The rules of interior design are always changing, but key elements remain the same for various styles. To achieve a modern aesthetic in your home, here are a few standard tips to keep in mind before beginning your design project: Keep It Clean and Simple Current modern design is all about form and structure. Smooth, single-tone surfaces (like stone or concrete); large, open areas; expansive...

A trend that’s growing in popularity is designing kitchens in all-black. This creates a bold aesthetic, but it must be done tactfully. Here are a few strategic tips to help you get started: Tips for Designing an All-black Kitchen Choose Your Shades Carefully You might be surprised to see just how many shades of black exist. You’ll want to get plenty of color swatches and compare them to each...

During the summer months, it can be a struggle to keep your home cool without racking up large energy bills. But with interior and exterior window shades, you can reduce the heat in and around your home, which means your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you cool. Not only does this reduce your energy costs, it also allows for increased privacy, greater enjoyment of outdoor spaces in...

Upgrading your outdoor living space not only brings greater enjoyment to you and your guests, but it also increases property value. Just like with any remodel project, before you dive in head first, you need to know how much you can spend. Take these factors into account to establish a realistic budget: What to Expect The average cost of landscaping upgrades in the United States is around $5,000....

An inviting home makes guests feel welcome and comfortable and makes it easier to relax after a long day. Here are a few tips for making your home more inviting and comfortable: 1. Create a Cozy Backyard Make your home more welcoming by creating a cozy yard where your family and friends can hang out. Add chairs, a fireplace and a sitting area to create an outdoor living space where you can...

If you are like most people, you probably prioritize functionality over aesthetics when it comes to designing your kitchen. Factors like kitchen appliances, cabinets and storage space may be important considerations, but adding personal touches is what makes a house feel like home. Here are a few ways to give your kitchen character: Control the Natural Light Natural light is an important element...

Large trees can be great sources of shade for backyards. But what do you do when you have a small yard? Certain trees may take up too much space, so you have to be strategic. Here are a few creative ways to provide shade in a small backyard: Create an Outdoor Room Turn your patio into an outdoor room with ZipRite shades. These shades zip all the way to the ground, not only blocking the sun and UV...

The bathroom is an important part of any home, and when it’s a shared area, it needs to have a clever design that maximizes space and function while still being stylish. Fulfilling all these requirements will involve careful planning in advance. Here are a few essential features to focus on when planning your bathroom design: Double-basin Sinks for Large Families If the space is shared with more...

Well-placed lighting is one of the best ways to add ambiance to any space. String lights are an effective and inexpensive lighting option, but hanging them correctly requires tact. The following tips will help you string up your lights like a pro: 4 Tips to Perfectly Hang Your String Lights 1. Evaluate Your Space The first thing you'll want to do is decide where you're going to string up your...