Faulty wiring, cords, plugs, lighting fixtures, surge protectors, and meter boxes are all huge fire hazards. If you notice any of these electrical issues in your home, it’s time to call an electrician right away: Outlet and Switch Problems Outlets and switches should never: Display scorch marks Emit a burning odor, smoke or sparks Feel warm to the touch Make strange sounds, especially crackling,...

Each season brings a new set of tasks that must be done to keep your home properly maintained. But sometimes these tasks get put off or forgotten about altogether. Here are a few of the top home maintenance tasks you don’t want to forget to take care of this winter: Top Home Maintenance Tasks for Winter Cleaning Your Gutters Gutters collect a lot of leaves, sticks and other debris over time. When...

Professional organizers say that decluttering in 20- or 30-minute increments of time is the surest way to declutter your house once and for all. Before you begin the process, keep these decluttering tips in mind: Don’t be afraid to start small. Begin by tidying a messy bookcase or video shelf. Every time you look at it, you should feel a sense of accomplishment, which will fuel your momentum....

When you think of interior design, your closet probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are some circumstances when a complete closet upgrade is the way to go. In these cases, making the small investment to hire a professional designer can pay off in big ways! If any of the following situations sound familiar, it’s time to consider taking the leap and consulting with a...

There’s a lot that goes into a bathroom renovation. That’s why it’s important to properly prepare, in order to ensure the process goes smoothly. Here are essential tips to get you started: Establish Your Renovation Goals It is important to decide on your goal for your bathroom renovation. In general, homeowners remodel this space for two reasons: function and aesthetics. Therefore, when planning...

Since the first dishwasher was invented, a debate has raged on about whether hand-washing your dishes is better than using a machine. While scrubbing and drying your dirty dishes by hand takes longer, is it more sanitary? And which method is better for the environment? Below, we’ll answer both of these questions. A Question of Cleanliness First things first, which method of dishwashing gets your...

Often, people unwittingly place their furniture pieces too close together, making it difficult to maneuver through the room comfortably. Here are the ideal distances apart your furniture should be: For the Living Room The sofa and coffee table are the key elements in your living room. In general, it's a good idea to: Separate the sofa and coffee table by a distance of between 16 and 18 inches....

If you are looking for a peaceful retreat from the busyness of daily life, designing a relaxation space in your house is a great way to achieve this. It can help you de-stress after work, unplug from electronics and reconnect with yourself. Here are some essential guidelines to help you create an ideal relaxation space: Choose an Isolated Space Your design process should begin by choosing the...

Consistent healthy eating takes determination and commitment. It's the best way to “maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer) and promote your overall health,” says the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Try these kitchen prep ideas to keep your healthy eating habits on track: Keep Herbs and Spices at Your Fingertips Keep your spice...

Working with a professional on any home project can be a tremendously rewarding experience, provided you're able to communicate your vision clearly. The following are some ideas to help you organize your ideas to ensure that you and your designer are on the same page: Make Lists It is good to make two separate lists – one for the fabrics, textures, colors, and overall looks that you like, and...

Is your kitchen clean enough to eat off the floor? No one is likely to put that to the test, but this common saying reflects the importance of a clean kitchen, not only for good health but also a peaceful ambiance. Follow these tips to create a practical plan for maintaining a sparkling clean kitchen. Countertop Kitchen counters are a convenient landing spot for irrelevant items such as mail,...

Making your living room cozy and inviting can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Using a classic color like navy blue can transform your living room into a stylish, serene space that exudes a welcoming vibe. These three easy, fun design ideas for incorporating navy into your living room will help you create a tranquil space that feels brand-new: 3 Ways to Use Navy Blue in Your Living Room 1....