When it comes to decorating your home, the most important rule is that there are no rules. This is especially true when it comes to area rugs. Instead of sticking to expert guidelines for sizing and placement, bending the rules can add dynamics and visual interest. Here are a few examples of how taking an unconventional approach can really pay off: 1. Furniture Placement Traditional standards say...

When decorating your kitchen, consider pairing gray with white for a contemporary or ultra-modern look. These colors are great for countertops, cabinets, walls, and floors. You can also combine the two in the kitchen island to get a bold statement right in the middle of your kitchen. Below are some tips on how to achieve a well-balanced gray-and-white kitchen. Gray and White Tones with Wood and...

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....