Built-in bookshelves, saturated color schemes and plump armchairs create cozy spaces made for enjoying books. Searches for “book nook” are up 69% this year, while searches for “reading corner” increased 45%. Whether you have so many books you need a rolling library ladder or you simply crave a place to relax with a good novel,…
Read MoreFind out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo. If you don’t have the space (or budget) for a separate shower enclosure and bath, you’ve probably decided on a combined shower-bath. But should you go with a shower curtain, or choose a glass shower door or panels to enclose it? Some of…
Read MoreTo recharge your batteries, think about what you want to do, not what you have to do, during your precious respite. So often we look forward to the weekend, but once it arrives, it gets swallowed up by errands and chores — and before we know it, it’s over. That hardly seems fair! If you’re…
Read MoreA family’s yard in Southern California was due for an update. Principal designer Sacha McCrae helped them add curb appeal with plants, pathways and an inviting sitting area in the front yard of their corner lot. McCrae describes her clients as warm, lovely and friendly, so it makes sense that they wanted a yard that…
Read MoreAdding storage components to an entry can help corral items before they clutter up a home. Including lively color and pattern can help set the mood for the rest of the home. You’ll find great examples of both approaches in these stylish mudrooms. 1. Blue-Green Cabinets and Handmade Tile Flooring Designer: Dana Bass Designs Location: Plano, Texas…
Read MoreFrom the first days, which probably still feel like summer, to the last, when you may notice that first chill in the air, September is a time of transition. Get your home ready for the season ahead by ticking off these to-dos, from adding cozy layers to scheduling necessary maintenance — and then curl up in…
Read MoreA bathroom wet room combines a separate shower and a tub in the same area, allowing water from either element to be contained in one location, often behind a glass enclosure. This setup looks great and can save space and improve accessibility for people with mobility issues. For ideas on layouts and style, check out…
Read MoreThere are many areas of a home where you can place a laundry room, such as in a basement, entryway or mudroom. Or off a hallway or in its own dedicated room. You’ll find plenty of inspiration for those setups, plus ideas for outfitting your space with functionality and style, in this countdown of the…
Read MoreThe popularity of terrazzo flooring peaked in the 1950s and 1960s as an economical option for slab construction houses in quickly developing Sunbelt states. But this versatile, durable, customizable and easy-to-maintain material deserves its second act. Terrazzo is made of chips of marble or other aggregates suspended in a binder. It was created by 15th-century…
Read MoreWhether you’re setting up house for the first time or you just hope to streamline your setup, this guide to creating a welcoming front porch is a good place to begin. It helps to start with a clean slate, so when the weather permits, consider thoroughly tidying your porch as step one. Dust off cobwebs,…
Read MoreCountertops often account for a significant amount of surface area in a kitchen. So in addition to providing workspace, countertops also have an important effect on how a kitchen looks. Here, design and remodeling pros share details about various countertop materials, colors and pairings they used to bring durable work surfaces with style to eight…
Read MoreSome Highlights: Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most Return On Investment (ROI). Minor bathroom renovations can go a long way toward improving the quality of your everyday…
Read MoreTry 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…
Read MoreOrganize storage space around the kitchen’s main activities for easier cooking and flow. “How much storage space do I need?” The trick is to assess what you own and decide how you will store it for convenient access. Carefully consider this challenge because poorly organized spaces often become daily irritations, impeding the pleasure of being…
Read MoreIf you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market. Ask yourself the following 3 questions to…
Read MoreEven though data shows inflation is cooling, a lot of people are still feeling the pinch on their wallets. And those high costs on everything from gas to groceries are fueling unnecessary concerns that more people are going to have trouble making their mortgage payments. But, does that mean there’s a big wave of foreclosures coming? Here’s…
Read MoreBathrooms are so varied these days, you could say that anything goes. But behind the differing sizes and styles are some common design principles that point the way to success. 1. Don’t Squeeze In Too Many Pieces A bathroom is often designed to fit into the smallest space possible, and then people still want a…
Read MoreA mudroom entryway helps people tackle and organize clutter before it makes its way into the rest of the home. And there are many ways to set up mudroom storage. Locker-style cabinets hide large items. Hooks offer easy access to coats. Open cubbies manage shoes and boots. You’ll find examples for those and other smart…
Read MoreNo 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 scent or a favorite chair, the emotional reasons why we choose to buy our own home are, more often than not, the more powerful or compelling ones. Every…
Read MoreWith the transition from summer travels to the beginning of a new school year (and maybe some back-to-work blues), August can feel like a sudden downshift from the fun of vacation. Stretch out these last days of summer by squeezing in a few more home projects, savoring simple pleasures and, when the time comes, cleaning…
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