With all of the recent attention brought to conservation and the preservation of our natural resources, many of us have a desire to do our part when building or remodeling. Despite our good intentions, sometimes a tight budget can... Read More »
The Pacific Northwest is known for its abundant forests filled with beautiful tall timber. However, our population is growing by leaps and bounds, and the housing industry must continue; so how can we prevent the depletion of our natural... Read More »
There are a variety of reasons for replacing a front door. One instance could be a well-functioning door that doesn’t make the statement you desire. This upgrade is a sound decision as a quality door, correctly installed, can enhance... Read More »
Suspended fireplaces, now that’s a title that catches your attention! What exactly are they; are they practical, or just a passing fad? A suspended fireplace is just that, a fireplace that ascends gracefully from the ceiling into... Read More »
Feng Shui, wind and water, is the ancient Chinese practice of placement to achieve a harmonious, relaxing environment. "Feng" means "wind" and "shui" means "water" (pronounced fung-shway). In Chinese culture, gentle wind and clear... Read More »
Your family is active, living life to the fullest. This includes spending a lot of time in your home. Do you find yourself stretched thin trying to keep your home from feeling like an over-crowded daycare? Maybe it’s time to remodel... Read More »
The bedroom presents a unique situation for lighting. You want adequate lighting, but nothing overbearing or unattractive. Fortunately, lighting fixtures are one area where there is a very large selection for the consumer to choose... Read More »
If you step into the lighting section of a home improvement store, you’ll realize just how large of a selection there is of indoor lighting. It helps to break it down a bit before you start shopping, and to have a general idea... Read More »
Sconce lighting, lighting mounted on the wall, is historically one of the earliest placements of interior and exterior lighting. Originally, these fixtures were mobile so the homeowner could easily carry a candle or lantern throughout... Read More »
Lighting is an important element in a home. You need adequate natural lighting to capitalize on whatever daylight is available, and attractive, energy efficient light fixtures for the evening.Chandeliers have long been used as a... Read More »
All new parents are initially overwhelmed with the tremendous responsibility of having a child; and we all want to be as well prepared as possible. Ensuring your child has a healthy, safe nursery or playroom helps alleviate some... Read More »
We Americans love our pets to the degree that we make them part of our families. They persuade our choice of hobbies and share our lives and homes. Our domestic favorites, dogs and cats, share most of our common living space and... Read More »
Each home is a testament to its owner’s tastes, preferences and interests, and it’s the details that make it so. Whether you’re building new, adding a room, or pursuing a simple face lift to a kitchen or bath, hardware is... Read More »
The front of your home is the first impression of your house to the outside world. Your entryway should be attractive, inviting, and an asset to your home.Your door style can be an important element in creating an attractive entryway.... Read More »
To keep up with today’s fast-paced world, your life has to run efficiently, and organization is the key to efficiency. If your home is overcrowded, it is impossible to stay organized, and the disarray can subtly affect all aspects... Read More »
Squeaky floors and heavy footsteps plague sleepers around the world every day and night. Therefore, soundproofing is vital to the lasting enjoyment of any home, especially in shared-wall situations such as apartments, duplexes, and... Read More »
From the time you are a small child you start formulating the dreams of what you hope to accomplish "when I grow up." Those dreams change as you mature and change with the world around you. By the time you enter the workforce and begin... Read More »
There is nothing quite as unsettling as the feeling of subtle rumbling and rolling caused by an earthquake. For those of us who have experienced it, especially if you live on the West Coast, you know that unnerving sensation I'm referring... Read More »
Bright lights, contrast controls on your TV, volume control, language choices at the ATM, closed captioning, wide-handled spoons, deep dishes, and flat-paneled light switches. These are all aspects of Universal Design that most of... Read More »
Before the modern age of artificial products and mass production, homes and furniture were handmade from more natural materials. There were fewer chemical adhesives and stains, and homes were generally healthier. In addition, when... Read More »
In freshman English class you learn about juxtaposition. That is, the placing of two antonymous words side by side. The affordable remodel, it so often seems, falls right into that category. So how do you do it? And do it best? ... Read More »
The end of summer is quickly approaching, and fall is in the air. Children are back in school, and the leaves are beginning to fall. Each season brings its own unique beauty and what better way to enjoy the changes than to incorporate... Read More »
There are several dirty words in the English language. In remodeling there are but two: lead and asbestos. Lead is fairly well taken care of, being primarily an extinct ingredient of house paints. Asbestos, however, presents a tougher... Read More »
There is a science behind interior design. Each style is characterized by something, and different periods throughout history embrace different styles. One popular design that held a large influence in the early 20th century was the... Read More »
When you're ready to remodel, or even if you're in the early stages of thinking about remodeling, it's time to start considering materials for the job. The materials you eventually select will define the look and functionality of the... Read More »
One of the most defining architectural characteristics of a home is the staircase. Stairs can be built in many different ways, from many different materials, serving many different functions. In fact, the function of a staircase will... Read More »
Laundry is an ongoing chore, like dishes, and organization is the key to getting it done and done fast. If you are looking for a fall remodeling project, let me suggest looking at that crowded catch-all laundry room. Gone are the days... Read More »
Corner spaces are easy to decorate effectively. It's surprising how many great solutions there are for creating visual appeal, utilitarian functionality, or both. Here's an interesting tidbit from an article about corner spaces... Read More »
Some friends of mine recently decided to get out of town. They wanted to go rural and so decided on buying an old barn and make it their new home. They loved the open space it provided, the freedom from that crowded feeling. After... Read More »
When the Baby Boomer generation started raising families, homes started getting bigger, a sure sign of success in the Boomers' eyes. Houses have continued to get bigger and bigger, with a heftier price tag attached. With the market... Read More »
Often, we look around us and are awed by the sheer wonder of nature. We try to mimic these wonders in many of the ways we use light, color, art, and design. In our search to better serve nature, new technologies have come about. At... Read More »
Large, spacious rooms are growing more and more popular, with open floor plans that combine living, dining, and kitchen areas. In many cases, a vaulted ceiling soars high above the "great room," adding to the feeling of overall spaciousness. It... Read More »
Arches in architecture have been used in building designs for centuries. In modern home construction, their structural strength has been all but eliminated; for sheer beauty, an archway can be stunning. An arch at your front entryway... Read More »
Homeowners used to spend a huge amount of money remodeling their kitchens and baths. They forked out thousands of dollars updating their living rooms and family rooms. Of course, there used to be a higher return for those beautiful... Read More »
Trellises give focus, emphasis, and vertical interest to the overall landscape. They can break up the open space of your yard and make large spaces more intimate. They can accentuate desirable aspects within the yard. They can... Read More »
In a recent article for The Future of Real Estate's blog about home libraries being back in style, June Fletcher writes, "In the library of her 5,800-square-foot house in Glen Cove, NY, Linda Teitelbaum keeps trophies from dog shows,... Read More »
Are you looking to add some life to your home decor? Plants can do the trick for you. "But I haven't really grown any indoor plants and we don't have any space" you say. Or maybe you have tried but the effort wasn't successful.... Read More »
The last frontier, the last space to get decorated, the most forgotten room in the house is usually the hallway. Here's a space where you can really get creative and show off your designer talents. There are many creative ideas... Read More »
Gothic design was the first true ecclesiastical style, symbolic of the Catholic Church's triumph over pagan Europe. The period was influenced by Roman and Medieval architecture. While its initial design was from 1150 to 1550,... Read More »
In many regions of our country, winter is already beginning to set in. If you haven't done so already, now is the time to prepare your home to combat the harsh winter elements. One of the greatest ways to increase the energy efficiency... Read More »
Fireclay is a specific kind of clay used in the manufacture of ceramics, especially fire brick. The fire attribution is given for its refractory characteristics. According to Wikipedia, there are two types of fire clay: flint clay... Read More »
Oftentimes, when a remodel is started, one of the big surprises encountered is the amount of debris and scrap accumulated each day. Big or small, a remodel requires different types of building materials including wood, metal, sheetrock,... Read More »
For an earthy, natural look, adobe and clay can be excellent choices – especially if you are doing a green remodel. Adobe and clay building materials are made of natural substances and have been used in construction for centuries,... Read More »
Colored glass has lifted the spirits of people for many centuries, notably in the rich, stained glass windows in churches, temples, and chapels. Stained glass windows also adorned castles of old, and were used in grand urban train... Read More »
In many cases, changing the bedroom is an important rite of passage that reflects a significant life change. Some of these changes are:Buying a new homeBecoming singleGetting marriedHaving a babyChildhood transition from early to... Read More »
While safety and evacuation should be the first thoughts in the event of a fire in the home, the first line of defense against small fires is the fire extinguisher. Just remember that fire spreads rapidly, so the first move should... Read More »
Your staircase may not be the sweeping display of Tara's in Gone with the Wind, but I am sure it is the centerpiece of the room in which it stands. Being so, you may have reasons to remodel or upgrade it. Redesigning your staircase... Read More »
Here's how the story typically goes: They've bought a house with an attic bedroom, but the ceiling follows the pitch of the trusses and leaves less than two feet of actual walking space down the center of the room. They already... Read More »
If you've made the decision to "go green" on your next remodeling project then chances are you're a devoted fan to conserving our planets resources for generations to come. Going green is not just a product –it's a way of life... Read More »
Textured tile is a category of tile that includes a wide range of tile styles from simple, barely-there textures to outrageous 3-D tiles that mimic sea coral, shag carpeting, and natural sponges.Rough tile is a category that includes... Read More »
Even though living in the desert may sound a bit unappealing to the majority of us, a large number of people in the southern portion of our country do live in desert-like environments. The desert is a hot, dry environment, where... Read More »
I have lived in cold climates my whole life and know that if not properly maintained, your home can take quite a beating. Icy winds, snow drifts, and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on a building, but only if you fail to properly... Read More »
With the refreshing salty air, the cries of the gulls, the distant call of a fog horn, the sea is an awesome body of water that has drawn admirers for ages. Many love to build their dream homes near her soothing waves, but sometimes... Read More »
In a perfect world, home improvement projects are wonderful, enjoyable, and go off without a glitch. Even though I'm confident that is exactly how your project will go, it is wise to be aware of some possible nightmares that may... Read More »
Even though home construction and sales have dropped immensely, kitchen and bath remodeling is still on the homeowner planning board. Are you someone who would like to make improvements to your home, but hesitate because the budget... Read More »
Say you're making a checklist for how to make your house significantly greener. Upon categorizing your energy usage, you'll probably find that lighting, heating and cooling, and appliances eat up a sizable part of the checklist.... Read More »
Beadboard traces its roots to 18th- and 19th-century Europe, where it was used in less formal homes and spaces, particularly vacation cottages. Another bit of beadboard history tells us that it "began as the Victorian equivalent... Read More »
There is something magical about holding something that belonged to your great-grandmother and that has been passed down to you. You treasure it, imagine her holding it and what point she was at in her life, and feel a twinge of... Read More »
Choosing an interior designer may be as simple as opting to work with a design professional recommended by your builder or contractor, or utilizing the services of a designer who works in conjunction with your builder or contractor.... Read More »
We've all seen movies or read books about great mansions with enormous front hallways reaching up two or three stories, filled with paintings, and leading – across a great, empty expanse – to curving staircases. And for back... Read More »
If you are scratching your head, wondering how to infuse a fresh look into your children's bedrooms, there are as many options available for that as there are for any other room in the house. Depending on the ages of your children,... Read More »
Winter is here, and with it comes cold weather that necessitates heating our homes with some form of fuel. Whether it is electrical, natural gas, propane, or wood, each method brings a fair amount of fire danger. There is not much need... Read More »
Often we don't look at the large spaces just above our heads as a space that could add a whole new aesthetic appeal with as simple an accent as a ceiling medallion. What is a ceiling medallion? Used for centuries by the ancient Greeks,... Read More »
Another somewhat odd trend is rising in the remodeling industry as homeowners continue to blur the lines between outside and in. Clear garage doors are popping up in neighborhoods and on businesses across the nation, furthering... Read More »
Your bedroom is your personal space, especially for parents looking to relax after a long day of work and family. It is a refuge for most of us, not to mention the one room in the house where you inevitably get a good and frequent... Read More »
One positive side to small spaces is their challenge to our creative impulses. For large spaces you can go buy any old dresser, bed, or armoire without much thought beyond basic themes. Small bedrooms, however, require a little... Read More »
If you’re planning a spring remodeling project, you’ve definitely picked the right time. The slow economy is bad news for some but good news for you – the “supply and demand” rule is on your side. Building contractors... Read More »
Power sanders are very handy tools with a wide range of uses throughout the remodeling process, from woodworking to painting. It seems there are few home repairs that couldn't do with some help from sandpaper, and thanks to power... Read More »
It all starts with a clean slate. If you want your existing space to look like a brand new addition, then start by taking out the old stuff. Four walls, a floor, and a ceiling are good canvasses to start with as you begin the reinventing... Read More »
Need more space at home? Are the quarters getting a little cramped? The logical step is to create a more livable space by increasing the square footage of your home. But you’ll have to cut into your backyard a wee bit. That’s... Read More »
The United States is an amazingly diverse piece of land, with cold northern climates, the hot and humid south, mild and breezy coasts, and the arid deserts of the southwest. We may not think as much about living green in the desert.... Read More »
When contemplating putting an addition onto your home, it’s common to consider the size and shape of the annex, what purpose it will serve, and how you’ll want to design it. What isn’t so common is putting much thought into... Read More »
The old days of playing games on the backyard sandlot have definitely faded into the sunset. Even concrete and asphalt seem a little obsolete by today’s standards. Yes, a good multi-purpose sports court offers a big improvement... Read More »
The process of restuccoing versus applying drywall is very different. Stucco is an ancient building material that became popular in California, the Southwest, and Florida. During a post-war building boom of the 1950s and 60’s,... Read More »
Usually formed in the world's oceans, limestone has been a building material almost as long as there have been buildings. This clever and versatile natural stone option has a wide array of uses in the home, from siding to flooring... Read More »
Are you a DIYer who's itching for something to do this weekend? These projects will get your productive hands in gear and step up the look of your home a few notches, too. If you want to enjoy your weekend even more, consider hiring... Read More »
There are three key points to designing your office: painting, lighting, and decorating. Bright lighting and vibrant paints are common traits of the home office. While paint allows for a good deal of creativity, there are only so many... Read More »
When it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, often the first thing we think of to do is modify our travel accommodations by getting a hybrid vehicle, car pooling, or driving less. Next we tend to think in terms of the energy... Read More »
Wildflowers are blooming and the hills are temporarily green with the rare rush of winter water into the desert. It is springtime, which in the desert means mild 90-degree days and cleaning out the swimming pool. The desert is unique... Read More »
Human basic needs are all the same: food, shelter, clothing, love, companionship, A/C, Internet connection, etc. Even so, there are still other things that, while they may not be absolutely necessary, make our lives aaahhhh so much... Read More »
IBM says they’re building a smarter planet; some of us would settle for smarter stairs. If you have room in the attic or basement and you want to access it, then you might have to consider building some space-smart stairs.The... Read More »
We have a lot of years’ worth of architectural history behind us now, even in America. Of course the next logical statement should mention all that we can learn from a distinguished history of urban planning and architecture.... Read More »
During World War II, many young Americans -- and future homeowners -- spent time admiring French architecture. After the war ended, many of these soldiers brought that admiration home with them, and French architectural features... Read More »
A Great Room combines the best of traditional rooms to create one super room. For instance, sometimes the kitchen and living room are drawn together without separation of walls or doors to make a giant intertwined room. Does the... Read More »
If you’re looking for a new idea that’s completely different, think about installing hardwood ceilings. You can cover up that old popcorn ceiling with hardwood paneling to give your ceiling a cottage look. If you have a drop... Read More »
While trying to reduce our carbon footprint on the planet, homeowners are quick to realize that every choice we make, from the cars we drive to the groceries we buy, has some sort of ramification to the status of Earth. Inside the... Read More »
It has to be a small percentage of American homeowners that couldn't do with a little more space -- a new and better bathroom or master bedroom and even a new and better lifestyle. Home additions provide a chance to customize your... Read More »
Natural light tends to be a primary focus in new homes these days, in terms of both lighting and solar heating. Yet to concentrate solely on incorporating natural light into new and remodeled homes is to ignore a wealth of folks... Read More »
Nightstands are sort of light nighttime servants, albeit very stoic ones. They have our books ready to read before bed, they hold our alarm clocks, water glasses, and eye glasses. Nightstands localize all those necessities that... Read More »
Let’s just dig right into the meat of the matter. I’ve put together information on the housing market in both existing home sales and new home sales, as well as new home starts. My gut feeling is if you’re a homebuyer, buy... Read More »
Teak wood is incredibly unique among furniture materials. Teak needs no protection from the elements, lasting for several decades unfinished and in any climate. That is quite a resume for a piece of outdoor furniture and one that... Read More »
Remodeling a spare room is one of the easiest and fastest spaces to renovate because it’s almost always cosmetic. Many homeowners have one spare room and multiple ideas on how to utilize the space. You might need an office and guest... Read More »
What happens when water and dust collect on metal surfaces like iron or steel? Over time they form a corrosive residue known as “rust.” It affects cars, outdoor equipment, pipes, and even household appliances. But there are... Read More »
There are many reasons for building a small house, but in Japan, it’s a matter of necessity. Land is expensive, especially in urban areas which lack spacious low cost housing.During the “bubble economy” of the 1980s it was... Read More »
It would seem that there are little or no good investments these days, especially in the housing market. So instead of investing in a new home or trying to sell their existing home, homeowners are deciding to improve their homes... Read More »
Money is tight for homeowners around the country, as evidenced by a predicted 12% drop in home improvement spending in 2009. Despite a small increase in single-family home construction in the last month, the market as a whole is... Read More »
Not so many decades ago most of America wondered with often negative curiosity about cooperative living. Frequently called communes, compounds, or even cults, cooperative homes were generally misunderstood and looked down upon as... Read More »
While we often jokingly tell our children to sleep tight and not let the bed bugs bite, bed bugs are no laughing matter. Without attempting to give you all insomnia, suffice it to say the nasty little critters are very real, very... Read More »
Adding an indoor swimming pool to your home can be a great luxury. Indoor pools provide great exercise, increase the value of your home, and allow you to do laps when there’s a foot of snow on the ground. The indoor pool can be... Read More »
Repurposing old storage furniture is a great idea. It saves money on new furniture and is eco-friendly. These days everything seems to be made of particle board or some sort of engineered wood, so finding vintage furniture made... Read More »
Thinking about getting dear old dad another clip-on tie this year? Nah … nobody ever really buys those things, do they? Pick one up and use it as practical joke, but never as the real thing, right? The serious offerings... Read More »
At one point in everyone’s life, getting enough sleep becomes an issue. Tossing and turning while trying to find the comfort zone sometimes leaves us with less than 100% of the sleep we need. Finding solutions to sleep deprivation... Read More »
Forget about spending an entire weekend on home improvement projects. If you have 15 minutes to a ½ hour, that’s enough time to start and finish many of these easy upgrades. Change up your home décor or go green with some simple... Read More »
Summer conditions are prevailing in most parts of the country, and it’s a good time to spend your weekend fixing or maintaining things around the house. Here are five weekend projects that will immediately improve your home and... Read More »
The hardware division of American Science and Surplus is a virtual goldmine of specialized hardware and accessories. How about some nuts and bolts? No problem. They also have fasteners, locks, latches, handles, mounts, hangers,... Read More »
Raising chickens in the backyard has plenty of benefits. These birds are low maintenance and easy to care for, and they help control the bug population. Of course, the main purpose for raising chickens is for their eggs. You can... Read More »
Adding plate racks to various rooms of the house is an inexpensive way to decorate and a perfect way to display beautifully handcrafted tableware. A plate rack can also save you space and help you organize dishware. Some people... Read More »
Installation of wainscoting is a tried and true method of protecting your walls and adding an attractive design to the home. Wainscoting is also very useful for walls that are too damaged for painting. The tongue and groove boarding will... Read More »
Each year homeowners spend thousands of dollars fixing major problems that could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance. As with our cars and our health, the longer you wait to fix a problem the more expensive it’s... Read More »
Living green & mortgage freeThe sluggish economy, a very iffy housing market, and an aging population with changing housing needs all add up to a new living trend: extreme downsizing. While empty-nesters and newly single older adults... Read More »
I get by with a little help from my friendsFor sports fans hoping catch the big game: listen up. For couples looking to tackle a long overdue remodeling project, I’ve got your back. For coworkers in need of some fun away from... Read More »
The American dream that turned into a nightmare started with sub-prime loans and due to the trickle effect, U.S. households have seen $7 trillion of net worth vanish over the last five quarters. That makes the dot.com bubble tech-wreck... Read More »
Interior lighting sets the mood. Ultimately, the light fixture you choose will make or break the ambience. Each of the five designer lights below creates a different lighting effect, but all are definitely inspiring. #1 - The Penta... Read More »
Lack of storage has always been an issue with me. My new house has half the kitchen space than I’m used to and I’m down to a one-car garage. So, when I saw these smart storage units, I got pretty excited.For one, they’re... Read More »
Trying to find extra storage space around the house isn’t easy. We can build shelving, add cabinets in the garage, and store Christmas decorations under the bed, but it’s never enough. We always find more things we need to store.... Read More »
Most of us pay homage to Levi Strauss on a daily basis. And we probably have a few favorite pairs of jeans that, well, you can tell are favorites by the worn spots, stains and gaping, revealing holes. But when you're finally able... Read More »
How do we collect more stuff than any house can hold? I don’t know where it comes from, but I do know I don’t spend that much money. I've often theorized that knick-knack fairies invade our home while we’re sleeping and turn... Read More »
You’ve heard it from your grandparents and maybe even said it yourself (although not without cringing at the thought that maybe you are getting old) - they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Making your not-so-old furniture... Read More »
I would say that some people have too much time on their hands, but hell, if it weren't for extra time, we might not have such invaluable gems as the George Foreman Grill or anything that the late, great Billy Mays loved to peddle... Read More »
Aquariums are so underrated. They are no longer just a little box for fish to swim around in. The new aquarium, thought up by creative designers, is so much more. Decorators have begun to recognize the potential power that aquariums... Read More »
You may not be a professional interior designer, but you still have a penchant for great design and a desire to do what you want with your home. Now, how do you get those great ideas out of your head and onto the walls? Here are... Read More »
Working with this company was excellent. They worked within my time line and budget. I would recommend then to anyone else.
"Overall excellent, high quality result. Professional and courteous team. Worked effectively to refine initial design." Moraga, CA