Bathtubs may have taken a temporary backseat to luxurious showers in home style trends, but the latest tubs offer plenty of advances in design and technology of their own. And don’t forget, in a home with multiple bathrooms, at least one should offer a tub — if only for the kids and the family dog…. Read more »
Although bathrooms are among the smallest rooms in a home, they are a big job to tackle when it comes to remodeling. Roll up your sleeves and let the planning begin. Function first. List the functional aspects of the current floorplan and what you would like to change. Are there dead spaces? Can two people… Read more »
Elegant, sweeping stairs are one of the central contributors to a home’s beauty. Here are the latest trends in stairs, which just might sweep you off your feet. Anatomy of a staircase. If you are updating a staircase or in the process of a building a new one, it’s helpful to know the lingo. The… Read more »
Today’s faucets are attractive, sleek and come in a beautiful array of shapes, sizes and even colors. Perhaps the most eye pleasing are the various swan neck designs, which are popular for their form and function. Available finishes range from nickel and bronze to copper, brass and stainless steel. One example of the unique finishes… Read more »
Pesky strings of Christmas lights and broken ornaments are a tradition we’d rather trash than treasure. Here’s how to avoid getting tangled up in knots when decorating for the season. Handy plastic light reels, about ten inches in diameter, are available in stores where you buy lights. At the end of the season, wrap strands… Read more »
It’s time to decorate for Christmas but do you really want to struggle with that twisted and tangled mess of incandescent lights? Or is it time to invest in the newer LED types for your Christmas tree? LEDs vs. incandescents. We all grew up with strings of incandescent Christmas lights, but they are quickly being… Read more »
With today’s busy schedules, families need their homes to work harder for them. That means some rooms may need to do double duty — and sometimes even triple duty. Here’s a five-step guide to make sure the rooms in your house mirror your multitasking life. Step 1: Decide function and location. Going through your house… Read more »
When siblings share a bedroom, every little bit of space counts. So what can a frazzled parent do? We’ve got you covered with this handy list of tips to ease sibling rivalry and create a harmonious space that your kids will love. Meeting of the minds. If your children are old enough to participate in… Read more »
If your kitchen is on the small side, fear not. You, too, can have big style in a small space. With a focus on function, careful material choices, and a little creativity, your dream kitchen is possible — regardless of size. Check out our top five design solutions for tiny kitchens. Stay focused. When space… Read more »
Walk-in closets are a perennial favorite among home buyers. But older homes and small townhouses and condos may have only small closets — or worse — no closets at all in some rooms. While not ideal, lack of closet space is not an insurmountable obstacle. Once you’ve paired down your wardrobe to a reasonable number… Read more »
If your new home is a blank canvas and you aren’t sure how to decorate, or you have rooms that you don’t like and no idea how to fix them, you may need some help identifying your design style. Before you do anything else, it’s crucial to know what kind of style you prefer. Use… Read more »
Many of us struggle with living rooms that are smaller than we’d like. Do you dream of big style in a tiny space? With a little creativity and some smart choices, your small space can have a much larger feel. Paint. Choose a light color to make your room appear larger. Most designers recommend white… Read more »
If you have a small bathroom, you know it can be a challenge to make it work. Bathroom spaces need to be functional, of course, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also have style. With the right fixtures, smart storage, and a few design tricks, you can create a great-looking bathroom that works for… Read more »
You’re expecting a baby but don’t have a designated room for a nursery? Relax. With a little creativity, flexibility, and our handy list of suggestions, making space for your newest member of the family will be easier than you think. Stick to the essentials. Limit baby’s belongings to what’s really needed and what will get… Read more »
If you’re looking for a new way to arrange your home, the solution may lie in an ancient Chinese system called feng shui. Let’s learn the basics along with some easy tips for implementation in your home. Feng shui philosophy. Feng shui, which translates to “wind and water,” is a method designed to achieve harmony… Read more »
Skipping the gym in favor of home workouts is a viable option for getting in shape during the coronavirus outbreak– with or without equipment and a dedicated space. All it takes is a green light from your doctor, a well-rounded routine, and some dedication to taking care of your body. Here a five tips for… Read more »
If you’re lucky enough to have an unfinished basement in your home, have you ever considered converting that space into a bonus living area? With some diligent clutter busting and clever design work, you could add a whole new dimension to your home. The possibilities. If you have an existing basement, would you make it… Read more »
Before you pick up that paintbrush or roller, do yourself a favor and study up on the types of paint, the materials you’ll need to do a good job and the techniques required to make your painted surfaces look like you hired a pro. Types of paint. Paint falls into two basic types: water-based and… Read more »
For many, working from home sounds romantic. For those who actually work from home, working from home has its romantic moments, but it also has its challenges. There are those mornings when the bed feels way more comfortable than the home office. But designing an ideal home office helps these professionals get out of bed… Read more »
A kitchen makeover is probably the most beneficial renovation for a house. Most people don’t think twice about replacing counters, but the cabinets can involve a more complex decision. You basically have three choices: Replace, refinish or paint. Here’s how to decide. Assess what you have. Take a good look at your cabinets, their condition… Read more »
