The best interior designers know: when you want to add stylish touches to your living room, it's not how much money you spend; it's how you spend it. Most important? Remain true to what you love and the colors that energize you. You'll be more inclined to take chances, make unusual groupings and create a living room that carries your signature touch. And that's what real style is all about. When...

The next time someone asks you if you're “in the zone,” you may ask which zone they're referring to. If you're standing in the kitchen, the answer should be self-evident – at least if you're as organized as kitchen designers say you could be. They recommend grouping your kitchen activities around three critical zones: the refrigerator, sink and range-oven. Since key functions take place in each...

A rug can help unify the décor and furniture in any room of your home. Whether you’re looking for a bright focal point or would like a more neutral-colored rug that puts emphasis on your furniture, a rug is a versatile way to enhance your home. While choosing the texture, color, and pattern of your rug is important, so is its size. One too large or too small for the space will look out of place...

It's one of the most buoyant moments any nester can experience: walking into someone's kitchen with neutral expectations and feeling as if you were struck by a thunderbolt of inspiration. It's not as though you're looking (and staring) at something you haven't seen before. It's just seeing this feature in a kitchen, with this particular presentation, has captured your imagination in such a...

It's a fact of residential life: most kitchens are located in the rear of a home. And the rear of a home features many walls that block light. Walls contain windows, so the challenge is set right there: How do you optimize light in a kitchen, no matter what its size? Five ideas are worth considering – and all of them can be enhanced with the right interior shades: 1. Under-cabinet lighting Which...

Even the most skilled DIY-er can't do it all, and there is something to be said about learning from your mistakes. While some mistakes can be easily rectified, others can wind up costing you more than you bargained for—especially when it involves caring for, repairing, or maintaining your home. Avoid some of the most common home mistakes by doing a little more research before you begin your...

Whether you’re upgrading your home to sell or for your own enjoyment, home renovations can help improve the value of your home. With a well-planned renovation project, you can expect to recoup about 75 cents of every dollar you spend on the upgrade. Not sure which renovation will give you the most bang for your buck? Here are a few of the best home improvement projects along with interior shades...

Your spring maintenance checklist should include five essential outdoor projects. Left unattended, they can end up costing you dearly in more serious repairs that could require remediation by professional contractors. This scenario should add urgency to any list, but there can be light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. After you're finished inspecting your windows, reward your efforts with new...

If you're straining to see the exact color of your ready-to-roll summer outfits, your windows may be trying to “tell” you something: It's time to maximize the natural light in your home, just in time for summer, when the longer days will mean more hours of daylight. Five ideas will help brighten the rooms in your home, no matter what their exposure to the sun: 1. Begin with a clean slate Yes,...