There’s no need to buy a new house or take on an extensive remodel to get the curb appeal you want. There are many ways to approach your exterior to give it a serious update without a serious overhaul. These are my 10 favorite tips for you to boost your house’s first impression. 1. Stairs. If you update … Continue reading "10 Surefire Ways To Boost Your Curb Appeal"

No matter how many times you comb through your bedroom closet, carefully pulling dresses to donate and tossing mismatched socks, there never seems to be enough room. Our dreams of neatly arranged tops and orderly rows of shoes can quickly end up in a messy pile when our wardrobes exceed our storage space. However, your … Continue reading "10 Genius Ways To Double Your Closet Space"

Clever ways to declutter your home! Create the perfect places to stash all of your stuff. Whether you own a tiny home lacking closet storage, or you are trying to organize the space you have—the first step is to get building. This article shows 37 projects that are sure to help you manage your messes or conceal items … Continue reading "37 Ways To Add Storage To Every Room"

Use upcycled wine bottles to create inexpensive lighting for a wine cellar, kitchen, bar or dining room. Get The Step By Step Guide

Eating healthier, getting in shape and finding a creative outlet are among the common resolutions you can tackle at home. Some New Year’s resolutions, such as climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro or learning to fly a plane, definitely require you leaving your house. But for many common resolutions that focus on your body, spirit and mind, there’s … Continue reading "10 Inspiring Ways Your Home Can Help With Your Resolutions"

Winter lasts almost three months after the holidays are over. After the Christmas decorations are put away, try these warm and cozy ways to brighten your home. Force Bulbs Fresh blooms can instantly add a bright shot of color to any room and make it feel polished and refined. Amaryllis and paperwhite bulbs are readily … Continue reading "10 Uplifting Post Holiday Winter Decorating Ideas"

We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful or compelling reasons. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain … Continue reading "4 True Reasons To Buy A Home"

Squeaky wood floors are a common problem, and it’s usually an inexpensive do-it-yourself repair. Here are some tips for silencing the squeak: Sprinkle baby powder, baking soda or powdered graphite over the squeaky floorboard and work it into the seams. This will lubricate the wood and should keep the floorboards from rubbing together and squeaking. If … Continue reading "3 Quick How To Fix A Squeaky Floor Tips"

Haute Hardware Switch out your dated, dusty knobs and pulls and replace them with their chic, shiny counterparts. This quick, low-cost project (can you even call it that?) has the power to transform the entire aesthetic of your bathroom design. Proof: this, white double vanity with inky countertops and bright, brass hardware that oozes glamour. … Continue reading "Freshen Up Your Bathroom This Weekend"

At home design expo Design Chicago this month, Sherwin-Williams director of color marketing and design Michael Plank broke down his team’s forecast for the color trends that will dominate design in 2019. Among the hip hues Plank sees taking off in the coming months are sun-washed oranges and tans inspired by the American West, rich galactic jewel tones and, maybe most eye-poppingly, a mix of vivid purples, golds, reds and emeralds. Color maximalism and the idea that “more is more” when it comes to color, Plank says, may soon have its moment. Taking a Chance on Color While gray and white walls and finishes are still a homeowner favorite, some designers and color experts say they’re seeing more clients open to the possibility of vivid color. “I am seeing a shift away from gray as the whole color scheme,” California-based color and design consultant Diane Hendrix of Reflective Color & Design says. “I think people need an uplift these days — more energy than gray can provide. Gray continues to be a great neutral but is now taking a back seat and being used to support rather than dominate a room.” Opting for a rich spectrum can give a space an emotional as well as practical boost. Decorative artist Heidi Holzer of Heidi Holzer Design & Decorative Work in Connecticut says dark colors in particular can come in handy as striking backdrops and to camouflage mundane pieces such as TVs and exercise equipment. More vibrant shades, she says, are just as useful for bolstering moods. “Not only do we want our spaces to be a reflection of ourselves, but we want them to be a place of relaxation or maybe motivation in certain instances,” Holzer says. “Studies have shown that color has the power to do this.” Inspiration Is All Around  Maxed-out color inspiration can come just as easily from a wildflower bouquet as it can from a favorite glass vase. Holzer says she looks to nature as well as well-loved pieces such as velvet armchairs, braided rugs or window treatment trim that a homeowner already has to drive her colorful work. If you’re still not finding a palette you love, Florida interior designer Tracy Stern suggests exploring a paint store and collecting swatches that speak to you. The Best Places to Play With Color Once you’ve landed on the colors you want to play up, figuring out where to show them off can be a challenge. Here are a few high-voltage ideas. Small space, big wow factor. Incorporating a lot of color and pattern into a small space can be a good starter project for homeowners who like the look of bold color combinations but aren’t quite ready to commit a full-size living area to it. Stern recommends experimenting with a powder room by mixing colors, patterns and adventurous wallpaper. A designer can help find the right combination. “I like the peep-show quality of surprise when you open a door to something dramatic,” she says. Fancy up the front entryway. Greet guests with a dose of color as soon as they step in the door. Using bold color in the front entryway of a home makes an immediate impression, Stern says. “It sets the tone for the entire house.” Celebrate the ceiling. The ceiling is another area where an unexpected burst of color can go a long way. “It’s a wonderful place to add color that is less intimidating but also a great conversation starter,” Holzer says. Consult with a design pro to echo the overhead pop in throw pillows, art and other accessories, as shown here, or anchor other bright colors throughout the room. Concentrate the color. If the ceiling doesn’t feel like the right place to go all in on color, a feature wall, like this one with emerald wallpaper, can create a major statement and focal point for the space. Here, equally powerful doses of color in the headboard, chairs and bench keep energy spread evenly throughout the room. Color Is Personal There are no set rules when it comes to over-the-top color. Instead, designers suggest homeowners embrace the combination that brings the kind of energy they’re looking for into a space. That can mean taking into consideration things such as texture, scale and the room’s lighting during the time of day the homeowner expects to use the space most. “Color is a very personal thing,” Holzer says. “We look for the visceral reaction that a client has to certain colors to determine the direction and then also take into account the other elements of design.”

Enlisting an experienced pro can take your kitchen project to the next level. Here’s how to make the most of it. With the average major kitchen overhaul costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars, it’s no wonder that 85 percent of kitchen renovators turn to a professional for help in ensuring that their money is well spent. In many cases, that professional is a kitchen designer. A kitchen designer can take the sometimes overwhelming task of revamping a kitchen — whether it’s updating tired finishes or reimagining the entire look and layout of the space — and help homeowners navigate the process. But how can homeowners know they’ve picked the right designer? Or are asking the right questions? Or are investing in the right places? Here’s a breakdown of what potential renovators can and should expect when they hire a kitchen designer. When and Why You Should Consider Hiring a Kitchen Designer Specific kitchen designers’ services vary, but generally these professionals guide the homeowner through the kitchen design process, from initial consultation to installation. Not every upgrade necessarily calls for a kitchen designer. Paula Greer, senior designer at Bilotta Kitchen & Home in New York, says an interior designer or other design pro can help with minor changes such as replacing a countertop or backsplash. It’s when new cabinets and other big-picture elements come into play that a kitchen designer can really make life easier. “A kitchen designer is going to have a background that other people — architects, interior designers — aren’t going to have because they specialize in kitchen cabinetry and the functionality of the kitchen cabinetry and how everything fits together,“ Greer says. Kitchen designers also can help homeowners look at their kitchens with fresh eyes, suggesting new layouts, appliance configurations and room plans the homeowner may not have considered. Kitchen designers typically are familiar with the latest products and trends, can recommend (and potentially later manage) reputable subcontractors and suppliers and often can even help with details such as product warranties, Jennifer Gilmer of Jennifer Gilmer Kitchen & Bath and the author of kitchen design book The Kitchen Bible, says. While investing in an independent kitchen designer’s services instead of going it alone or working with a customer rep at a big-box store can be pricier, a good kitchen designer also will be well versed in spending where it counts and making your dollars go further. “Regardless of who designs the kitchen, it’s an expensive undertaking,” Gilmer says. “If a client is going to spend the money to remodel the kitchen, then using a kitchen designer will ensure that it’s done as well as possible, both in form and function.” How to Narrow Down Your Options Where to look. With so many kitchen design professionals out there, finding the best fit for you and your project can seem daunting. “Sometimes it’s not the paint color or cabinetry detail but more of a ‘feeling’ that the designer created in their work,” designer Brenda Helms of Edmond Kitchen & Bath in Oklahoma says. “Look for projects that convey the feeling you hope to achieve.” Who does what. Different kitchen designers structure their roles and professional affiliations in different ways. You may come across: Independent designers. These pros may have contractors they work with regularly, but they typically don’t have an official tie to particular products or brands. Designers affiliated with a particular product line or showroom. Designers in this category generally know the cabinetry, flooring, lighting or other lines they represent well and play a dual role as designer and dealer. Designers affiliated with a larger design-build firm. Firms that have a kitchen designer on staff or on contract can give clients a one-stop-shop experience. What to look for. When studying potential designers’ profiles or websites, make note of styles and projects you like but also of the quality of the photos used, as that can be an indicator of the pro’s level of experience and polish, Gilmer suggests. Mentions of awards, articles or design philosophies you feel strongly about in “About Us” pages can be similarly illuminating. If a pro’s portfolio contains a variety of styles, colors and materials, it might be a sign that he or she is a good listener and designs around different clients’ wishes, Gilmer says. Of course, a pro with a lot of similar-looking projects may simply specialize in a particular style, and if that style matches yours, this could be a smart pick too. The Interview Process Once you’ve found a handful of pros who seem promising, scheduling at least three in-person meetings should give you a glimpse into a few different perspectives. There’s a lot to cover in those initial conversations, but overall, a discussion of the designer’s process is key to understanding approach and personality. “If they don’t seem really confident in the process or explaining it, or how they manage the project, that’s going to be a red flag for you right there that ‘maybe this isn’t what I’m looking for,’ ” designer Emily Holley of Merit Flooring, Kitchen and Bath in South Carolina says. Questions. It’s also good to be prepared with a number of questions for each designer, such as: How long have you been a kitchen designer? What services do you provide? (Services might include design only; design and some product sales; design and all product sales; design, product sales and labor; or electrical plans.) Which brands or products do you represent, if any? What are the steps in your process? How long would you estimate my project will take? How do you charge? Is there a separate design fee or retaining deposit? Do you offer a complimentary consultation and then a comprehensive estimate for the total project? How do you handle budgets for things that might be added during the process? How do you source and vet your subcontractors? Do you have references available? Ask to see samples of each designer’s work. Past design drawings also can offer insight into the designer’s process and professionalism. Can he or she provide detailed elevations or 3D renderings? Think about the big picture. If your kitchen space opens into another part of the house, such as the living room, make sure the designer is taking the full space into consideration. “A skilled kitchen designer looks at the space holistically,” Gilmer says. Trust your gut. As important as other factors are, finding a designer you can work closely with for several months may be most vital to your overall experience. If there’s a firm or a showroom you like but none of the designers you talked to wowed you, ask a manager if you can meet with another designer on staff. If a potential designer’s line of questioning about something such as budget gives you pause, trust it. Does the designer seem to be really listening to your wants and needs? If you don’t get a good feeling about any of the potential designers you meet with, don’t settle. Find someone you love. Shaping Your Vision Once you find the designer you want to work with, keep in mind that it probably will still be a while before work gets underway. Drafting a design plan everyone is happy with can take three or four more meetings as you collaborate on priorities and possibilities after the initial plans are discussed. The design stage is also the time to be clear about what you’re willing and able to spend, as well as the time to keep an open mind design-wise. “Before rejecting an idea, I would like the client to understand that the designer has logical reasons for making certain design decisions,” designer Larry Rosen of Maryland-based Jack Rosen Custom Kitchens says. “If these reasons are not persuasive enough, then the plan should be changed.” Carving out a rough timeline (emphasis on rough). Spending two to three months on planning is pretty typical, pros say, though it can go faster. The remainder of the project varies widely, though Gilmer estimates that most of her kitchens are completed within about six months of her being hired. Even so, she says it’s best that homeowners err on the side of caution. “If you’re told that the project will take two months from the day of demolition, prepare yourself for three months,” she says. “This way, if it takes 2½ months, you’ll be fine.” Being realistic. No matter how meticulously you and your designer calculate your plans, things happen. Despite what some TV makeover shows may portray, issues crop up and slow things down or prompt last-minute changes. Keeping a flexible attitude can prevent some of the most common snarls of tension in the kitchen design process. Your designer may not know the exact time window of your plumber’s arrival, for instance, or a lighting fixture part may be faulty and have to be reshipped. Patience and a realistic outlook can save you and your designer many headaches. “I tell a lot of my clients, ‘You’re going to love me in the beginning because you’re so excited. In the middle, toward the end, you’re about ready to kill me because I’m still in your home and I have not finished.’ But by the end, you love me again because you’re so happy,” Holley says. Second thoughts. Maybe you’re not so sure about the backsplash you ordered now that the countertops are installed, or maybe you hate the way the pendant lights look against the new paint color. Be honest with your designer about any late-in-the-game doubts. A good designer should be able to talk you through why the initial choice will work after all or work with you to make any needed changes. This might mean weighing the pros and cons of the chosen design versus what the homeowner is now thinking, or using 3D renderings to better visualize each choice. If a change does need to be made, the impact might be just a restocking fee, depending on the situation, so homeowners should speak up as soon as they’re concerned so as not to get too far off track or incur extra costs. The finished product. Investing in a kitchen designer’s expertise can pay off in having a kitchen that works for you — and that increases the value of your home.

Get inspired to tackle your laundry room with re-purposed storage tricks. Glass drink decanters are not just for backyard parties anymore! Use a beautiful drink decanter with a spout to hold your laundry detergent and fabric softener. It’s a breeze to pour bulk-sized detergent – or make your own in a few simple steps. With clear glass, you’ll never miss a cue when you’re out of detergent.

The living room’s predominantly neutral color scheme is injected with splashes of bold color such as the citron side chair and the orange grasscloth wall covering inside the media bookcase. Metal accents with a modern edge include the minimalist curtain rods, stainless-steel coffee table base, and the aluminum ceiling-fan blades. To disguise the room’s wall-mount mini-split HVAC unit, sliding screen doors—metal mesh inside a wood frame—were made for the top shelf of the media bookcase. View more smart ideas for around your home.

If you’re entertaining family and friends during the holidays and could use a bit more space, we’ve got easy, festive ideas on getting everyone outdoors and into the spirit of the season. You don’t have to keep the party inside! Turn your favorite outdoor space into an entertaining hot spot this holiday season.

So, you recently moved into a new place, and you finally have your furniture arranged exactly how you want it. You placed your decorative accents and hung the few pieces of art you own. But every time you sit down to relax on the sofa, those big, blank walls taunt you with their unforgivable boringness. “I need decor! I need decor!” they cry. We’ve all been there. Blank walls can be a total headache when you don’t have time, funds or ideas — but they certainly don’t have to be. I’ve rounded up some wall decor ideas for every type of person: the DIY decorator, total trendsetter, penny pincher, plant person, vintage visionary, focused functionalist and salvaging soul. Scroll through, pick your favorites and show your walls who’s boss.

The typical kitchen cabinet has a lot of wasted space. You can’t see or get to what’s in the back, so things get forgotten and food items can get outdated, especially in lower cabinets. Create a system in your existing cabinets that allows you to see and access everything in the pantry. These solid wood units allow you to customize the height of shelves and glide each unit out of the way on piano hinges. All necessary hardware is included. The kits are available in a range of heights, from 25 inches for lower cabinets to 57 inches. Lots of guests and family gatherings means you’ll have loads of extras on hand this holiday season. But where do you put it all? Make the most of the space you have with these smart kitchen storage ideas and accessories.

Take a sneak a peek at next year’s color trends — they’re all about peace and relaxation. The 2019 Color of the Year, Reflecting Pool, brings a sense of calm to almost any space, especially combined with natural tones. For more great combo ideas, check out three  harmonious Color Collections for 2019! Explore the new colors

Click/Tap Image To View Video Many of us dream of creating an elaborately carved pumpkin for our neighbors to admire on Halloween night, but the second we start carving, we remember how difficult it is just to cut out a toothy grin. To prevent your pumpkin carving ambitions from turning into frightful fails,  here are 13 genius pumpkin carving tricks that will save you time, extend the life of your pumpkin, and keep all of your fingers intact. Helpful tips like using an ice cream scoop to scrape out the pumpkin guts and playful ideas like sprinkling the lid of your pumpkin with cinnamon to make it smell like pumpkin spice (yes, seriously) will make pumpkin carving easier and much more fun. 1.Use a dry-erase marker Instead of using a permanent marker that makes it difficult to revise your design if you mess up or change your mind, sketch with a forgiving dry-erase marker. If you want to redo your pattern, simply wipe off the marker with a damp paper towel. 2. If you’re using an artificial candle, cut a hole in the back (not top) of your pumpkin Carving a hole in the back of your pumpkin leaves the front of your pumpkin intact and ready for your design. But if you’re planning to use a real candle, you’ll still need to cut the top of your pumpkin to let the smoke escape. 3. If you’re carving the top of your pumpkin, add a notch If you’re cutting off the top of your pumpkin, add a v-shaped notch so you’ll always know which way the lid fits back on. Cutting at a slight angle and adding the notch will also prevent the lid from accidentally falling into the pumpkin. 4. Grab your ice cream scoop Rather than gut your pumpkin with an ordinary spoon, use an ice cream scoop. Not only is this tool designed specifically for scooping, but the sharp edges are perfect for scraping the sides of your pumpkin if you want to thin them before carving. 5. Carve shapes with cookie cutters If you’re planning to carve basic shapes like stars, circles, or numbers, forget the paring knife and pull out your cookie cutter collection. Set your pumpkin on its side on a flat surface, then place your cookie cutter where you’d like it to go, making sure the sharp side is against the pumpkin. Holding the cutter securely in place with your fingers out of the way, tap the cutter with a rubber mallet until it goes all the way through the pumpkin. Tip: If you’re carving a large pumpkin, it’s a good idea to thin the walls of the pumpkin first so it’s easier to punch out each shape. 6. Use a drill If you want to create holes in your pumpkin of almost any size, the easiest method is to pull out your drill. Fit the drill with the size drill bit you’d like to use, hold your pumpkin steady on a flat surface, and carefully drill into the pumpkin. Be sure to wipe down and dry off your pumpkin before drilling so that stray pumpkin guts won’t make the surface slippery. 7. Sprinkle with cinnamon Lightly dust the top of the cut pumpkin lid with a very small amount of cinnamon, then blot off with a paper towel. Make sure there is no loose cinnamon inside the pumpkin (this can be flammable) before lighting a candle and replacing the lid. After a couple minutes, the room will smell like pumpkin spice. 8. Keep it fresh After carving your pumpkin, rub petroleum jelly onto the carved areas. It will protect the surface and seal in moisture, preventing the pumpkin from getting dry and shriveled. 9. Use twinkle lights As an alternative to an artificial candle, fill a glass jar with tiny battery-powered twinkle lights for a gentle glow. 10. Follow a pattern If you’re hoping to replicate a complicated design or pretty, swirling calligraphy, print out a template to follow. Tape the paper template onto the pumpkin and use a thumbtack to pierce small holes around the outline of the design. 11. Don’t carve—etch Etching pumpkins, the process of removing just the top layers of the pumpkin surface, is much easier than carving all the way through the flesh. Using a linocutter (the one we used is just $10), a tool that’s typically used for carving linoleum tiles, you can easily carve intricate designs. Start by etching carefully around the outline of your design with a thin blade attachment, then switch to a thicker one to etch the center of your design. As you etch, hold your pumpkin steady and keep your hand out of the way of the blade. 12. Color your pumpkin with food dye Once carved or etched, you can dye the exposed pumpkin flesh with liquid food dye diluted with a small amount of water. Simply brush it on with a paintbrush. 13. Fill a pumpkin vase with a grocery store bouquet If you’re turning your pumpkin into a vase, take a pre-arranged grocery store bouquet, hold the stems right below the flowers, and trim all of the stems at once to a length that fits the pumpkin. Place the shortened bouquet into your pumpkin and you’ll look like a florist even if this is your first arrangement.

Try some or all of these solutions to declutter and organize your kitchen cabinets, drawers and pantry items. 1. Utensil drawer insert. If you care about getting your flatware and serveware in order, check out designer and Houzz writer Yanic Simard’s column from this week. He looks at nearly two dozen solutions and tips for organizing drawers and decluttering utensils, such as the tiered drawer insert shown here. 2. Built-in pantry cabinet. If you think there’s no hope for your compact kitchen cabinet, you may be wrong. Clever storage solutions like this built-in pantry system can help squeeze vital inches and organizational capacity from any size space. 3. Appliance garage. If you have often-used small appliances but want to keep your countertops free and clear, an appliance garage is a great solution. The system keeps your toaster, mixer and other appliances within easy reach while allowing them to be shut away when not in use for a clutter-free look. 4. Mini spice shelf. In tight spaces such as the kitchen in this narrow Washington, D.C., row house, you’ve got to get clever with your storage. Since countertop and cabinet space is limited near the cooktop, the homeowner installed a slim shelf that holds often-used spices and other ingredients. In this case, a little effort goes a long way. 5. Undercabinet pot rack. Speaking of having things within easy reach, this home in Scotland offers a smart solution for copper cookware. A long rail beneath high-hanging upper cabinets puts pots and saucepans always at the ready — and on gorgeous display when not in use. not in use. 6. Step-stool cabinet. Figuring out where to put a step stool might seem like a trivial matter, but when you use one often and don’t want it cluttering up the kitchen, the situation can become a bit frustrating. 7. Back-of-island cabinets. Island seating is a popular choice for many homeowners. One thing to remember is that having seating there doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t also have storage there. Many homeowners use this undercounter cabinet space to store large serving platters or rarely used appliances. 8. Island carts. Since we’re on the topic of island storage, let’s take a moment to appreciate the storage versatility of compact island carts. These workhorse pieces are great for small kitchens, providing an extra chopping and prep surface as well as Swiss army knife-like storage for things such as dish towels, bottle openers, serving platters and more.

For this working ranch in Spicewood, Texas, architects from Furman + Keil broke down a new-build house and outbuildings into discrete, Charles W. Moore-influenced spaces that take advantage of landscape and views. The entryway to what the architects call Dogrun Ranch is a hinge point between the children’s quarters, at right, and the main living area, at left. Stone quarried from Granbury, Texas, covers the exterior, and a Spanish cedar front door, designed by the architects, greets visitors. The main house’s living room ceiling features exposed trusses and purlins and rough-top longleaf pine flooring that lend a slightly rugged feel to an otherwise contemporary ranch design. The architects specified standard-size, off-the-shelf windows where possible, using on-site butt glazing for the corner. Monopoint light fixtures provide additional illumination when daylight fades. Windows: Kolbe; light fixtures: Lighting Services In the living room, the same exterior Granbury stone is carried through to the hearth, which features a modified fireplace made with fire-clay brick. Fireplace: Rumford Conceived as a building within a building, the kitchen is wrapped in tongue-and-groovewood paneling painted in Benjamin Moore’s Dry Sage. The kitchen island is topped in mesquite, and countertops and backsplash are basaltina. A custom gun-blued steel hood covers the stove’s exhaust system. Island task lighting is from a trio of pendants by Visual Comfort. Ripsawn white oak cabinetry and a built-in wet bar form the back side of the kitchen space. A recess in the tall master bedroom helps bring a more intimate scale to the space. Wall sconces: Christian Liaigre A marble countertop in the master bathroom echoes marble in the shower and bathtub surround. Clerestory windows above the mirrored wall and custom teak cabinetry allow daylight to reach the toilet room behind it, and the bathroom opens to a screened-in porch beyond. The owners can take evening refuge on a custom hanging bed in the screened-in porch. Dogrun Ranch features a detached guesthouse with a clean, contemporary feel. A central living, dining and kitchen area lighted with a George Nelson ball pendant anchors the guesthouse and is flanked by bedrooms on each end. The guesthouse also serves as a pool cabana for the owners. The deep porch overhang shades the house’s full-height glass to reduce sun exposure and help keep temperatures down inside. The property also includes a kennel for the family’s cattle dogs. The outbuilding is designed in the same style as the main house, with galvanized steel supporting wood framing and roof.