Lifestyle & Trends - Kitchen

Inexpensive ways to turn your kitchen from drab to fab

Changing a dingy kitchen into a sparkling, showroom-quality food prep and dining area doesn't have to cost a lot of money. You don't even need to go as far as buying new appliances or changing the layout of your kitchen, if you don't need to. It might be as simple as updating your paint and lighting. 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

Home decorating: the cool, clean whites of summer

There's nothing like white to add a cool, clean look to your home. From linens and pillows to china and cabinetry, a splash of white not only adds light to your interiors, but can lighten your mood as well. The kitchen is one of the best spaces to go wild with white. Read More

A strategic approach to remodeling: refreshing rooms with small projects

In today's challenging economy, you're taking a look at how you spend your hard-earned dollars. And while you may not have the necessary budget to tackle a major home improvement project, there are many homeowners who are choosing a more strategic approach to remodeling - by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time. Read More

Kitchen, bath renovations remain tops, but go lean and green

When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment. 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

Practical upgrades pay off in kitchens and bathrooms

Practical pays off when it comes to kitchen and bath renovations. Gone are the days when virtually every kitchen or bathroom remodel involved top-of-the-line luxury upgrades and a budget big enough to fund an Ivy League education. Today's homeowners want more value for their remodeling dollars, and that means turning to improvements that make both functional and fiscal sense. Read More

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

Make your home appliance updates a local investment

Summer is the biggest moving time for Americans, according to Moving.com. With low housing prices continuing and the recent first-time homebuyers credit that ended in June, plenty of Americans will be unpacking boxes in new homes this summer and fall. 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

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