If your vacuum cleaner has a hose, it has attachments that work with that hose. But many vacuum owners don’t really know how to effectively use these tools, or in some cases, even where the tools have been stashed! Here’s how to use your vacuum’s attachments to clean up like a boss. The right tool… Read more »
A good night’s sleep starts with a good bed. That’s as true for your dog as it is for you. As any dog owner knows, a dog sleeps both night and day. Puppies and older dogs sleep as much as 18 hours out of 24, according to the American Kennel Club. So what is the… Read more »
Americans live life on the go. With traffic jams, deadlines and busy schedules winding us up tight, perhaps it’s no surprise that the Danish lifestyle known as hygge is growing in popularity. A home designed with hygge in mind is a calm oasis for relaxing with family and friends. What is the hygge lifestyle, and… Read more »
You may not be a smoker, but if you live in an apartment or condo your neighbor’s cigarette smoke may be infiltrating your abode. This secondhand smoke is well-documented health hazard. Here are some steps you can take to avoid this problem. Making modifications to your home Physical modifications of your living space can help… Read more »
When furnishing your home, you may have puzzled over numbers — not how many tables or chairs you need, but what size your pieces should be and how much space you need around them. For example, how far should your TV be from your sofa? How much space do you need around a dining room… Read more »
Spring and summer bring fresh air, lightness, and a sense of rebirth as the world comes alive again after hibernating. Check out these easy home design tips for the warmer months. Warm Month Colors Spring and summer traditionally mean pastels, but don’t let that stop you from using bold, vibrant colors. Yellows, golds, greens –… Read more »
Is there any place on earth cozier than your own bed? You collapse there at the end of a long day, eager to snuggle down and start stacking ZZZs. But if you’re not cleaning your covers often enough, there’s a lot of microscopic stuff in that bed with you. Here’s our guide to keeping bed… Read more »
Many older apartments and homes have fewer bathrooms than today’s modern houses. Here are some ideas to help your family live in harmony with just one bathroom. Organize time in the bathroom Cut down on the conflict by creating a schedule for when different family members shower or bathe. This way others will know when… Read more »
Small spaces – apartments or older homes with small rooms – often can’t accommodate a full-sized couch or a dining table that seats 10. But that doesn’t mean you have to do without. Here are seven ideas on how to live large in a smaller home. Plan for small spaces Take furniture dimensions and, using… Read more »
Many people use the terms interior decorator and interior designer interchangeably. While the jobs share some similarities, they are not the same, and the titles are not interchangeable. What’s the difference, and who do you need for your job? Areas of Expertise Interior designers work with clients, architects and builders to create functional spaces that… Read more »
Special cool-season décor makes homes feel warm and cozy during the colder months. Here are quick tips to make your home especially inviting during fall and winter. Bedrooms Make your bedrooms ready for the cooler months and the winter holidays by changing out comforters. Add colorful throw blankets and change your sheets to flannel ones… Read more »
Indoor kitchen gardens are fun and easy — the perfect project for novice gardeners and cooks of all ages and talents. If you’re just getting started, here’s a quick primer. Benefits of an indoor herb garden. For a gardener without outdoor space, or someone who wants a low-maintenance option, consider an indoor herb garden. Not… Read more »
Did you know plants can help eliminate allergens and toxins in your home? Here’s how to put your greenery to work purifying the air. Why do I need to purify my home’s air? Toxins, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pollutants abound in many common household products, including carpet, upholstery, building materials, paint, even cleaning solutions…. Read more »
It’s easy to go overboard when decorating kids’ rooms. It’s so tempting to go all-in with a theme of trucks or unicorns or a much-loved superhero. But what happens when the child moves on to a new favorite? Here’s how to indulge your child’s intense, but changing, interests without breaking the budget. Color Schemes Start… Read more »
Color schemes can make your home look hopelessly dated or vibrantly on trend. But how do you know which colors are in and which are out? Here are seven tips to best choose a modern color palette. 1. Color palette dictates ambiance. Consider the room, how you want to feel, and what you will be… Read more »
Regular massages offer increased circulation and lower blood pressure, along with increased relaxation. If you’ve been asking yourself, Should I buy a massage chair for my home? Here are six things to consider. 1. Do you have room for a massage chair? Massage chairs take up quite a bit of room, so look around your… Read more »
In a medical emergency when seconds count, quick and easy access to medical information can make the difference between life and death. When a person with a serious medical issue becomes incapacitated while at home alone, emergency responders need the information to treat her appropriately. Here are life-saving steps you can take in advance to… Read more »
After a long exile, faux flowers and greenery seem to be making a home decor come back, according to the latest episodes of TV decorating shows. Real plants and their faux counterparts are both pricey so why not spend your hard-earned money on something that doesn’t wilt after a week or suffer a slow death from… Read more »
Garbage disposals get no respect. Day in and day out, they toil away for us while we shove all manner of things down their throats. Let’s give them a little love with these tips. Today’s disposals are better What your garbage disposal can handle depends on the quality of the unit. If you live in… Read more »
After purchasing a new home and moving in, most new owners rush to buy new furniture to fill empty rooms. While those pieces may look just right in the showroom, they often lose their appeal when delivered. Here are seven tips for buying furniture that’s just right for your new home. 1. Budget Deciding on… Read more »
