What every homeowner should know about ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are the jacks-of-many-trades, useful in nearly every home space and in virtually every decor. They are also a necessary element for homeowners looking to cut utility bills. If you need a new ceiling fan, it's easy to get lost in the many available options, which is why some tips from lighting professionals can be helpful. Read More

Economical and eco-friendly: Sustainable solutions to help you save

Green consumers are no longer a niche group; today, they're everyday individuals who are willing to go the extra mile to save the planet - provided they receive a bit of return on their investment. Read More

Smart time- and energy-saving tips for every room in the house

Keeping your home beautiful, organized and running smoothly is a never-ending task. The chores from the kitchen unfold into the dining room, which spills into the living room, the bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry room and beyond. Once you've added it all up, the amount of time and energy you spend on housework - day to day and year to year - is staggering. Read More

Home decor evolution: Trends anyone can try for an instant update

Gone are the days when a stylish home and a busy family have to be mutually exclusive. Home decorating is hotter than ever and everyone is getting in on the trend. With an ever-increasing focus on DIY design projects, resources such as shelter magazines, design blogs, TV shows and online home decor retailers are making high design accessible to any homeowner. If your budget doesn't include hiring an interior decorator to update your decor, a few tips from the experts will go a long way. Read More

Daring creativity blooms in this season's floral decor

A little black dress, a great pair of jeans and a leather jacket - some styles never go out of fashion. Some elements of home decor share that same sense of timelessness, and none more so than a simple floral theme. Read More

Home organization for the busy household

Between work, school, children's activities, family obligations and travel plans, today's busy families are left with little time to keep their homes tidy and well-organized. With summer fast approaching, it is important for on-the-go families to realize that home organization does not have to be difficult or time consuming. Read More

Spring into 2012 with the hottest colors for your home

As you anticipate what exciting things this year will bring, you might notice your home decor has been left behind. Fortunately, you can easily beautify and modernize your home using hints from design experts on the hottest color trends. Don't worry that you'll need to break the bank - simply updating the shades of your walls can create the feel of an entire new home without the cost of buying one. And you'll enjoy starting the year in fresh, contemporary surroundings. Read More

Simple projects to spruce up the look of your home

As the days get longer and things get a little brighter inside your house, it becomes easier to notice the places that could use a little extra TLC. It's also the perfect time to work on simple home improvement projects as you wait for warm weather to come. Here's a checklist you can work on now so your home will be vibrant and welcoming once long summer days roll around. Read More

Take your home from dreary to cheery with a fresh coat of paint

Spring is upon us and so is the time for spring cleaning and sprucing up the house. What's a quick and easy way to make a room look instantly cleaner and brighter? Add a fresh coat of paint. But don't think this project will be a long and laborious one - with a little planning and the right products, it's as easy as one-two-three. Read More

Spring cleaning plans? Tips from the pros help you get the best clean

Warm weather has arrived and Americans are planning to shake out the rugs and wash the windows for the unofficial tradition of spring cleaning ... or are they? Read More

Helpful spring cleaning hints for beautiful baths

As the warmer weather approaches, so does the time for spring cleaning. While a head-to-toe, thorough cleaning of the entire house can be a major task for you and your family, don't get overwhelmed just yet. Start with a smaller room that can accumulate dirt and clutter - like the bathroom - and work your way to other areas of the home. Read More

DIY your way to a fairytale wedding

You've dreamed of this day your entire life - from the vows to the dress to the reception decor. But often, it can take a king's ransom to make the fairytale wedding of your dreams a reality. Fortunately, cost-conscious brides have discovered they can plan a wedding that's fit for a queen - even on a shoestring budget. All it takes is a little creativity and know-how. Read More

Sign of the design times for kitchens

The number of kitchen styles and design options for homeowners to consider during the building and remodeling process is enough to make a person go crazy. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by simplifying your options. Read More

Selling or staying put, 'daylighting' improvements pay off for homeowners

"Daylighting" improvements that boost your home's brightness and energy efficiency offer substantial return on investment for both home sellers and those who will be staying in their homes for the foreseeable future. Read More

Weekend warrior - add style, safety and storage solutions in the bath in less than 48 hours

Many homeowners are looking to redo and update their homes, but with busy schedules, they often only have time on the weekends. While a complete overhaul of the house might be unrealistic for this time frame, a bathroom makeover is completely possible. The following tips and tricks will show you how to be a weekend warrior without having to hire a professional crew for assistance. Read More

Tips for making spring cleaning easy for the entire family

As the snow begins to melt and flowers finally start blooming, spring is in the air. After being cooped up in the house for those long winter months, most families are undoubtedly ready for it. And thankfully it's possible to maintain a deep spring cleaning without spending more than a day's time, as long as you stay organized. Read More

Decorative painting: How to transform a room with a few simple strokes

Paint can do more than change the color of a room - it can add texture, pattern and visual interest. Today's decorative painting techniques are simple and sophisticated alternatives to wallpaper, and a far cry from the dated sponge painting from years past. Whether you're a painting pro or a DIY beginner, here's how you can transform a room with a few simple strokes. Read More

Trend watch: Color and customization trends for your kitchen

If you want your home to reflect your personal style, why not start in the kitchen? The kitchen, commonly the most popular room in the house for everyday life and entertaining, doesn't have to be cookie cutter with coordinating color schemes. Current trends give homeowners leeway to add personal flair to the kitchen with bursts of color, unique designs and unexpected patterns. Read More

Interior design trends: Easy seasonal changes refresh and revive your home

Spring's new growth and warm sunshine provide inspiration for renewal in our lives. It's a time to pack away the sweaters and boots for lighter layers and brimmed hats. Homeowners should embrace this same mindset - one where you pack away the heavy textures and colors of winter in favor of breezy fabrics and fun decor that inspire a fresh feeling in your house. Break out of the winter gloom by making some simple changes to your home with bright, fresh decor. Here are the top trends in interior decorating that capture the optimistic feeling of springtime, without having to spend a lot of time or money. Read More

Prepare now for a dream summer outdoor living space

Beat the winter blues by taking the first steps to create a summer backyard oasis. By preparing now, you'll be ready to install - and enjoy - a dream deck once warmer weather arrives. Read More

Black is 'in' for up-to-date interiors

Love the way you feel after slipping into your little black dress, or donning a well-tailored black suit? Black is not only a great shade on you - it's also a great shade for your home. The stylish finish is especially perfect in the kitchen - and can be seen in everything from kitchen appliances to hardware, and now even faucets. Make your kitchen feel just as good as you do in your go-to outfit with the magic of black. Here are the latest trends. Read More

Think of lighting as art for your home

Lighting is possibly the most powerful tool you have when it comes to interior design. It does not make sense to invest in beautiful furniture, rugs, paintings and accessories if they are in the dark. The perfect light fixture not only illuminates a space - it is also a beautiful, decorative design element. Read More

Low-labor, high-impact ideas for freshening your decor

Open a design magazine or visit a home improvement website and they'll extol the virtues of repainting as a great way to freshen a room's decor. But there are plenty of less labor-intensive ways to give a room a new look. From paint accents to new window treatments, here are some ideas for upgrading your decor with a lot less work. Read More

The history of kitchen innovations

Technology is in virtually every facet of our lives, yet many of the everyday conveniences we enjoy now have been around for less than 100 years. In the kitchen, for instance, the various appliances, fixtures and gadgets that converted the once single-function space into the home's hub of activity have changed dramatically since their introduction in the early 1900s. A look back through history shows how some of these items originated and evolved over the years. Read More

Preseason home-readiness tips for sports fans

As the weather gets warmer, fans anxiously wait for their favorite sport to take center stage. The athletes involved have been training for months for these moments, but what about the fans watching at home? Before the must-see sporting events of 2012 arrive, make sure you have all your bases covered at home. Here are a few tips to make sure you're ready. Read More

Tips for refreshing your home with paint color

For many people, the onset of spring and summer is the ideal time to take on a home improvement project. Paint is a popular choice for those looking to freshen up their space, given that it is an easy, economical activity and a fun way to make a dramatic difference. Read More

Summer entertaining: Spend less time preparing, more time enjoying

There's no question why summer is the best-loved season of the year: it's all about fun, relaxation and enjoying the beautiful outdoors. So, it follows that homeowners don't want to waste a minute of those glorious months of sunshine. When planning traditional summer get-togethers, save time by taking steps to ensure that your outdoor spaces are as low-maintenance as possible so that the focus is on the party, rather than the prep. Read More

Eclectic design trends breathe new life into your room

The newest interior design trends are invoking a playful vibe into rooms by mixing and matching different styles for an eclectic, fun look. According to "ELLE Decor," home decorating is shifting toward a more theatrical and eclectic decorating style highlighting richer colors, layers of textures and patterns and a fusion of time periods, styles and atmosphere. Read More

'Bold and beautiful' define this season's outdoor decor trends

Bold is the watchword for beautiful outdoor decorating this year, and it's easy to find items - from furniture to wallpaper - that play to this theme. Read More

It's a colorful life inside your home

The summer months are all about color. From flowers in bloom to vibrant beach towels and colorful dresses, summer brings with it a multitude of hues. As you look around, you might start to feel like your home is a little, well, blah. If so, just adding a little pop of color into your home can help. Read More

'Spring' into a relaxing summer with five easy spring cleaning tips

Spring is here, which means one thing: it's time to get your home in tip-top shape. By completing a few easy tasks, you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time on interior projects. Here are five ways to spruce up your home this spring to prepare for a relaxing summer - and give your home that "spring cleaning" feel without spending the entire spring, well, cleaning. Read More

Easy tips to create a relaxing experience at home

In our fast-paced and chaotic lives, we're always seeking ways to relax and de-stress from the day. For some, that means watching a favorite TV show, having a nice glass of wine, or even a message at the spa, but we often forget about our homes and the impact of its design on relaxation. Read More

Top trends to make your windows look hot this summer

Windows do a lot more than just let the light in and keep the weather out. They're both key elements in your home's overall design and in the unique look of each individual room. If you're redecorating for warm weather, updating your window treatments is a great, cost-effective way to completely change the look of a space. Read More

Escape from reality by creating at-home retreats

Life is hectic. And although technology has made our lives easier to multitask and stay connected, it also means that no matter where you go, it's hard to fully escape. While traveling to a remote island to get away for peace and relaxation would be a wonderful retreat, you can easily avoid the hustle and bustle of your daily routine by creating peaceful escapes throughout your own home. Read More

Five smart steps to maximize bathroom space

As today's housing market has homeowners fighting the itch to move, many turn to renovation projects to improve their existing spaces. Look at a homeowner's wish list, and the bathroom often tops the list. With its frequent use and endless potential, easy changes offer a big payoff. To maximize your bathroom storage and make it work best for you, consider these design and organizational tips. Read More

Bathroom remodeling ideas that add style and space

Now, more than ever, homeowners are adding to the value and comfort of their homes by renovating bathrooms into private retreats with luxurious touches that rival those of an upscale spa or resort. Read More

2012 outdoor living trends can easily update your patio or deck

More homeowners want their outdoor space to truly be an extension of their house and are taking steps to create an inviting area to relax, play and host guests. If you want to update your deck or patio for warm weather entertaining, you don't have to spend a lot of time or money. You can easily refresh the items you already have and add new stylish elements by keeping some top trends and design ideas in mind. Read More

Budget-savvy home: Spruce up on a shoe string

Even with a bare-bones decorating budget, you can still give your home a fresh look. Read More

'Techorating' trend harmoniously marries technology and interior design

Some interior design trends are hard to understand. That jagged piece of cement that is supposedly a chair or headache-inducing paint color may look great in the glossy pages of a design magazine, but would average people really want it in their own living room? Fortunately, one growing trend trend in interior design is easy to understand, totally relatable and applicable in almost every home - and this trend is techorating. Read More

Spring into home improvement with weekend wonder projects

Sprucing up your home for spring doesn't have to mean spending huge amounts of time and money. In fact, there are many projects that you can complete in a weekend that will improve the look and feel of your home. With a little guidance and the right tools, you can easily get your home in top shape by Monday morning. Read More

Make your home stand out with new exterior trim

With the housing market showing its first signs of improvement in years, many homeowners hope to attract interested buyers this summer. Replacing old or damaged exterior trim is a great way to freshen up your home today and make it stand out among others tomorrow. Here's what you need to know to make the job easy. Read More

Designing your home office for maximum comfort and productivity

There's no doubt that we're a connected society - and connected like never before through email, social networks, video conference technology, instant messaging, smart phones, the list goes on. While this influx in connectivity has made it easier to do business, it has also blurred the lines between work and home life, resulting with many of us working in our homes at least a few hours each week. If your kitchen counter top has become your go-to place for paying bills, responding to emails and conducting business, it may be time to consider adding a dedicated office space in your home. Read More

Reinventing your home in a day

With more homeowners choosing to stay in their homes longer and the full supply of existing housing stock, decorative siding accessories are providing a touch of personal style for rejuvenating and updating America's family homes. Read More

The home improvement that will put your room redesign over the top

You repainted, replaced all the furniture and just finished recarpeting that room that needed a little design TLC. Still looking for the final touch to add drama to your room's transformation? Read More

Small space solutions for the kitchen

Crowded cabinets, cluttered counters and nonexistent prep space. Sound familiar? For many homeowners, small kitchen spaces make everyday use and entertaining a source of frustration. While a small kitchen can pose many challenges, it doesn't have to stop you from enjoying the space. From a full scale home renovation to some simple and quick fixes, there are many options to help you realize your kitchen's full potential and transform it into a welcoming place where you'll want to spend time. Read More