5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021

Posted on February 4, 2021 by johanna wells

We’ve all spent a lot more time at home over the past year. Our homes have become our office, our classroom, our gym—and most importantly, our haven. It’s no surprise to discover that 5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021 revolve around soothing color palettes, cozy character atmosphere, and quiet retreats.

We advise our clients to take modern design preferences, over-personalized or unpopular renovations can lower your property’s value. And selecting out-of-style fixtures and finishes could cause your home to feel dated quickly.

To help inspire your design projects this year, we’ve rounded up five of the hottest trends. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate your property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

1. Uplifting Color Design

Colors are gravitating toward warm and happy shades that convey a sense of coziness, comfort, and wellbeing. This year’s palettes draw from earthy hues, warm neutrals, and soothing blues and greens.¹

White and gray colors are safe options. However, neutrals are increasing in popularity for walls, cabinets, and furnishings in 2021. For a fresh and sophisticated look, try one of these 2021 paint colors of the year:

Aegean Teal (coastal blue) by Benjamin Moore
Urbane Bronze (brownish-gray) by Sherwin-Williams
Soft Candlelight (muted yellow) by Valspar

On the opposite end of the spectrum, indigo, ruby, sapphire and plum are showing up on everything from fireplace mantels and floating shelves to fabrics and home accessories. These classic, rich hues can help bring warmth, depth, and a touch of luxury to your living space.

To incorporate these colors, designers recommend using the “60-30-10 Rule.” Choose a dominant color to cover 60% of your room. First, walls, rugs, and sofa might be varying shades of beige or gray. Layer a secondary color for 30% of the room. This might include draperies and accent furniture. Third an accent color for 10% of your room, showcased with artwork and accessories.²

Photo by Tom Stringer Design Partners – Browse dining room ideas

2. Curated Design Collections

After a decade of minimalism, there’s been a shift towards highly-decorative and personalized interiors that incorporate more color, texture, and character. Clearly defined styles of mid-century modern, industrial, and a curated style replace modern farm homes with furniture, fixtures, and accessories that seem to have been collected over time.³

This trend has extended to the kitchen, where atmosphere has become as important as functionality. The ubiquitous all-white kitchen is fading in popularity as homeowners opt for unique touches that help individualize their space. If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, consider mixing in other neutrals—like gray, black, and light wood—for a more custom, pieced-together look. Replace Moroccan square tiles for a modern alternative with old-world flair.⁴

Photo by M Prevost Design – Search kitchen design ideas

3. Reimagined Remodeling and Design

The pandemic forced many of us to rethink our home design. From multipurpose rooms to converted closets to backyard cottages, we’ve had to find creative ways to manage virtual meetings and school. And designers expect these changes to impact the way we live and work for years to come.

Home builders predict the end of open-concept floor plans as we know them.⁵ Buyers are looking for separation and privacy. Cue the addition of alcoves, pocket doors, and sliding partitions that enable homeowners to section off rooms as needed.⁴

The necessity of a home office space is also here to stay. But what if you don’t have a dedicated room? Alternative workspaces have become increasingly popular. In fact, one of the biggest trends on Pinterest this year is the “cloffice”—essentially a spare closet turned home office. Searches for “home library design” and “bookshelf room divider” are on the rise, as well.⁶

Photo by Butter Lutz Interiors, LLC – Search home office design ideas

Inspiring Staycation

With travel options limited right now, more homeowners are turning their vacation budgets into staycation budgets. Essentially, recreate the resort experience at home—and enjoy it 365 days a year!

Bedrooms should be a soothing sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Minimalist decor and muted colors give way to bolder statement pieces. To create a “boutique hotel” look in your own bedroom, start with a large, upholstered headboard in a rich color or pattern. Layer organic linen bedding, a chunky wool throw, and finish the look with matching wall lights..⁷

Carry those vacation-vibes into your bathroom with some of the top luxury upgrades for 2021. Curbless showers and freestanding tubs continue to be popular choices that offer a modern and spacious feel, and large-format shower tiles with minimal grout lines make clean up a breeze. Add a floating vanity and aromatherapy shower head for the ultimate spa-like experience.⁴

Photo by Coda Construction LLC – More bathroom ideas

5. Outdoor Design Upgrades

Homeowners want to use outdoor their spaces. Backyard swimming pool sales skyrocketed in 2020, with many installers reporting unprecedented demand.⁸New pools aren’t the only way homeowners can increase their outdoor areas this year.

The home design website Houzz recently named 2021 “the year of the pergola.” They’re a relatively quick and affordable option to add shade and ambiance to your backyard.⁴ Decked-out, custom playgrounds for exercising (and occupying) the youngest family members who may be missing out on school and extracurricular activities.⁹

Don’t limit your budgt to the backyard, landscapers are reporting an increase in front yard enhancements, including porch additions and expanded seating options. Social front yards enable neighbors to stay connected and observe social distance guidelines.¹⁰

Photo by Urban Oasis Design & Construction LLC – Look for deck pictures

DESIGNED TO SELL

Learn how upgrades impact a homes value. Buyer preferences vary by neighborhood and price range. We can share our insights and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your investment. And if you’re in the market to sell, we can run a Comparative Market Analysis on your home to find out how it compares to others in the area. Contact us to schedule a free consultation!

Sources 5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021:

Good Housekeeping –
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/g34762178/home-decor-trends-2021/
The Spruce – https://www.thespruce.com/timeless-color-rule-797859
Homes & Gardens – https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/interior-design-trends-2021
Houzz –https://www.houzz.com/magazine/36-home-design-trends-ready-for takeoff-in 2021-stsetivw-vs~142229851
Zillow –https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-end-of-open-floor-plans-how-homes-will-look-different-after-coronavirus-301080662.html
Pinterest –https://business.pinterest.com/content/pinterest-predicts/more-door/
Homes & Gardens –https://www.homesandgardens.com/spaces/decorating/bedroom-trends-224944
Reuters –https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-pools/pool-sales-skyrocket-as-consumers-splash-out-on-coronavirus-cocoons-idUSKCN2520HW
Realtor.com –https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/2021-design-trends/
Realtor Magazine –https://magazine.realtor/daily-news/2020/12/09/4-outdoor-home-trends-that-may-gain-steam-in-2021

Homeownership Resolutions for 2021

Posted on January 20, 2021 by johanna wells

The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. But with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some homeownership resolutions for 2021. Check out how to discover key action steps to take to achieve your homeownership goals this year, whether you’re a home buyer, home seller, or a homeowner not yet planning on moving.

Refinishing Hardwood Flooring

Posted on February 22, 2015 by johanna wells

Hardwood floor refinishing 1

Recently at a home staging consultation for a mid range priced home going on the market for sale, recommendations to the main level of a home were made for hardwood floor refinishing for a floor that had seen better days.

I had to base the hardwood flooring refinishing in the context of sales price, condition of the home, competing properties and what home buyers would find desirable. Homebuyers and people with allergies across the United States want hardwood floors. Making a recommendation for a hardware flooring update made sense for the home seller and statistics showed a 101% return on investment.

Hardwood floors add value to a home, if the hardwood floor is looking a little worse for the wear, sanding and refinishing the hardwood flooring is the first consideration to get your investment back when selling. Hardwood flooring refinishing

Refinishing hardwood flooring is not that expensive and can completely change the look of a home with the option of changing color. Lighter color will make a space look open, light, bright, airy and informal. Darker refinished hardwood floors look more formal, sophisticated and dramatic. The majority of people prefer a forgiving satin finish that obscures scratches more than a semi gloss finish. A

Stained hardwood can usually be fixed if you hire a professional and replace stained sections by weaving new hardwood into the existing flooring, and then refinishing. No one will ever even notice the new pieces of hardwood, it will blend seamlessly.

Hardwood flooring refinishing carpet

Lucky for you if you have hardwood hidden beneath your carpet, it’s like finding a hidden treasure. Rip up the carpet and refinish hardwood floors and you will improve the value of your home by making it more desirable to the maximum number of home buyers.

In another post The Cost of Home Staging Is Always Less Than the First Price reduction discusses the fact of not taking steps to stage your home, not refinishing hardwood floors will make buyers assume that you don’t take good care of your home, and will more likely make a price reduction accordingly.

Stage Your Home for Showings and Marketing Photos

Posted on January 17, 2015 by johanna wells

Home staging if done correctly can provide a return on investment of 251%. Stage your home for showings and marketing photos by freshening a space, cleaning and de-cluttering, adding art, greenery, lighting and staging or renting furniture.

Remember the cost of home staging is always less than your first price reduction, which comes in the way of longer time on market and low offers.

Perception is everything when it comes to marketing a home for sale. The goal is to highlight strengths and to downplay home weaknesses. Dressing a house for success will appeal to a broader range of potential buyers.

Stage your home for showings and marketing photos by:

Decluttering and removing extra items by providing the illusion of more space. Too many items in marketing photos add a air of confusion, make it hard for the eye to see important details of a home. Unless someone wants a fixer upper, home buyers don’t want to purchase a home that appears cramped and lived in. Homebuyers want the feeling of new and fresh.

Dirty homes feel gloomy, are overwhelming and depressive. Cleaning a home of fingerprints, dirt, grime, stray hairs and personal care items will make those that view your property have a positive feelings. There is just something about the thought of taking a bath in another’s dirty tub, or sleeping in a room strewn with dirty clothes and cooking in a kitchen with grimy, greasy cabinets and appliances, yuk what a turn off.

Art is used in home staging to create visual interest. Staging artwork is different than personal art collections that are purchased to inspire memories and are personal in nature. Staging artwork entices home buyers, by creating style, adding color, distracting a view of negative features, highlighting architecture, focal points, providing the illusion of bigger, smaller, wider, taller and adding excitement to a space.

Home staging existing furniture or renting furniture and placing into pleasing arrangements and vignettes, help a home appear functional, spacious and welcoming.
Another part of proper placement of furniture is improving traffic flow, drawing the eye to architectural attributes, hiding flaws and creating balance within a room.

Although much of a buying decision is already predetermined like location, or size of home. Home staging can assist with curb appeal and homey characteristics of a home listing.

Studies have revealed that buyers first impressions of a home’s interior are:

Cleanliness, Clutter and Odor 35%
Decor 21%
Condition & Lighting 16%
Floor Plan 15%
Rooms 13%.

72% of home buyer’s first impressions and feelings can be controlled by the seller with the use of effective home staging.

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends

Posted on January 2, 2015 by johanna wells

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends black drum crystal

Lighting size, placement and trends both inside and out when preparing your home for sale reaps one of the greatest returns on investments. Simple lighting improvements can be as easy as washing windows inside and out and replacing spent light bulbs. Othertimes you will need to make updates to compete with new and model homes in the same price range.

Refreshing the look of a room can be done by replacing old, dated light fixtures and ornately decorated fixtures that may not appeal to the broadest range of buyers. I typically recommend when providing home staging consultations that home sellers keep it simple and select lighting in a transitional style, which is neither traditional nor contemporary.

The great thing about transitional style is that it will give you a great updated look in a contemporary setting or a traditional interior setting. As for finishes, transitional styles are flexible allowing you to mix finishes with existing hardware, but if you want to match your finishes to your faucets and hardward, go right ahead.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association consumers are looking for contemporary spa like easy to clean bathrooms and kitchens with less clutter and clean simple lines, with LED lighting cited as an “in-demand” kitchen feature for its energy efficiency (which is another hot buyer preference).

Knowing what lighting size, placement and trends when you are updating your home for sale will help you obtain a greater return on investment. Keep these simple home staging tricks handy as a practical solution for any home interiors lighting updates and you won’t go wrong.

Lighting Trends

Consumers love out door living and revamping garden areas, patios and porches can make your curb appeal really “shine”. This will be the first impression buyers will have of your home.

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends black sh

Pendant lighting in 2015 will take on the shapes of bowl pendants and drums (like the one above).

Chandeliers aren’t just for the dining room anymore and are making their way into spaces like studio apartments, attic bedrooms and small mother-in-law suites. The luxury market demands, dramatic, upscale and extravagant transitional crystal chandeliers.

Power in the shower continues its popularity as we head into 2015.

Silver, Chrome and Stainless steel have commonly been used in the kitchen but warm metals like gold, copper and bronze are the trend for 2015.

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends gold pendant

Image Courtesty Decor Pad

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends copper

Image Courtesy KitchenModel.org

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends bronze

Image Courtesy Houzz

Lighting Placement

Lighting placement, size and how high you hang your lighting play an important role in the over all look and feel of a space.

When hanging lighting above your kitchen island hang 24-34 inches above the counter top.
Lighting diameter in the center of a room should measure 1/12^th the size of the room to maintain a balanced look. Measure your rooms length and width and divide by 12 to get the proper size of the light fixture.
When hanging lighting above a table the diameter of the fixture should be 12” less than the width of the table.
Hang your chandelier over the dining table 28” to 32” between the table top and the light fixture.
In a hallway a 7ft. clearance between the floor and light fixture is a good rule of thumb to keep lighting in line of sight.
Image Courtesty EHow
In a stairwell clearance should be 18” to 24” above the tallest occupants head.
Hanging fixtures in the middle of a room demand a 7ft. clearance unless hung above a table or other piece of furniture to avoid bumped heads.

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends bedroom chandalier

Image Courtesty New England Home

Hanging lights in the bedroom and above the bed should be 7 feet or 6” above the head when kneeling on the bed.
Image Courtesty Crisp Architects
Sconces or pendants in the bath should be spaced 28’ apart and 60” off the floor.
Foyer light is placed 80-84” from the bottom of the chandelier to the floor. Center to the window and hang no lower than point of the second floor when the ceiling is really tall.
Table and bedside lamps should measure from the base of the shade and eye level from a seated position.

Lampshade Size

Sometimes your lampshade may be all that is needed to get an updated look. Follow these rules when updating your table lamp shades.

Shade length from top to bottom should be 65-80% of the base length. For example if your base length is 18”, the shade should measure 11”- 15”.
The diameter of the shade should be no more than 2” less that the base diameter. If you have an 18” base the width of the shade not be more than 16 inches.

Home Staging for the Holidays

Posted on December 7, 2014 by johanna wells

Tartan and cable knit is a timeless pattern associated with the holidays. Try bringing throw blankets and pillows into your living room and guest room for a festive touch.

Presentation is everything when it comes time to sell, no matter if a retail store merchandising a store front window or home staging for the holidays. Why heck, we wrap our holiday gifts in pretty paper, ribbons and bows to elevate its appeal to make it feel special to the receiver.

Set the mantel’s tone with faux snow in vases and apothecary jars.
Take advantage of the glass jars’ interior spaces to create a tiny winter scene and to introduce sparkle with traditional mercury glass ornaments.

With that said, we should be marketing our homes for sale during the holidays using home staging tips that raise the value and marketing appeal to the broadest range of home buyers. Take a simple approach, keeping in mind that less is more just as your would when selling during any other season.

Set the mood with candlelight and metallic accessories to create drama in your space.

Don’t take my word for it, check out the Realtor survey data reveals, the majority of realtors feel that when selling your home during the holidays, home staging should be put in place to attract potential buyers to make a home feel cozy and inviting.

Continue reading →

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design

Posted on November 29, 2014 by johanna wells

Image Courtesty pinningaisha.posterous.com Stylish Black and White Gallery Wall

Merry Christmas to me, merry Christmas to me, after three whooping years I bought a TV. My 15 year old TV, a big, square, beast of a TV that measures front to back at least 2 feet and takes two to lift, is out — and my new 50″ flat screen, smart, lcd, led TV is in (see you Sunday Daryl Dixon).

Image Courtesy Houzz.com Rustic Console and Contemporary Glass Lamps

There isn’t a house that I go into when I am providing a home staging consultation that doesn’t have a TV, or two or three. TV’s are in family rooms, bedrooms, basements and kitchens and even sometimes the bathroom, often creating a design challenge.

Crosley 60” corner TV Stand comfortably keep your television and its accessories in a neat and organized way.

With that said this post will cover optimal placement of your Flat Screen TV so that it looks great not only in your living room design, but for marketing photos if you are getting ready to sell.

This line will work great in your renovated farm house or a smaller beach cottage get-away.

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design Viewing Angle

The best viewing angle for comfort is to place the TV when seated at eye level and your head even with the middle of the screen. According to Architectural Graphic Standards, the sightline measurement of a seated adult is 44 inches (3′-8″) above the floor.

Image Courtesty turquoise-la.com. Another great gallery wall

When I was selecting the size of the TV for the size of my room I had to take a few things into consideration. The best size for the TV depended on my room size and how far away my furniture is placed and where I’d be sitting, and of course cost, too.

Image Courtesty Houzz.com Ceiling Medallions let your eye rest other than the TV

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design Screen Size and Distance

There are a few sources that discuss optimum distance for screen size and distances, heres a few to help you, when buying a flat screen while keeping room size in mind:

26″ screen = 3 to 5.5 feet
32″ screen = 4 to 6.5 feet
37″ screen = 4.5 to 7.5 feet
40″ screen = 5 to 8.5 feet
46″ screen = 6 to 9.5 feet
52″ screen = 6.5 to 11 feet
58″ screen = 7 to 12 feet
65″ screen = 8 to 13.5 feet
70″ screen = 9 to 15 feet

Avoid eye strain by not placing the TV directly in front of a window or opposite a west facing window, to prevent glare. Manufacturers recommend not putting the flat screen above the fireplace.

The television in many homes becomes the centerpiece and can take away the focus of design and architecture, if done improperly. By installing the TV low on a wall directly at eye level it allows for the actual wall to remain the star.

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design 1

Mounting your TV, along with artwork in a gallery style will give your eye plenty to look at other than a big black screen. If using a console that is wider than your TV, flank with tall lamps, objects of art or bookshelves, to incorporate the TV into your interior design.

When you have more than one focal point like a firelplace and windows your only alternative may be to tuck your TV into the corner on a wedge shaped cabinet. Don’t let your TV compete with your focal points, let your focal points shine and your TV play second fiddle to your architetural focal points.

6 Home Odor Solutions

Posted on November 22, 2014 by johanna wells

6 home odor solutions

Truth, there’s an entire science referred to as “scent marketing. Global brand Holiday Inn applies scent marketing to their advantage to subliminally have guests stay longer in their rooms.

Hey, that’s what we want homebuyers to do. The longer they linger the better chance for them to imagine the experience of what it would be like to live in and enjoy the pleasure of your home.

I’ve smelled them all when doing home staging consultations. Following find 6 Home Odor Solutions to use for your home:

1. Dirty chimney. When there are hot, humid summer days dirty chimneys produce undesirable odors. Clean creosote and soot out of the chimney or hire a chimney sweep to do.

2. Cigarette smoke. Nobody wants to walk through a house that smells like a dirty ashtray. Removing cigarette smoke is hard work as it affects walls, carpet, mattresses and all soft goods in a home. Wash walls if that doesn’t work, seal with a primer and paint. Use dry carpet cleaner with granules on the carpet, if that doesn’t work, call in a professional carpet cleaner. Toss the mattresses and soft goods.

3. Main sewer lines can produce a rotten egg smell. Add a teaspoon of peppermint oil down the drain and run hot water. If that doesn’t work you may have a bad trap.

4. Unbathed pets and pet urine can make your carpet and pad reak. Short term solution is baking soda otherwise steam cleaning, or replacing the carpet and pad altogether.

5. Bathroom rot from “missing” the potty creates bacteria build up when the base of the toilet isn’t sealed. Call a plumber dis-connect and remove the toilet, clean, replace wax seal, reinstall toilet and caulk.

6. Musty basements smells come from a byproduct of mold. Run a de-humidifier, remove porous items that absorb moisture like cardboard, wood, wool, leather and paper. Have a mold air test as mold can grow behind walls and the walls will need to be removed to avoid future health risks.

We might not be a global brand but we can certainly do our due diligence to remove odors in our homes. Take some marketing tips from the big guys to sell homes faster and if the market allows, for more money.

The nose knows, studies show that 75% of emotions are triggered by smell which is linked to pleasure, well-being and memory. Your job as a home seller and mine as a home stager, is to create a positive experience for home buyers.

Home Staging – Smells That Sell:

Holiday Inn: Fruity smells when there is something to celebrate.

Nike: Rose smells to help sell higher priced shoes

Singapore Airlines: Uses a scent called Stefan Florida Waters, to enhance a travelers experience of a relaxed flight.

Morgue and Funeral Homes: Use cinnamon spray to create a trusting and homey, warm feel.

Turkish Airlines: After much research from Milward Brown Turkish Airlines uses a fragrance called TK1933 which produces a feeling of trust, peace, happiness, serenity and pleasure.

Be mindful of the schnoz, keeping a clean smell in a home is a basic. Buyers and guests demand a clean, fresh and fragrant house.

6 home odor solutions cinnamon

TimeMist® Cinnamon Premium Metered Fragrance Dispenser Refills – 6.6 Oz

6 home odor solutions dispenser

Misty Automated Metered Aerosol Dispenser

6 home odor solutions sponge

Nature’s Air Odor Absorbing Replacement Sponge in Neutral, 24/case

PS. I was unable to find any of the products used by the big brands, I’ll keep my eye out for an alternative.

Home Staging Consultation Report

Posted on November 21, 2014 by johanna wells

The home staging advice on this office showed the biggest transformation. Providing an open, light, bright and airy space that could be used as a bedroom or an office

Hey All! Just wanted to fill you in on some of the behind the scenes of what goes into a home staging consultation report. The motivated seller of this home rocked it, following the consulation report that I provided, to the letter.

The success that the seller received from the staging consultation in her Denver area, owner occupied home was (drum roll, please) sold first day, multiple offers, $10K over asking price.

Continue reading →

4 Fireplace Makeover Ideas

Posted on November 12, 2014 by johanna wells

Fireplace Makeover 4 Ideas Fireplace Surround Classique

The Classique Fireplace Mantel Surround

When I woke up this morning it was 3 degrees in Colorado. With that said it got me thinking about fireplaces (go figure). Mine needs a fireplace makeover with it’s dated 6×6 white ceramic tile and big fat mortar lines (ugh). It sticks out like a sore thumb, good thing I’m not selling anytime soon.

The following will show fireplace pictures ranging from contemporary fireplaces to fully assembled fireplace surround kits, paint and mantle ideas.

Continue reading →

Johanna Wells

Home Staging | How To | Marketing | Resources | Tips and Trends

Category Archives: How To

5 Inspiring Home Design and Remodeling Trends for 2021

1. Uplifting Color Design

2. Curated Design Collections

3. Reimagined Remodeling and Design

Inspiring Staycation

5. Outdoor Design Upgrades

Homeownership Resolutions for 2021

Refinishing Hardwood Flooring

Stage Your Home for Showings and Marketing Photos

Stage your home for showings and marketing photos by:

Lighting Size, Placement and Trends

Lighting Trends

Lighting Placement

Lampshade Size

Home Staging for the Holidays

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design Viewing Angle

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design Screen Size and Distance

6 Home Odor Solutions

Home Staging – Smells That Sell:

Home Staging Consultation Report

4 Fireplace Makeover Ideas

1. Uplifting Color Design

2. Curated Design Collections

3. Reimagined Remodeling and Design

Inspiring Staycation

5. Outdoor Design Upgrades

Related posts on Home Staging:

Related posts on Home Staging:

Related posts on Home Staging:

Stage your home for showings and marketing photos by:

Related posts on Home Staging:

Lighting Trends

Lighting Placement

Lampshade Size

Related posts on Home Staging:

Related posts on Home Staging:

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design Viewing Angle

Flat Screen TV and Living Room Design Screen Size and Distance

Related posts on Home Staging:

Home Staging – Smells That Sell:

Related posts on Home Staging:

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