configurations to help you organize the space and reduce clutter. Walls, ceiling and floors can all be used to stow items efficiently.
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No image available Interior spring home maintenance checklist As the foliage begins to grow afresh outdoors, begin a spring cleaning routine for the interior at the same time. Spring is a great time to do interior cleaning because the windows can finally be opened to bring in fresh ventilation while doing some deep cleaning tasks. Read through our checklist for maintenance and repair suggestions. Take inventory of areas that may be effected by household toxins and prepare to safely remove any contaminated materials. Lastly, seize advantage of extra time to work on a few improvement projects indoors while waiting for the weather to be fully enjoyable.
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No image available Kitchen design Designing or remodelling a kitchen can be a daunting task. Whether you’re starting from scratch, completely refurbishing or making a few minor renovations, some basic know-how and handy tips will help make your kitchen design project a success.

It is essential to stay focused on your needs and lifestyle in order to understand the possibilities of your new space. Choosing cabinets, counters, appliances, furniture and lighting requires careful thought, since all these elements play a role in the overall comfort and look of the kitchen, which needs to be a functional and stylish space that will stand the test of time.
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No image available Kitchen floors – your options From homework and holidays to cooking and conversations, the kitchen is a high traffic area. Choosing a flooring material for this space needs to take into consideration both its durability and ease of maintenance, yet without compromising design.
The products on the market today are diverse from the real-deals to the bountiful (and quite impressive!) imitations. Be sure to check out all of the products—even one’s you think are out of the question—before making your final decision.
Regardless of your style or budget, you are sure to find a flooring material to lay the foundation for the rest of your kitchen after reading this guide. Take the time to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each, and you’re sure to be happy with your selection for years to come.

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No image available Kitchen renovation: size requirements Before you get started on your kitchen renovation project, you should be aware of a few golden design rules that will ensure your kitchen is as functional and enjoyable as possible.


Certain standards apply to kitchen design: the size of cabinets, counters and appliances, and clearance space to ensure an efficient and comfortable kitchen without traffic problems. A number of trends are making an appearance and revolutionizing the modern-day kitchen. Follow the recipe and you'll find out!
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No image available Master bedroom The master bedroom is often the most neglected room in the entire house. By the time the rest of the home is remodeled and pristine (or simply clean and picked-up), no energy is left to make the master bedroom the oasis it should be.
The master bedroom is use everyday! With a little design, planning, and—yes—resources, you’re master bedroom will be a relaxing refuge with the perfect punch of personality that will make you never want to come out of your personal retreat.
Whether you’re building from ground zero or simply need a quick update, be sure to read these tips and tricks to help your master live up to the potential it could be.

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No image available Office-specific storage solutions With email, Internet research and electronic banking, the home office is an essential. And with school work, bills and important papers, the accumulation of paperwork and office supplies adds up. Full-time office or shared by the whole family, an organized space is an absolute must. A clear desk, files put away and everything in its place ensures productivity. Working in a user-friendly and pleasant room is motivating. Bookcases, cabinets, shelves, and filing cabinets all play a role in organizing your work space to suit your needs.
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No image available Outdoor Lighting Interesting Effects Adding an outdoor lighting scheme to the home can greatly improve its aesthetic appeal. Additionally, lighting can be selected to improve the home’s security system. Begin designing the nightscape plan in conjunction with the landscape plan. For $1500 or less, the entire system can be installed over one weekend. We can offer tips for designing a lighting system for the facade, trees, backyard, garden, patio, stairs, trellises, and more. There are important steps recommended for starting the design concept to installation. Also read about how to achieve certain lighting effects and other recommendations provided by professionals in the trade.
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No image available Paint colour: choose wisely Choosing paint colour is a real challenge. Warm, cool, light or dark: the choices are many. Colour is the key element in any decor; the right colour will enable you to create a stylish and unique atmosphere that truly reflects your personality. Colour choices should be based on personal taste, the size of a room, lighting, furnishings, the ambiance you’re looking for, and current design trends. With some creativity, skill, the right advice and tips, you’re well-equipped to decorate your home, without spending a fortune!
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No image available Plan a backyard storage shed Shed packages are available only in Alberta stores. Please contact your local Alberta store for details.

Building a backyard shed starts long before you pick up a hammer. It’s very important that you find the ideal spot in your back yard, and then you have to make sure your project complies with local bylaws, zoning ordinances, and building codes.
Learn about the various factors to consider, such as location, size, the foundation you choose and whether you need a construction permit. Depending on the space you have, your budget and carpentry skills, the shed you build can range from a simple structure to a more substantial building that matches the design features of your home. For those who want to save a little time and cut expenses, ready-to-assemble storage sheds may be the answer. These kits are economical and easy to build: a very convenient solution.

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No image available Plan a landscaping project with pavers If you want to add a touch of class and distinction to your outdoor landscape, paving is a hard choice to beat. Patios, walls, walkways – paving has it covered! Paving equals chic in any landscaping context, whether to create a new a patio, an alfresco dining area, a relaxation area near a spa or pool, flower borders or a parking area. Good planning is the key to making the most of paving’s potentials. Take our tips and advice on selecting paving slabs, pavers and stone to help you create the perfect yard for recreation and relaxation.
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No image available Plan an outdoor project From building a new structure, to plantings, and small finishing touches, first determine the motivation for planning a new outdoor project. Perhaps the outdoor project would add home value, provide relaxation, improve functionality, create a sense of comfort, or simply improve the home’s outdoor aesthetic appeal. Outdoor projects begin with site planning, progress to design layout, and finish with construction planning. Select materials that coordinate with the design theme and fit the personality of the home and its homeowners. Allow our guide to spark imagination and to provide some helpful tips that can help accomplish the new outdoor project.
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No image available Plan the construction of a deck Think of a deck as an extension of the interior of the home. Planning the perfect deck will add comfort, practicality, and value to your home. The more detailed the design and thoughtful the considerations, the better the deck will serve those who use it regularly. Plan to add a variety of materials, areas that service specific functions, and decorative items to finish out the design. Begin the planning process by collecting ideas and drawing sketches. Finish the project with drawings suitable for planning the constrIf the project is broken down carefully into parts and details, the end result can be rewarding.
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No image available Plan the construction of a kids playground structure Play structures are both fun features for backyard entertainment. Play structures can be located on the ground, elevated, large, or simple. Choose a creative design theme regardless of the size. Whether customized or built from a kit, modifications may be made to the play structure’s design based on the ages and play styles of the children who will use the equipment most often. Each play structure needs to be located in a safe place, ideally with shade, and with the proper type and amount of ground surface material. Keep the structure as fun as possible while maintaining all safety guidelines.
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No image available Plan your bathroom renovation From starting the day refreshed and energized to coming home to a soothing spa-like sanctuary, today's bathrooms are designed with our wellness in mind. And because this room is used by the whole household, day in, day out, it needs to be a functional, well-planned space with adequate storage, a tub and shower arrangement that suits everyone's needs, low-maintenance materials and a relaxing atmosphere. Planning, layout, choice of materials, remodelling work and decor: read our expert tips on how to create a practical, functional bathroom and a beautiful, rejuvenating retreat.
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No image available Plan your kitchen renovation The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where the whole family gathers for meals, for entertaining, doing homework and paperwork, so it's important to make it user-friendly for the entire household. Clever cabinets, spacious work surfaces, practical layout, intelligent equipment and storage: make functionality your goal. Here’s the recipe to help you design an ultra-functional kitchen, one that combines practicality and good taste.
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No image available Plant selection Fill your flowerbeds with plants that will thrive in your environment. Your criteria for choosing the right plants should include colour (whether you’re aiming for a contrasting or monochromatic effect), shape, flowering, foliage (dense or not), form and size. Maintenance requirements and soil conditions should also factor into your decision.
Planters, containers, large flowerpots, trees and shrubs arranged carefully on the patio or deck can greatly enhance your outdoor décor. Maximize space with vertical gardening, and adorn your arbours, archways, and pergolas with climbing plants; you’ll gain on the privacy front as well.
Here are a few of the criteria that will facilitate your choice of plants.

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No image available Planting trees, shrubs, conifers, rose bushes and climbing plants For successful planting, you need to select your plants carefully and be sure they are suited to your soil conditions and environment. Take into account the various considerations that will lead you to the right decisions, such as the type of soil and the function of the plant or tree in your landscaping.
Find out when and where you should plant, the steps to follow and the maintenance required so that your flowerbeds are properly cared for.

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No image available Regular lawn maintenance As the dominant feature of most landscape designs, the lawn requires particular attention. These days, more and more people are turning to environmentally-friendly maintenance practices to obtain a dense, healthy, high-quality lawn.

Practice good maintenance and you will be rewarded with a beautiful lawn that can resist stresses like drought, without resorting to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Learn the importance of good mowing practices, proper watering techniques, how to fertilize effectively, the differences between various fertilizers, and the type of accessories you’ll need, from a hose to a spike sprinkler.
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No image available Soil analysis: an eco-friendly gardening practice Are you making a flowerbed or digging a vegetable garden? Make sure you know the composition of your soil and the nutrients it contains to feed the plants you want to grow.
Find out how soil analysis works and when you should have it done. You’ll learn what is examined in the soil, such as phosphorous and potassium levels, so you can correct imbalances and improve your soil. Find out which plants will do well in your soil. There are certain procedures to follow for taking samples, as well as precautions and recommendations. You’re on your way to enjoying the garden of your dreams!


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No image available Soil for planting: tilling and fertilizing How well your plants will grow depends largely on the quality and depth of your topsoil. It is vital you take the time to prepare the soil in your garden before you plant.
This guide explains: how to properly fertilize, how to create balanced soil for gardening if you have acidic or clay soils, how to distinguish between different types of compost, how to choose among the fertilizers available, and how to solve some of the problems you’re likely to face. Learn the basics for creating the ideal soil conditions to grow a successful and abundant garden.


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No image available Storage solutions for the bathroom The family bathroom gets a lot of traffic, and if it’s on the small side, general disorder can set in fairly quickly. Organizers in the drawers, towel bars, all kinds of hooks, various compartments: solutions to maximize space in cabinets, drawers, around the bathtub and shower are many, creative and decorative. Say a permanent good bye to damp towels and dirty clothes strewn over the floor, and be inspired by some great ideas for a well-organized, uncluttered and relaxing bathroom!
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No image available Storage solutions for the kitchen In cabinets, under cabinets, on cabinets, on the wall, on the counters, in drawers: storage solutions are overall for everything! The kitchen is home to a vast array of articles we use on a daily basis, from pots, utensils, small appliances and dishes to recipe books. To be efficient, you need a clear workspace. Shelves, racks, compartments, hooks, pull-out units: storage solutions for the kitchen are many and the possibilities infinite. Our storage tips and advice to maximize every square inch of space.
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No image available Storage solutions for the shed Bicycles, sports equipment, garden equipment, pool maintenance products: the yard contains a collection of items in a range of shapes and sizes. A well-organized shed is ideal for storing such items, freeing up yard space and a few rooms in the house as well. Shelves, cabinets, racks, hooks: floor to ceiling, from one wall to another, every square inch can be put to good use. Here are tips to maximize space in the shed.
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No image available The foyer A home’s foyer or entryway is the small room immediately inside the front door. Though small in square feet, this room is large on responsibility and functionality.
From catching your keys and mail to welcoming the most sophisticated of guests, the foyer holds diverse responsibilities. Dress it up for holidays, drop your sopping wet shoes on rainy days, and even make sure you have nothing in your teeth before guests arrive all from the comfort of this small space.
Ensure your foyer is making the most of its first impressions by kicking up the personality factor a bit. Incorporate storage solutions and perhaps even add certain elements to the room to make your daily life easier.
The foyer is not a room to neglect: read these tips and tricks to see what you’ve been missing.

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