Moving isn't considered one of the top five stressors in life for nothing. From the day you start looking for a new place until the day you move out, transitioning to a new home calls for nerves of steel, a sense of humor and an ability to take the long view. There also is something to be said for lightening your load – literally – by deciding what items to pack and take to your new place. You...

Between grilling, swimming and fireworks, the Fourth of July can be full of activities. If you plan on hosting a Fourth of July party at your home, you know you cannot be everywhere at once or see around every corner. This is why it's in your best interest to lay down some “house rules” to keep your guests safe around the grill, pool and with the fireworks they may be tempted to ignite to close...

Everyone knows some of the most buoyant moments in life can be found in the details. Who could blame you if you want to feel some of that buoyancy in the kitchen, where you spend so much time? Whether you're finishing a kitchen remodeling project or just want to stir things up so you have something new to look at while you cook dinner, five detail-minded design tips recommended by kitchen...

You may be the biggest dog lover in your home, but you're also honest about the mess that delightful little fur-ball can stir up on a daily basis. Your dog has: chew toys, pull toys, squeaky toys and balls of practically every color strewn all over your home. This collection competes for space with a dog bed – or large cushion – leashes and collars, grooming tools and bags of treats. Just as...

It usually looks good in someone else's home. And it always captures your imagination in a home décor magazine or as you peruse a website. But something takes over you when you begin shopping for a bold color to paint a room in your home: you freeze and lose your nerve. When you'd rather not apply paint to an entire room, apply some ingenuity to a few spots in your home where bold paint color can...

Most people know every room should contain a focal point – one wall awash with a striking color or a distinctive piece of furniture that anchors a room and defines its character. Top interior designers know, sometimes subtle touches can commingle with these grand moves to create a room that makes an instant impression – and forges a lasting one, too. These six ideas are as simple as they are...

We need them and rely on them every day but – look out – we can curse their limitations when they don't suit our needs. After a few months in your kitchen, you've probably adapted to your electrical outlets like many people do: positioning vital appliances (like the coffee maker) right in front of them, even if you're less than enthused about the final resting spot. If it's any consolation, top...

Your kitchen may not be perfect, but even if you've been in your home for only a few months, you have a system, with designated places to cut, mix, pour, cook and serve. More than charcoal goes up in smoke when you move outdoors; your system does, too, reducing even the most organized cook to feeling like they have two left hands that’re only one step ahead of two left feet. Replicate the...

The area underneath your staircase can pose a big interior design challenge. These spaces are usually small and awkwardly shaped. Many people don’t know what to do with this area and simply try to ignore or even hide it. Instead of letting this space go to waste, make the most of this area and transform it into a one of a kind, practical space with one of these 5 great ideas. 1. Mini Mudroom If...