Instead of going out to the drinking establishments in your neighborhood, why not enjoy your beautiful patio with some artisanal cocktails at home? Start by investing in basic equipment and stock up on essential liquors. You will need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a muddler, a jigger, a bar spoon and a good […]

With all the moisture that comes with a bathroom you might think that you can’t do wood in the bathroom. This isn’t necessarily the case.  Having a fan that vents outside can help control humidity in the bathroom. Plus there are woods that are engineered and treated to withstand a bit of moisture. Wood and […]

When writers get stuck it is called writer’s block. We’ve decided that there is also something called designer’s block. It is similar to writer’s block in that both are the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward with a project or decision. Designer’s block can strike at the beginning, middle or end of […]

Imagine a room in your new home. Some colors have already been chosen, but it’s up to you to finish the design with furniture and accessories. How do you choose? This lovely still life provides some ideas about the process. The kitchen shown here has cabinets in country green paint along with some rustic distressed […]

Imagine a room in your new home. Some colors have already been chosen, but it’s up to you to finish the design with furniture and accessories. How do you choose? This lovely still life provides some ideas about the process. The kitchen shown here has cabinets in country green paint along with some rustic distressed […]

If your home has vaulted ceilings in one or more rooms, you know the difficulty you face maintaining the drama a high ceiling provides while keeping the space warm and inviting. This hotel lobby has captured some of the both goals. Several design decisions made this possible. First, the layout and architectural features of the […]

If your home has vaulted ceilings in one or more rooms, you know the difficulty you face maintaining the drama a high ceiling provides while keeping the space warm and inviting. This hotel lobby has captured some of the both goals. Several design decisions made this possible. First, the layout and architectural features of the […]

Do you find that choosing clothes out of your cluttered closet is a source of anxiety? Did you buy some of those hangars that are supposed to save space only to find that your clutter just moved down a few feet? If so, it’s time for drastic measures. Follow these few steps to closet control. […]

Has one of your children suggested that he or she temporarily move back home? This can happen for a number of reasons. It may be to reduce expenses while returning to school or after a layoff. It’s a good way to save money for a down payment on a home, or pay back some debts. […]

As parents age, eventually you may have to help them re-design their lives. Health issues can make it hard for a parent to continue to live independently, but personality, emotional and financial factors may eliminate the possibility of assisted living or other institutional options. If you’re considering bringing one or both parents into your home, […]

Many people would rather stay within a budget with their basement spaces, but that doesn’t mean that the look can’t be design-rich. Take a look at this lower level room. The solid-surface flooring takes on a personality of its own that perfectly suits the very modern persona of the room. The most powerful design feature […]

If you’re looking for a fun and mildly educational activity you can share with your child, how about baking cookies? It’s a valuable life skill, it involves following directions and accuracy in measuring, and it has its own rewarding snack at the end. First, anticipate a mess. Children are not naturally tidy and baking has […]