Lifestyle & Trends - Kitchen

Demystifying contemporary home decor and design

Mixed up by modern? Confused by what's considered contemporary? With more emphasis on home design today, it can be difficult for homeowners to distinguish between the array of design styles. Here are hints for creating a modern look in your home. Read More

Fall: The ideal season to give your guest bath a makeover

For most people, overnight house guests go hand-in-hand with the holidays. Rather than waiting until the last minute when stress levels are already high, fall is the ideal time to begin preparing for company and refresh the guest bath. In fact, updating a tired bathroom can be an easy goal to achieve on any budget. Read More

Four fast, fashionable and fabulous home fixes anyone can do

When it comes to home improvement, you don't have to be a professional to get professional-looking results. Many simple projects can dramatically update your home and are easy enough for even the novice do-it-yourselfer. Read More

Ten tips for the perfect bathroom remodel

Giving an old, tired bathroom a makeover is one of the best things you can do to increase your home's resale value. And while it can take some planning, remodeling your bathroom is easily within the capability of most homeowners. Read More

Simple accessory switches can lighten your decor for summer days

Replacing dark accessories with brighter, lighter ones is a fast, easy way to lighten the mood in your home. Re-accessorize the right way - spend your redecorating dollars on items that will give you the most impact for the lowest monetary investment. Here are a few ideas from some home decor experts to get you started. Read More

Help kids get back into the swing of school with simple room updates

There's no avoiding the return to school. But parents can help kids ease the transition by creating an environment that's comforting -- and conducive to learning at the same time. If your child is struggling to adjust to going back to school, some simple changes in her bedroom might help make the move less difficult. Read More

Luxury bathroom upgrades that are worth the investment

Few room renovations return as much on your investment - in terms of resale value and enhanced enjoyment - as refurbishing a bathroom. Maybe that's why many Americans, who have tightened their belts when it comes to other areas of home improvement, still seem to be willing to spend more for luxury bathroom upgrades. Here are a handful of upgrades that can help elevate a common bathroom to a luxurious home resort. Read More

How to cut home heating costs this winter

Some savvy homeowners are having their cake and eating it too when it comes to energy-efficient home heating. Imagine cutting your heating bills, while boosting your home's comfort. Sound too good to be true? Not for the thousands of homeowners who are using radiant floor heating, one of the oldest and most efficient means of heating a home. Read More

The master material: Unexpected uses for ceramic tile in the master suite

Ceramic tile has held a hallowed place in bathroom renovations for generations. Durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of color, format and design, tile just makes sense in a bath. But some enterprising designers and homeowners are finding a new spot in the home where tile not only works well, but can take center stage - the master bedroom. Read More

Design SOS: simple solutions for updating your space

With the emergence of home improvement design shows, DIY websites and blogs to reflect every style, it's becoming easier than ever to make your home a reflection of your personality. But what if your space is giving off the wrong impression? Whether it's the retro wood paneled basement inherited from previous owners or unsightly pink carpet that might have been a better idea in theory, there are countless ways for well-intentioned design decisions to turn into regrettable rooms. Although updating your space can seem overwhelming, a little organization, creative inspiration and a few simple weekend do-it-yourself ideas can help you take any space from unfortunate to unforgettable. Read More