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 [...]

When an individual or couple sets out to redesign a room of their home today, they will typically consider the essentials, such as a couch, chair, bed, tub, or toilet, depending on the purpose of the space in question.  Of course, there are always accessories to choose as well, including artwork, vases, pillows, throws, and [...]

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, [...]

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 [...]

It’s ok if you’re not quite keeping up with the Kardashians when it comes to your home décor – at least with Kourtney, the eldest sister of the famous trio.  Recently settled into a $1.7 million home in Los Angeles, Kourtney has been attacking her house with a style vengeance.  But, according to People magazine, [...]

  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 [...]

Sometimes looking at home and decorating magazines and blogs can be like looking at fashion magazines or seeing beautiful models on billboards.  It can be depressing and frustrating; our homes don’t look like that!  Why can’t our have that luxurious, effortless look?  Because, just like airbrushed models, the perfect showpiece home doesn’t really exist outside [...]

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?  [...]