Outdoor living is as important as indoor space, especially in the summertime. Everything in your backyard — whether it’s a fire pit, dining area or theater — should be part of a well-planned, integrated design. Here are a few outdoor accessories that will turn your backyard into another room of your house. Fire Pits Fire pits add a warm touch to an outdoor area and can serve as a focal point in landscape design, especially if you live in an...

About 3.2 million students are expected to graduate from high school during the next few weeks, says the National Center for Education Statistics.  After leaving the nest, it’s normal for a bout of homesickness in the first few months at college. But dormitory life doesn’t have to cause angst for those students who choose it. To ease the transition, here are five thoughtful graduation gifts to make their college housing experience feel a little...

Lighting has come a long way since the days of an ordinary square of frosted glass adorning the center of the ceiling. With an almost unlimited range of options, interior lighting today is creative, versatile and every bit as important as the furniture you choose. Inside the home, light serves to helpfully illuminate the spaces […] Lighting has come a long way since the days of an ordinary square of frosted glass adorning the center of the...

Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips. Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who’s there for the...

With so much at stake in the selling of a home, here’s our case for why you should work with a professional agent to stage, list and sell your home.   For many people, owning a home is one of the largest financial transactions they’ll make, which is why 87% of sellers rely on an agent to be their guide. It’s estimated that real estate agents play more than 150 roles during an average home transaction, so it’s best to leave it to the pros. Real...

Deck out your home for fall with these five easy, creative ways to infuse fall colors and textures into your décor. Whether your fall interior design aesthetic is spooky, sophisticated or somewhere in between, it’s the ideal moment to implement some fresh ideas to spectacularly enjoy the season. If you’re ready to deck out your home for fall, here are five easy, creative ways to infuse fall colors and textures into your décor: Add Seasonal...