Since the cave painters, humans have been decorating the walls of their homes. Today’s trendy way to do that is with a wallpaper mural. Whether peel-and-stick or traditional pasted paper, wallpaper murals offer a relatively quick way to give a wall personality. Here’s our guide to wallpaper murals. Murals vs. wallpaper While wallpaper has a… Read more »
In many Asian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern countries, people remove their shoes at entry to their homes and others. In the United States, it’s more common to leave them on. But is that the best practice? Here’s what you should know about wearing shoes in the house. The case for taking shoes off It’s… Read more »
Barbie has long enthralled young girls, but the petite powerhouse seems to be everywhere in the aftermath of the Barbie movie. Now “Barbiecore” design brings a playful touch to home decor, from girls’ bedrooms to living rooms and kitchens. Here’s a primer on Barbiecore design and how to use it in your home. Elements of… Read more »
Peel-and-stick wallpaper and borders are more popular than ever. Peel and stick is simple: no water, glue or mess. Is it a better choice for you than standard wallpaper? Here’s our guide to the advantages and disadvantages of peel-and-stick wallpaper, plus advice on how to apply it. Advantages of peel-and-stick wallpaper Peel-and-stick wallpaper tends to… Read more »
Adding to your cat family is exciting, but the process can be frightening for the new kitten. And the cat you already own may feel like her territory has been invaded. To help your feline friends settle in successfully, follow these get-to-know-you steps. Step one: Take it slow Dogs tend to bound through the door… Read more »
Pumpkins can add a warm and homey touch to your decor throughout the fall, not just at Halloween. Consider these creative ideas for decorating with pumpkins. All kinds of pumpkins Today’s pumpkins come in a dazzling range of colors, from traditional bright orange to more muted orange tones, white, green and gray. Sizes vary, too:… Read more »
Area rugs can add coziness, color, and texture to a room. They can also ground a room and define specific areas. However, choosing the proper size area rug can be challenging. Here’s our guide to area rug sizes. Better too big than too small Area rugs generally come in standard sizes of 6 x 9… Read more »
Blinds and shades do double duty when it comes to your windows. These treatments are a great way to add attractive accents to a room’s decor, but they also allow you to control your privacy and the amount of light that enters the space. Here’s our primer on buying blinds and shades. Before you buy… Read more »
You’ve painted the walls, moved in the furniture and hung the pictures, but your new room is still missing something. It’s probably texture, the finishing touch that adds life to home decor. Here’s why texture is essential to good design and how to add it to any room. What is texture? Texture is anything that… Read more »
A piano brings beautiful music into your home but can also present a decorating challenge. Pianos often don’t fit well into your space or design style. Here are some tips for decorating with a piano. Focal point or background music? The first thing you should do if you decorate with a piano is decide whether… Read more »
You’ve looked at paint chips till you are bleary-eyed, but you’ve finally found the perfect wall colors for your home’s interior. Unfortunately, your job’s not over. What color will you paint the trim? Here’s our primer on what to consider when choosing trim paint colors. Initial considerations Though we generally focus first on the color… Read more »
Hear the words “vinyl flooring,” and you may think of the artificial-looking sheet vinyl of the 1970s, but think again. Today’s luxury vinyl flooring is a different, more durable product that is still cost-effective but successfully mimics the look of natural materials like wood or stone. Here’s our primer on luxury vinyl flooring. Two basic… Read more »
When a child becomes mobile, it’s time for parents to spring into action to prevent accidents. Stairs, floor-level cabinets, and other potential dangers become accessible. Baby gates are a must for keeping little ones in a safely controlled setting. Here is what to consider when purchasing baby gates for your home. Safety gate locations Safety… Read more »
Finding the right veterinarian for the beloved pets in your family is a major decision for doting pet owners. Here’s a guide to help you find just the right vet to ensure your pet lives an optimum, healthy life. Recommendations required Start by asking friends and family for referrals to their favored veterinary clinics. Reputable… Read more »
Adopting a puppy is exciting but also a bit nerve-wracking. If your new pooch is not already house-trained, you should start training immediately to preserve your peace of mind and keep your home sanitary. Most dogs can be trained to consistently do their duty in a designated spot outdoors in just a few short weeks…. Read more »
Your houseplants may have flourished while basking in the summer sunshine outdoors, but come winter, it’s time to move those plants inside. You may also have garden plants you hope to protect through the cooler months by moving them indoors. With either type of plant, there are certain steps you need to take to help… Read more »
That first crisp fall day is exciting. We pull out sweaters, watch football and excitedly anticipate the holidays. Before long, though, it’s dark when you leave for work and dark when you drive home, and the weather is cold and depressing. It’s a good time to make your home a cheery, cozy haven that drives… Read more »
If you’ve spent more time than you’d like down on your knees putting away Legos, Barbies, small cars and crayons, you’ve probably wished for a fairy godmother who could clean up your children’s play area at the end of the day. Unfortunately, no such person exists, but with a little effort, you can organize your… Read more »
Your fireplace is likely the first place your eye goes when you enter your living room or den. You may already decorate the fireplace’s mantel for the winter holidays, but the rest of the year your mantel is a perfect place to exercise your creativity and add some pizzazz to a room. Here’s our guide… Read more »
Some homeowners are lucky enough to live in view of a lake, a forest or mountains. But with the biophilic design trend, even city dwellers can make their homes’ interiors trigger the good feelings nature provokes. Here’s our primer on biophilic design and how you can use its principles to bring the benefits of the… Read more »
