By Laura Gaskill When life gets hectic, sometimes it seems easier to let housekeeping chores slide. Unfortunately, little birds do not come in to take care of the piled-up laundry or vacuum the floors, and the buildup of postponed housework only ends up stressing us out more. This is where a simple, efficient weekly routine that fits your lifestyle and...[ read more ]
By Jennifer Ott It’s the time of year when many paint manufacturers and color forecasters release their picks for top shades for the coming year. And while these selections typically vary widely from company to company, one emerging trend for 2016 is what some would call a colorless color: white or, more specifically, shades of off-white. Here are four major...[ read more ]
By Laura Gaskill With leaves falling, farmers markets proudly displaying heaps of gourds and the sun dipping lower in the sky each day, there’s no doubt we are in the heart of autumn now. Pick and choose from among these seasonal tasks to make the most of this harvest month and prep for the winter ahead. Prepare your home for...[ read more ]
By Jennifer Ott With Halloween right around the corner I just had to grab the opportunity to give some love to one of my favorite hues: pumpkin orange. The key to working with this intense color is to use it for those items or areas in your home that you wish to call attention to. Then be sure to select...[ read more ]
By Fred Albert Before you grab that first paint chip, figure out your needs, your decorating style, and what to get rid of. Congratulations. You’ve decided to decorate your home. Now what? Whether you’re furnishing your first place or redoing the house you’ve owned for decades, decorating can be a challenging task, filled with costly decisions whose outcomes could haunt...[ read more ]
By Bonnie McCarthy Transitioning out of summer means swapping flip-flops for boots, making room for winter coats and trading swim stuff for snow gear. And that’s why it’s the perfect time to clean and reorganize those closets you’ve been meaning to conquer. Tackle the task with tips from professional organizers skilled in the art of making sense of your space...[ read more ]
By Joanna Simmons Say goodbye to a much-loved home and settle in quickly to a new place with these tips for transitioning. Moving into a new house is so much more than simply relocating to a different place. When we leave behind a home, especially one we’ve lived in for a long time, we also leave behind all those years...[ read more ]
Make these small tweaks to your home and daily routine, and life will be easier, less rushed and maybe healthier too By Natasha Saroca Life can be busy and downright tough at times, so it’s understandable that we all seek ways to simplify everyday tasks. If you’re nodding your head in agreement because you’re always looking for ways to make...[ read more ]
Why give up style and comfort just because you add fresh air? Turn any porch or patio into a sumptuous room by following these leads. By Fred Albert When I was growing up, “outdoor living” consisted of some aluminum folding chairs and a Weber grill. But with the advent of synthetic wicker, all-weather fabrics, outdoor lighting and indoor-outdoor carpets, you...[ read more ]
Gleaming wood floors are a thing of beauty. Here's how to keep them that way. By Bonnie McCarthy Although installing hardwood flooring is usually more expensive than rolling out new carpet, it’s an investment worth considering, according to data from the National Association of Realtors. Surveys show that 54 percent of home buyers are willing to pay more for a...[ read more ]
