Pet-Friendly Interior Design Options

Pet-Friendly Interior Design Featured Image

Every member of the house has unique needs, and that includes pets! Plus, they’re easy to love and extra fun to spoil. Designing a home to best accommodate our furry friends keeps their care organized and easy—and pet-friendly interior design takes just a little extra planning.

Here are our favorite pet-friendly interior design features:

Pet Friendly Interior Design
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Durable Flooring

If you’re sharing space with a shedding pet then you’ve probably already figured out carpet is a tough go with fur flying around. Hardwood has its cons too, succumbing to scratches and worn finishes over time. Luxury Vinyl Plank and tile are much better options for their long-term durability and modern aesthetics.

Washable Upholstery

Splurge for easy-to-clean floor rugs and furniture. Some manufacturers now offer washable rug options which especially helps when dealing with puppy potty training or upset stomachs. Washable slipcovers also come in handy, as well as easy to spot-clean furniture upholstered in heavy duty performance fabrics. Look for labels that boast stain-resistance too!

Food and Water Station
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Food and Water Station

Built-in food and water stations keep messy meal situations in-check. Decide on where you want to consistently feed your pet and then look for opportunities to build food and water bowls into cubbies and cabinetry. No more tripping over bowls when they have a designated space outside of your walk zone! Add a built-in wall water fountain or automated feeder for added convenience.

Built-In Gates

Pet gates are sometimes necessary to secure less pet-friendly areas of the house, but they can be a burden to live around. Consider built-in gate options to avoid headaches that can occur with failing or hard to open gates. Built-in options protect walls from wear and tend to be more stylish too, for a more seamless design.

Gear Hub
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Gear Hub

Pets don’t necessarily need a lot of gear, but it’s hard to resist. Leashes, collars, scarves, shirts,  booties, coats, and the list goes on. And that doesn’t include all the fun toys and yummy treats! It’s easy to accumulate a lot of gear quick, and best to make a plan for it so it’s accessible, organized, and easy to use! Including a cubby corner for supplies, wall hooks for leashes, and food bins for quick refills in the mudroom or another entrance to the home is a handy way to store their gear and goodies.

Washing Station
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Washing Station

Depending on your pet’s size and behavior, a standard utility or bath tub wash setup might not be cutting it! Washing your pet can be a stressful (and messy) situation for both you and them. Designated pet washing stations are a great solution whether they’re simple or elaborate in design. Most include tile or easy to clean basins installed at a back-saving height with a handheld sprayer and leash hook to keep your pet safe. You might even include a dryer station for a full-on spa experience.

Automatic Vac

They say dogs are a “man’s best friend”, but if you’re dealing with a shedder, a robo vac may be your true best friend! There are so many great options available in the automatic vacuum world, do your research and find one that fits your home size and needs. Then think about a good location in your home for placement so the vacuum can run without issues. Look for opportunities to conceal the vac under existing furniture while it is charging to avoid a tripping hazard.

Pet-Friendly Interior Design
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Don’t go barking up the wrong tree!  Contact us for more pet-friendly design ideas.

7 Must-Have Design Components of a Great Entryway

Say hello to guests in style with a beautiful entryway into your home. This small space can yield a big wow factor when welcoming visitors. Remodeling your entry can be a low investment way to update the look of your home and make a great first impression—check out our recipe for great entryway design below!

7 Must-Have Design Components of a Great Entryway

Bold Door Design

Nothing sets the mood for your home like the front door. With so many options available, this is a place to spotlight both your home style and personal style. From relaxed organic wood finishes to bold pop colors, be intentional with the tone you set at the doorstep.

You will also need to decide what type of door your opening can support. This will require measuring and consulting with a professional to determine the many possibilities, including side-lights, transoms, door height and width. Think about the street view too, when deciding on glass vs. no glass, and frosted vs. clear panes.

Entryway design: bold doors
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Overhead Light

Fun lighting options fit right into entryway design. Take note of head height in determining what style of lighting to consider; flush mount vs. chandelier, etc. Then think about what you want the welcome to your home to feel like when making lighting selections.  Do you want guests to feel more warm and cozy or bright and lively upon entering?

Add some needed light to your entryway.
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Space Defining Rug

Floor rugs are a powerful design tool in establishing both space boundaries and style. Rugs are fairly easy to swap out too if you would like to change your look periodically. Entry rugs can be many different shapes and sizes depending on floor space, and the style and function that you are trying to achieve. If muddy feet often find their way through your door, you may consider a layered entry rug approach with a top rug that can easily be washed.

Entryway design
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Welcoming Wall Art

Our favorite place to have fun, wall art! Think punchy wall prints, welcoming framed art, and reflective mirrors to make the entry space feel larger. You can truly show your family’s personality with meaningful wall art selections, and you can swap them out regularly or with the seasons for a more flexible design.

Entryway design
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Console Table

The hero of the entryway, the console table. A place to drop your keys, a place for guests to leave their bag. A small console table can add much-appreciated function when stepping inside the door. This is also a nice place to add some decoration, fresh florals, and a lamp for a light welcoming glow.

Entryway design
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Fun Wall Finishes

Standout design is achieved through layers, and wall textures are a great way to build in some extra detail. Wainscoting can add texture and durability to entryways. Wallcoverings, from vibrant prints to subtle grasscloths, help stylize and visually separate the entry from other living spaces.

Entryway design
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Natural Light

The most vital design tool is powered by the sun, natural light. Harness the uplifting mood of these happy rays by welcoming as much of them as possible into your home. It is amazing how natural light can elevate a design, making a space feel brighter and full of joy while also helping to shine a spotlight on decor and design features.

Using natural light in your entryway.
Design by Everything Home Designs | Photography by Sarah Shields

Redesigning your entryway is a great first step into updating your home! Everything Home is here to help you develop your style story from great entryways to outside living, and everything in-between. Click here to connect and set up a design consultation today!

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8 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Custom and Unique

Make Your Home Feel Custom

You know the difference — when you walk into a home and the space feels like a simple welcome versus a WOWcome! Wow factor is rooted in intentional design and impressive final touches. Designs layered with details are the ones that feel the most special and unique.

Here are 8 eye-catching ways to make your home feel custom:

  1. Embellished Ceilings

Have you ever walked into a room and found yourself immediately looking up? It’s a clever way to experience a space—which explains why decorative ceilings are getting lots of pins and likes online these days! Dramatic ceiling details like vaulted beams, tray ceilings, and arched hallways move your eye upwards when entering a room, making the space appear larger and definitely more exciting.

Embellished Ceilings
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Luxe Lighting

You no longer have to break the bank to get luxury looks when it comes to lighting, with more selections than ever available at various price points and in a wide range of finishes. Lighting can change the whole vibe of a space with fixtures fitting an abundance of aesthetics, like farmhouse, mid-century modern, traditional, etc. For minimal investment, lighting selections can have a high impact when it comes to transforming a room.

Luxe Lighting
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Hardware Upgrade

If you’re looking for a quick custom style upgrade, consider ways to elevate door and cabinet hardware. Similar to lighting, unique selections are widely available to fit any aesthetic and budget. Investing in specialty hardware is an affordable way to personalize a space and make your home feel custom.

Hardware Upgrade
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Mudroom Makeover

If laundry day is your least favorite day of the week, you’re certainly not alone! Done up mudrooms and laundry spaces are increasingly popular in an effort to make household tasks and daily chores more manageable. Cabinets, cubbies, dog wash stations, custom coat trees, locker storage systems, and mail desks are all things to consider in building a fully custom “hub of the home” mudroom experience.

Mudroom Makeover
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Wall Treatment

Striking wallpapers and wall textures like shiplap, tile, and faux brick all help to make a space feel special. Whether it is an accent wall or whole room, wall treatments are visually exciting, adding unique texture and depth to a design.

Wall Treatment
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Custom Furnishings

Well-designed cabinetry and built-in shelving opportunities are an important consideration in planning a custom home renovation or build. From fireplace surrounds to media walls, kitchens to home office storage—custom cabinetry and shelving is both beautiful and useful. Avoid clunky furniture installations with a built-in storage concept for your space.

Custom Furnishings
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Posh Pantry Design

Custom design is about more than looks, it is about livability too. For a space to feel custom it should be designed in a way that reflects your individual lifestyle needs. A well-planned pantry space, with ample shelving and storage, is a great way to make a space unique to you! Up your pantry game by including a beverage fridge and breakfast bar for added customization and convenience.

Posh Pantry Design
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Hire a Professional Designer

Nothing brings more return on investment in custom design than working with a professional interior designer. An experienced designer incorporates lifestyle wants and style preferences to build a space that precisely reflects their client’s needs.

Make Your Home Feel Custom with an Interior Designer
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Our award-winning design team can help you design a space with custom features and flair to maximize your wish list. Contact us today to start planning your very own style story!

Happy Home, Happy Life

The 1,2,3’s of Pattern Mixing

Pattern mixing featured image

Swiss dots, boho florals, Japanese paperweave, traditional plaid and paisley—pattern brings eclectic energy to design. From subtle natural marble veins and soft organic wood grain, to bold botanical textiles and standout geometric wall coverings, you can harness unmatched design power using patterns. Use this unique design tool to sharply influence the overall style and vibe of a space. Design aesthetics (minimalist, maximalist, abstract, art deco, etc) all rely on patterns to tell their story. Layering a mix of patterns into a design can create even more visual excitement!

There really are no rules when it comes to mixing patterns, but here are a few tips to help you mix like a pro:

Coordinate Colors 
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Coordinate Colors

Keep your pattern mixing in check by coordinating a color palette. Make selections according to your color preferences and overall style goals. If you’re aiming to create a high-energy space, consider mixing patterns with complementary colors (opposite each other on the color wheel). For a simple relaxed look, stick to a more monochromatic (similar) color scheme when selecting patterns. Color choices have a big impact on the way a room feels, so deciding if you’re aiming for calm and quiet, vibrant and loud, or maybe somewhere in between is a great first step.

Size It Up 
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields
  1. Size It Up

Pattern mixing unfortunately falls flat when all of the elements within the pattern design are similar in size. Varying pattern sizes makes the design more interesting, and more exciting to the eye. High impact pattern combos include pairing slender long pin stripes with big bold florals, thick buffalo check with tight natural woodgrain, and large modern shapes with a light linen look.

Blend and Balance 
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

 

  1. Blend and Balance

Your favorite pattern should definitely be your anchor pattern in a room. Spotlight this pattern as upholstery on furniture, a wall covering, or maybe a floor rug. Basically go big with the pattern you like the best! From there, carefully distribute pattern weight throughout the space. Make sure bold patterns are more sprinkled than clustered, using subtle patterns to create buffer zones in between, bringing about a balanced, blended look.

Become a pattern mixing pro
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Love patterns? So do we! Let’s chat about pattern mixing potential in your space, and your design wishlist while we’re at it. Our design team is eager to help elevate your home style, and lifestyle with luxe livable design! Contact us for more info about our holistic design services.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

Tidy Up! Designing a Functional, Organized Laundry Room

Oh laundry day, understandably not most people’s favorite day of the week! It can be an intimidating task whether you try to knock it out in one day or spread it out over several—because before you fold that last pair of pants, it’s often time to start all over again. Life just keeps making laundry but you can wash away your frustrations around this pesky chore with smart work space design. A functional laundry room can make washing, drying, and folding a breeze so you have more time for the fun stuff!

Must-haves that just might turn your laundry space into a favorite place:

A naturally lit laundry room
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Natural Light

Sunshine makes everything better, right? It’s a lot easier to find inspiration for a dreaded chore like laundry with sunshine filling the room, so definitely let the light in! Aim to welcome as much natural light in as possible when designing laundry spaces. Live plants love natural light too, and similarly help to lift the mood when added to a work room.

Wash sink
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Wash Sink

A deep, large, wash sink for scrubbing and soaking is a definite must-have in the laundry room. This powerhouse feature truly has endless uses, from light washing of delicate clothes to scrubbing muddy boots. You may also consider adding an additional sink or shower pan with tile backsplash for washing your pets. Retractable sprayer faucets sure make rinsing, and life in the laundry room easier too!

A laundry room with a drying rack
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Drying Rack

A folding rack or hanging rod for air-drying delicate clothing is a staple in the laundry room. Not all fabrics can handle mechanical drying, so it is important to also consider an area to dry garments gently. Retractable wall racks for laying pieces flat that stretch when hung vertical, or built-in rods for clothing on hangers, both work well. Drying times vary depending on fabrics so you will want racks and rods mounted in an inconspicuous, out of the way, place in case items need several days to fully dry.

Plenty of folding space
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Folding Counter

Folding clothing right in the laundry room really is the best bet for keeping oneself accountable and wrapping up this chore quickly. Laundry folding counters can be stand alone tables, countertops mounted above front-loading washers and dryers or rolling clothing bins, or counters on top of base storage cabinets. Keep in mind that a comfortable counter height for folding is around 30” when planning folding zones.

A storage-centric laundry room
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Storage Spaces

Detergent, spot-remover, bleach, starch, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, oh my! There are lots of supplies to keep track of in the laundry room, so functional storage design must be considered. Closed cabinetry helps keep smaller items orderly, while open-shelving is a great option for stowing larger laundry baskets and totes. Additionally, tiered rolling supply carts can be used to keep things organized and within reach. Laundry rooms are also a great place to store household cleaners, brooms, mops, and more.

Ironing Board

If you love a crisp pleat or starched seam, then planning a place to iron is an important part of your design. In lieu of standard folding ironing boards, which can take up a lot of space, you can opt for a compact countertop ironing board that can be stored in a cabinet when not in use. Half-size folding ironing boards that hang on the back of the door are also an option, as well as folding ironing board wall cabinets with a built-in electrical plug and extra space for storing the iron.

Sorting bins
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Sorting and Socks

A designated place to sort delicates, colors, etc. definitely helps keep laundry running smoothly, especially if you are washing over multiple days. Rolling bins and totes are great helpers when it comes to separating garments. Having a “sock box” on hand for stashing lost socks awaiting their match in between loads is helpful too.

A mixed-use laundry room
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Mixed Use

The laundry room is a busy place! Mixed-use laundry and mudroom spaces make a lot of sense if the room is in close proximity to the garage and/or kitchen. Laundry rooms can also serve as the welcome center of the home depending on location. You may consider adding a drop zone for mail, keys, coats, and/or charging stations for phones and laptops. If large enough, a laundry room may also accommodate a family desk or a makerspace for arts and crafts.

Ready to upgrade your laundry day? We can help you wash in style and save time too with an organized, functional laundry room makeover. Contact us to learn more about our lifestyle enhancing remodeling services!

What “Wood” Look Good? Considerations When Selecting Wood Finishes

Wood Finishes Featured Image

Wood adds unparalleled visual interest to a space with its organic texture and tones—making it a favorite natural design element! Selecting wood finishes and features for your home can seem like a daunting task with all of the unique options available. Wood floors and furnishings are especially long-lived design elements in a home too, making it extra hard to lock into a single species or stain.

Don’t fret, mixing and matching wood tones is just as cool as mixing and matching metals these days! A designer can help you establish an eclectic wood theme with everlasting appeal.

5 Things Designers Consider When Selecting Wood Finishes:

Considerations When Selecting Wood Finishes
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Builder: Old Town Design Group | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Evaluate Your Design for Opportunity

Wood is a very versatile design element with flexible applications across design aesthetics, plus there is no better way to bring the outdoors in!  Evaluate the draft design of a space for opportunities to include wood furnishings—from floors, furniture, and frames to cabinets, decor and more. Then finalize which wood elements are best suited for the space, giving careful consideration to a balanced distribution of wood weight around the room.

Considerations When Selecting Wood Finishes
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Builder: Old Town Design Group | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Establish a Dominant Wood Tone

After evaluating what surfaces in your design will be wood, the next step is to establish a dominant tone. The dominant wood tone selection should be both a reflection of your home’s aesthetic and personal style preferences. This selection should be applied to the largest surface in the room, like wood floors, wood fireplace surrounds, sizable dining tables, etc.

Considerations When Selecting Wood Finishes
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Use Complementary Undertones

Once a dominant wood tone is selected, consider complementary undertones to use. When layering design details, matching or even coming as close as possible to matching the dominant tone, is not necessary. Complementary tones will actually highlight the dominant tone better than a match. The tones of wood finishes are often broken down into cool (grey or beige) or warm (yellow, orange or red) color families. Sticking to wood selections in the same color tone family will help bring unity to a design without worrying about an exact match, and it is more visually exciting too!

Considerations When Selecting Wood Finishes
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Builder: Old Town Design Group | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Consider Contrasting Tones and Textures

If you want to liven things up and create visual excitement, embrace a contrasting mix of wood tones and textures. A combination of light ash wood floors and dark walnut wood furnishings is a perfect example of how contrasting wood colors can make an eye-catching design statement. To elevate energy in a space, consider the unique textures available in wood products too, from rustic barn wood to smooth maple. Species specific wood grain selections, like heart pine or tiger oak, can also increase the visual interest of wood finishes in a design. A clever appointment of wood tones and textures can turn a simple design into a work of art.

Considerations When Selecting Wood Finishes
Interior Design: Everything Home Designs | Photo Credit: Sarah Shields

Support Transitions with Textiles

Wood on wood on wood is too much, even for wood’s biggest fan! Textiles, like fabric furniture, window drapery, and floor rugs, all help to support space between wood features in a room. Side-by-side wood blends together, create design transitions with textiles to emphasize individual wood elements for maximum design impact.

Contact us to gain the eye of a seasoned designer when incorporating wood elements into your space! Whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to mix pre-owned wood furnishings with new design elements, we’re here to help with our flexible design services.

Happy Home. Happy Life.

How to Put the “You” in Unique Design

Unique design starts with you! The most personal designs are a result of being involved, intentional, and authentic throughout the design process. Honing your unique design style takes time. Explore trends, ask friends, tour homes, and talk to experts. These are great ways to sort through likes, dislikes, and what really works best for you!

Here are a few tips to help you achieve uniquely-you design:

Plan for Real Life

Your design style should be reflective of your life-style. Consider the wants and needs of all users who will occupy the space. Take time to contemplate anticipated room use and function upfront. This will lead to smart design decisions and ultimately happy spaces. Organization, accessibility, durability, and technology are all very personal design features to consider.

Create a Vision

Knowing what you like and what you want out of a design helps establish a vision. A balance between aesthetics and function also creates timelessness in a design. Having a vision helps keep you focused, on track, and eliminates unnecessary expenses that can arise when plans are incomplete or fickle. Designing spaces piece-by-piece with long gaps of time in between can lead to perpetually unfinished spaces, a recurring desire to alter the plan, and sometimes a room without a purpose.

Contrasting Elements

Contrast creates a more realistic and natural feel in a design. Layer contrasting materials, patterns, and textures to enhance visual energy. Think coarse next to smooth, shiny next to dull, scratchy next to soft, etc. Contrast elevates design with unique personality.

Be Authentic

Incorporate unique family heirlooms and everyday pieces into room design. Every house has a story to tell—authentic design tells your unique story. From custom color palettes that represent your tastes to decor that spotlights your interests, design can say a lot of things. Go with design selections that speak to you!

Everything Home’s signature Satisfaction by Design process is interactive and customizable. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you to achieve truly YOU-nique design!

Flooring 101 and Room by Room

It can be intimidating making the best flooring choice from room to room while keeping a cohesive design. Let us guide you through understanding today’s flooring options and how to make the smartest selections.

Flooring 101:

Wood – A timeless flooring option, available in many stains and styles. From standard plank to mixed-plank, wood floors are ever-stylish and definitely durable. Solid hardwood flooring has a long-life span with perpetual opportunity to sand and refinish if a refresh is in order. Engineered wood floors have a 3-7mm thick veneer of hardwood that can be sanded and refinished up to approximately five times, underneath is a layer of plywood material. Solid hardwood and engineered wood floors are both available pre-finished with stain and polyurethane already applied or unfinished. Water and wood floors do not always get along, moisture may unfortunately cause warping or damage to wood finishes.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Attractive both in appearance and function, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors are growing in popularity. With a moisture barrier on the back, LVP floors are suitable for rooms that may experience some moisture. LVP floors are installed as a floating floor with no glue, so they can be removed and replaced if necessary. Some LVP floors are constructed with cork backing for added comfort and cushion under your step. Wood-like graining, natural coloring, and organic beveled edge options give LVP floors convincing character resembling real wood. LVP floors often carry a lifetime warranty adding to their appeal.

Tile – Undoubtedly durable and water-resilient, tile flooring arguably offers the widest range of color and design. Mason-laid, tile is cemented and mortared into place; updates are somewhat difficult requiring specialized removal and replacement. Tile can be considered cold on feet, electrical heating elements are recommended for those who prefer a warmer place to walk.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – 100% waterproof, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is suitable for the wettest conditions. LVT design options include wood, stone, slate, travertine, and more. Most LVT on the market is backed by either a 15-year, 30-year, or lifetime warranty.

Carpet – Plush under foot, soft in appearance, inexpensive to buy, and easy to install carpet is a long-time favorite. Carpet can have an unfortunately short lifespan of anywhere from 5 to 25 years depending on the quality and is not suitable for wet or messy conditions.

Flooring Room by Room:

Bath and Laundry Room – Splashes are bound to happen in the bath and laundry room so think flooring that holds up to liquid—tile, LVT, and LVP are all smart choices.

Kitchen and Mudroom – These rooms are the hub of the home receiving the most foot traffic, therefore they require the hardest working floor type. Tile and LVP are low maintenance and can handle moisture and ware in the kitchen and mudroom. They are also very easy to clean!

Bedroom – Bedroom flooring preferences are very personal. Wood flooring and LVP are popular selections, offering longevity and look. If you prefer something softer consider carpet or an area rug. Low-pile carpet is easier to clean, with less fuzz, and minimal visible traffic patterns compared to high-pile carpet.

Dining, Family, and Living Room – Wood and LVP floors feel warm and cozy in dining and relaxing zones. Both are highly-durable and long-lasting too. Accent these spaces with an area rug for a soft touch.

Basement – LVP and LVT are wise choices for basement installations because of their ability to withstand possible moisture. Both are floating floors too, easy to install and repair if necessary.

Everything Home can help you with all your interior design needs from the floor up. Contact us to learn more about our extensive design services. Happy Home, Happy Life.

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