With homes trending smaller, today’s houses are being built with cleaner lines and styles to emphasize the open concept. Detailed trim work and dark stains are out; light colors and simpler styles are in. Let’s look at six of the latest trends. Cabinets. Painted cabinets in bright colors with straight, simple lines are in vogue…. Read more »
As back-to-school season looms, it’s time to start thinking about whipping your home into shape for another 10 months of rushed mornings, afternoons of carpooling, and homework-filled evenings. Just as teachers prep their classrooms, parents can inspire success with these 13 tweaks to the home-front routine. Meeting of the minds. Change comes easier when everyone… Read more »
The focal point of the home is the kitchen, where family and friends gather to share food, drink and fun. But if you like to entertain guests, even a large kitchen can become congested, especially if you are preparing and replenishing food throughout the event. Adding a butler’s pantry may be the answer to your… Read more »
In the emerging world of man-cave design, sports-themed rooms are the most popular, but certainly not the only choice. Video games, movies, and vintage cars are also common themes. Or, you might want to design a one-of-kind room based on your hometown or even a favorite hangout from your college days. Even more ideas. Do… Read more »
Nearly every year, a new “must-have” countertop appliance appears on store shelves promising to transform your life. While some of these gadgets add convenience, others just take up valuable real estate in your kitchen. Before you buy that mini-donut maker, check out our list of five countertop cooking appliances you’ll actually use. Slow cookers are… Read more »
Whether you’re moving or just looking for a more streamlined look, your bookshelves are an obvious place to consider paring down. Books are heavy and take up a lot of space. With the continued popularity of electronic reading devices that store hundreds of books in the palm of your hand, is it really necessary to… Read more »
The right mattress can make the difference between tossing and turning and getting a great night’s sleep. With so many new options available, selecting the best mattress can be overwhelming. Follow these tips and you’ll be sleeping soundly in no time. Shop around. If you haven’t shopped for a mattress in a long while, allow… Read more »
Selecting a new sofa is a major decision. The focal point of most family rooms and living rooms, they get a lot of use, they provide seating for multiple people, and they’re expensive. Answer these six questions and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a new piece of furniture without regret. How do you… Read more »
Regardless of space or budget, you can turn your closet into something special. All it takes is organization and a little attention to detail. Closet systems. Custom closet organizers are trained to make closets look luxurious, but their talent comes at a price. The good news is you can achieve similar results at a lower… Read more »
With more people working from home than ever before, office workspaces are now must-haves in many homes. Whether you have a dedicated office or a flexible work area in another room, stylish and ergonomic furniture along with smart storage solutions will help create an attractive, functional space. Desks. Current desktop computers feature integrated hard drives… Read more »
As technology has evolved, the once-popular television armoire is disappearing from American homes. What’s new in home entertainment storage and display? Take a look. Consoles. Many consumers are opting to display televisions on top of a cabinet or hang them on a wall. Consoles work well in either scenario. They offer convenient hidden storage for… Read more »
Since beds are typically the focal points of most bedrooms, the pressure is on when it comes to choosing a style. Casual or formal? High-end or budget? Here are our top picks, along with their pros and cons. Sleigh. The hallmark of sleigh beds is their curving headboard and footboards. They are most commonly made… Read more »
Landing zones and mudrooms seem to rank high in popularity with today’s families. But how do you make a functional and great-looking space that your family actually uses? It’s easy, when you follow these eight simple tips. Seating is key. One of the most important elements every mudroom or landing zone needs is a bench… Read more »
An eat-in kitchen is a favorite feature of busy families with children, a spot where the kids can eat without too much worry about the mess and the cook isn’t separated from the rest of the crew. Need a few ideas about eat-in kitchen seating? Let your family’s lifestyle and the size and shape of… Read more »
Once upon a time, dining rooms tended to be on the stuffy side, with a table and matching set of chairs, and a china cabinet chockful of fine dishes. But today’s more casual lifestyles are changing dining rooms from formal and forbidding to inviting and eclectic. If your dining room is stuck in a bygone… Read more »
With today’s hectic lifestyle, it’s more important than ever to get enough rest and relaxation. According to experts, sleep offers many benefits, including improvements in memory, immune function, weight control, and stress reduction. Follow these tips to transform your bedroom into a tranquil space for sleeping and de-stressing. Simplify your space. Clutter and disorder in… Read more »
In large multi-story houses, more than one staircase may exist. Attic stairs are common and some houses may even have an outside staircase for renters or a back set of steps as an entry to upstairs playrooms. Let’s go exploring up one staircase and down another. A showcase. The main (or only) staircase in a… Read more »
If you’re custom building a home or remodeling an outdated bathroom, don’t forget to consider an updated toilet. Take a look at the most recent changes in commode function and style. Function. Newer “dual-flush” toilets give homeowners the choice to use 1.6 gallons of water while flushing or the water-saving .8 gallons of water. Worried… Read more »
Bathroom sinks and countertops have come a long way from the standard-issue white porcelain sink dropped into laminate cabinetry that you find in many homes across the country. Need a change? Treat yourself and your bathroom to a gorgeous makeover. Countertops. The same great high-end surfaces available for kitchen remodels are now available in bathrooms…. Read more »
Bathroom showers have surged in popularity in recent years, making bathtubs a secondary feature in many remodeling projects. If a makeover is in your future, here are a few things to consider before getting your feet wet. Expansive size. In some instances, showers have become so large, they may not even need doors, a definite… Read more »
