Ask Ann

Design expert Ann Porter gives advice on dressing up your home.

• 2011 Color Trends - Looking Back Posted 11/11/2010 at 9:53 a.m. 0 comments

  Hot colors from 2010 will continue over into the 2011 designer palette.
  
  Classics never go out of style - they are the Archetypes of design and color that are seemingly ageless. The Archetypes palette harkens back to the idea of retro and is heavily influences by movies and television.

• The Color Purple Posted 9/14/2010 at 9:50 p.m. 0 comments

  You see plum on the runways and in your favorite storefront windows; but can you successfully incorporate Fall’s hottest color in your home?
  
  

• Container Gardening Posted 6/15/2010 at 7:59 a.m. 1 comment

  The current vegetable craze is the hottest garden trend in decades. Whether the recession or a desire for organic vegetables has spurred your interest, container gardening offers many rewards.

• Florida Appliance Rebates Posted 3/22/2010 at 6:59 a.m. 0 comments

  Need a new refrigerator, dishwasher or clothes washer? As part of the economic stimulus plan, the federal government has allocated $300 million for the Cash for Appliances rebate program that will put $50 to $200 (per appliance) in your pocket for getting rid of your old, worn out appliances and buying new, energy-efficient models. But you must wait until next month to purcahse them.

• 7 Things You Didn't Know You Can Recycle Posted 9/25/2009 at 9:28 a.m. 0 comments

  Even the most waste-conscious among us can feel overwhelmed by the amount of household waste that goes beyond what municipal recyclers and compost bins can handle. This list will help you divert more waste away from landfills.

• Your Showerhead is Filled with Nasty Bacteria Posted 9/16/2009 at 3:53 p.m. 0 comments

  New research suggests that many shower heads are teeming with Mycobacterium avium, a bacteria that can cause lung disease. Should you be worried?

• Want a Party Kitchen? Posted 8/4/2009 at 10:02 a.m. 0 comments

  Many clients are telling me they are going out less and entertaining more at home. If your current kitchen doesn’t meet your entertaining needs try incorporating the ideas below for adding some rhythm to your kitchen.

• What should you expect from products with antimicrobial agents? Posted 5/10/2009 at 9:26 a.m. 0 comments

  The H1N1 flu has brought concern for the spread of viruses and products with antimicrobial agents into the spotlight. If you are confused by all the labels, you are not alone. Continue reading to learn about these germ-killing ingredients.

• Local Earth Day Events Posted 4/20/2009 at 1:58 a.m. 0 comments

  Recycle your household electronics on Earth Day.

• How America Cooks, Eats and Shops Posted 4/8/2009 at 9:40 p.m. 0 comments

  Understanding how women are shopping and cooking for their family in the face of rising food costs and a weak economy can make your kitchen remodel more appealing.