By Patricia L. Garcia Ever see those cool hideaway doors that tuck into the wall and think, “I’d love a door like that!”? The good news is that you can — commonly known as pocket doors, these doors are functional, save space and look great. But, is a pocket door the right type of door …
Pocket Full of Doors: What to Know About Pocket DoorsRead More
By Patricia L. Garcia As an owner of four dogs, I am challenged daily with battling dog hair and keeping those pups clean and smelling like something other than, um, dogs. Regular trips to the groomer are out of the question because of the price, so I bathe them in our tub. Bath time is …
Five Pet Washing Stations That Will Make Bath Time DelightfulRead More
By Camilla McLaughlin In today’s well edited spaces, every feature counts — even the kitchen sink. It’s no surprise that in recent years the lowly sink has been elevated to a status equal to a stove or an oven. Increasingly, it’s being called a “water appliance.” From a place to scrub pots and pans to …
Everything and the Kitchen Sink: How to Pick a Kitchen SinkRead More
There are so many bathroom-related decisions to make when you’re building a new home. Chances are, you have more than one bath — likely, two or more — and each one has different needs and different users. While you’re probably tempted to upgrade everything in your new home, budget limitations may prevent you from doing …
By Judy L. Marchman Recently, I had the good fortune to visit Paris, France. While there, I began to reflect on the sheer amount of design inspiration that can be found in that city — through the beauty of the architecture, gardens, museums and statuary. While I was sad to leave, I took with me …
Parisian Inspiration: Add a French Touch to Your HomeRead More
By Judy L. Marchman The main thrill in building a new home is the opportunity to make it totally yours. You get to pick the colors, finishes and fixtures, so it’s not hard to get starry-eyed after touring a model home and envisioning all of the possibilities. But, once you find out how much all …
Choosing Design Center Upgrades Without Busting Your Budget? It Can Be Done!Read More
By Joe Provey Basements are important to Italian Americans. Every time I mention the word “basement” to someone of Italian ancestry, they regale me with stories about how their parents or grandparents kept the upstairs kitchen for show (and perhaps light breakfasts), while the heavy cooking took place in the basement. These basement kitchens were …
By Andrea Kinnison Most kids have pretty wild ideas when it comes to decor. In fact, when I was 8 years old, my dad painted an entire woodland scene on my wall at my request. (It didn’t quite complement my Little Mermaid comforter.) But while parents may allow their children to put up some quirky …
Secret Passageways, Arcades and Harry Potter: When Kids Design Their Own RoomsRead More
Dispatches from The International Builders Show — Day 2 By Mary Umberger International Builders Show, Las Vegas, January 23, 2013 — How casual are American homes getting to be? Well, if you’re planning to build, consider a family foyer — and don’t forget the family dog. It’s all part of a big “think casual” trend here …
By Katie McKenzie If you believe kitchens should come in only three colors— black, white, or stainless steel— you haven’t met Jonathan Adler. Mr. Adler, a current darling of the design world, joined the industry after starting as a potter as a teenager. Now he has stores on two continents in tres chic metropoli, …
Designer Jonathan Adler Brings Bold Color Back to the KitchenRead More
By Vince Font A home’s floor plan is crucial to its overall appeal. But what’s placed directly beneath that floor can have an even more significant appeal, especially if it has the added potential of offering comfort and energy savings. Radiant floor heating is one heating technology that’s becoming more popular and working its way …
What Lies Beneath: Radiant Floor Heating in New HomesRead More
There comes a time in the life of a homeowner when you ask yourself one of life’s great questions: Is it time to paint? If your answer is yes, read on. You’ll learn to paint like a pro — in a snap! We’ll assume you’ve chosen your color — a separate matter, addressed in the Design …
If you’re passionate about movies and want a theater in your new home, here are a few key designs we recommend you keep an eye out for.
