Beautify Your Home

The introduction of many shows on HGTV and similar programming stations has prompted a new movement in “Do it Yourself” home repair and design.  Working with this trend, Target stores are now making it possible for customers to match bedding and paint colors instantly online and in the store.  A story in The Detroit News [...]

Millions of people around the world have faced the torment of seeing an unfamiliar and unwelcome face in the bedroom.  The resulting mental, emotional, and financial turmoil can be devastating and may include serious nightmares and difficulty finding a normal sleeping pattern again.  Yet, these invaders are not tall, strong, or domineering.  They do, however, [...]

When it comes to furniture, there are few pieces of more interest than that of royalty.  Perhaps the most appealing and that which holds the most intrigue belongs to the Queen of England and her heirs.  But, is it appreciated by the owner as much as it would be by so many around the world?  [...]

In a recent Wall Street Journal piece, Gwendolyn Bounds writes, “Forget about a room with a view.  Today, homeowners want views from every room.”  And they are getting them with huge expanses of gleaming glass.  Today, the floor plan of choice is wide open; homeowners want combined living and dining spaces, and this creates more [...]

From clothing and jewelry to artwork and prints to furniture, there has been an explosion in interest in all things vintage.  There are technical differences between antiques and vintage items, but in general, vintage is about digging through the past and pulling out the gems.  It could be an art deco couch from the 1930s [...]

  If you really want to update the look and feel of your home, try new floor tiles and modern comforter sets.  This is a bigger investment but one that will add value and enjoyment to your rooms.  Whether you are retiling your kitchen, bathrooms, or hallways, consider ceramic floor tiles or terra cotta floor [...]

When you rent your home, it can be frustrating because you are not allowed to make the changes you may want; you may have to live with those white walls or industrial grey carpeting.  But that doesn’t mean you have to like it.  Take a stand!  You can decorate your rented home beautifully – and [...]

A fresh coat of paint can be just what your home needs.  Whether you want to freshen up your look or change it altogether, painting is a wonderfully effective – and relatively inexpensive – solution.  You don’t have to hire a professional to get professional results; you just have to take a little extra time [...]

When you need a bit of drama, contrast, or simply something different, try a focal wall.  Very similar to an accent wall, a focal wall places the emphasis on one wall; instead of painting it a contrasting color, you stencil it with a creative pattern.  This creates a gorgeous focal point, and the rest of [...]

Spring is reason for celebration!  It is also a great time to revamp your home’s décor.  After a long, colorless winter, it is time to refresh, revive, and renew our homes and spirits.  Start by incorporating a little of Mother Nature’s finest into your home.  Displays of fresh blooms are always cheerful and always elegant.  [...]

Neutrals are always a good choice, a dependable choice, when it comes to home interiors.  But 2011 is seeing a lot of fantastic, bold shades that are anything but neutral.  From hot pink to lime green, color palettes are increasingly vibrant.  There are still more mellow neutrals that work beautifully to contrast these bright colors.  [...]

When we think of our decors, we usually think about what we can see or what our guests will see when they walk into the door.  But that is not all there is to a fabulous home; when you walk into a home for the first time, what are the things you notice?  The smell?  [...]