Decorating trends come and go, often returning yet again with a reinvented look. So how do you know which trends to keep and which to discard? Keep reading for some thoughts and tips. Decorating trends to discard For many years, kitchen remodels included elaborate vent fans over the stove. However, fans were never intended to… Read more »
Family photos are often used to adorn walls, turning memories into artwork. Follow these seven tips to help transform your treasured photos into beautiful home accents. 1. Where Do I Display Them? Depending on your home’s layout, you may have several options. A few places make natural sense, though. Stairwells, long hallways, and family rooms… Read more »
Succulents are one of the hottest trends in home decor, a nod to their minimalistic sensibilities and extreme hardiness. These hard-to-kill plants from the desert seem to be for sale everywhere, from supermarkets, flea markets, and discount stores to high-end boutiques and nurseries. The trend is so hot, it has sprouted stand-alone succulent shops that… Read more »
A little organization and a fair amount of purging can turn even a modest linen closet into a functional space for a family. Here are a few tips. Purging One set of sheets for each bed plus one spare set is really all you need. The same rule of thumb goes for towels. Keep one… Read more »
Artwork adds color and personalization to a home, and can also help define your style. Having photos, prints, or other art on the walls transforms a sterile space into a home. Whether you’re a collector investing in high-quality artwork or a budget-minded homeowner interested in low-cost prints, here’s a brief how-to guide to buying art…. Read more »
Home decorating trends are looking up, literally. We put so much emphasis on walls, floors, and furnishings that the ceiling’s potential for impact often gets overlooked. Here’s what you are missing. Color contrasts. The color of a ceiling can enhance or minimize its height. Painting the ceiling a brighter color than the walls can “lift”… Read more »
Rooms come alive when an accent wall commands attention. You can bring the focus to a particular wall with something as simple as a bold paint color or as complex as custom built-in shelving. Whatever your choice, an accent wall will bring character to any room. What is an accent wall? An accent wall is… Read more »
Frameless glass enclosures are stylish and popular for freestanding showers. Now gorgeous glass is replacing the shower curtain on tubs with showers. Let’s take a look. Better Looking and Less Work Shower curtains have been a mainstay for tub-shower combos because they are so simple. An attractive outer curtain presents a nice look, while a… Read more »
It’s an iconic Christmas scene: a family driving home from the tree lot with a real Christmas tree tied to the top of their SUV. Artificial trees are practical, but nothing beats the scent of fresh greenery in the living room. Let’s pick the perfect tree for you and your family. Environmental Impact The real… Read more »
Gorgeous hardwood or tile floors are enhanced by the added beauty of area rugs. This is especially true in hallways and on stairs, where decorative carpet runners can add color, increase safety and help buffer sound. Carpet Runners Add Depth and Character Carpet runners are typically used in hardwood or tile hallways and on stairs… Read more »
Living in tight quarters requires creativity. Once you’ve cleared the clutter and made a sizeable donation to charity, it’s time to make the most out of living in a small space. Every inch counts when it comes to storage solutions. Closet Redo Double your space by attaching a second hanging bar to the first. Shirts,… Read more »
The bedroom, particularly the master, is your personal haven. Part of what can make it cozy is a sumptuous carpet. But with so many types and styles, how do you choose? Scrunch your toes on these plush possibilities. Benefits of Carpet in a Bedroom Carpet and rugs help make a bedroom warm and inviting. Setting… Read more »
Setting up a home gym isn’t as expensive or labor intensive as you might think — and just might provide the incentive you need to exercise. Take a look. Location. No need to build an addition or finish off a basement. A spare bedroom, an office space, or garage can all work. In the right… Read more »
Anyone who has removed old wallpaper from a house is likely to think long and hard about adding it to a nice clean expanse of unblemished wall. But today’s wallcoverings deserve another look. When it works. Open floor plans with a large living space are good candidates for wallpaper, which can give a room character… Read more »
Hanging small pictures doesn’t require a lot of skill or heavy duty hangers. But anything weighing in at more than 10 pounds, and especially more than 25 pounds, requires hefty fasteners and much more caution. When hanging something heavy, it’s always preferable to locate a wall stud behind the sheetrock and drive a nail or… Read more »
The home wet bar has been a part of entertaining for decades, but today’s renditions are more fashionable than ever before. Basic components include: a faucet with sink, a stylish counter with cabinets underneath, handsome open shelving above, a wine refrigerator and, if the sky’s the limit, a dishwasher. Don’t forget a beverage cart for… Read more »
Whether you’re shopping for a new home or updating your existing property, an upgraded shower is a great way to give your bathroom a boost. These days, sought-after showers are more high-tech and bigger than ever. In fact, some homeowners forgo tubs completely in favor of these expanded, spa-like showers in their master bathrooms. Before… Read more »
When it’s time to replace your window treatments, the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. Here we’ve highlighted five window treatment trends that strike a perfect balance between timely and timeless. Color A splash of color may be just the update that your window coverings need, and you can’t go wrong with rich jewel… Read more »
Whether you crave washability, desire a new look for every season, or just want to make the best of a flea market find — slipcovers have got you covered. With a little research and effort, you’ll find a slipcover to fit your furniture piece, along with your style and budget. When to use a slipcover…. Read more »
For many of us, a house wouldn’t be a home without a pet — or two — or several. But even the most ardent pet lover will admit that cat towers and giant dog beds do little for the decor of a home. Fortunately, there’s a plethora of products on the market that will keep… Read more »
