(ARA) – When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn’s grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home’s decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz – especially if you’re dealing [...]

(ARA) – Your home is your oasis; the place you go to relax, regroup and reenergize. If you desire some balance in not only your life but in the world at large, maybe it’s time to incorporate the principles of both Feng Shui and green living into your design.
The two concepts are compatible, says Cheryl [...]

(ARA) – You’re proud that he made it through four years of college. You couldn’t be more thrilled that she landed her dream job, even if it’s in a city 1,000 miles from home. 
But if you’re an empty-nester feeling pangs of loss as adult children move out, look for the silver lining — you can [...]

(ARA) – Faux finishes just aren’t for you, and painting one wall a different color isn’t enough of an “accent” for your interior design tastes. Yet you’re tired of looking at the same four walls day after day. 
How do you dress them up in a way that will make a statement without blowing your decorating [...]

(ARA) – For many of us, the thought of decorating in the modern style can be a scary one. Images of sterile, stern lines come to mind, often suggesting cold and unwelcoming environments. But the idea of modern doesn’t always mean minimal and white. Today we’re seeing designers and homeowners alike pairing rustic finishes and [...]

Today’s on-the-go homeowner demands furniture that performs double duty to provide high function without sacrificing style. Amid today’s challenging economic climate, families are calling for quality and casual trends that can resonate for years to come, all at smart prices.
Thoughtful splashes needn’t cost thousands: Consider accessorizing rather than renovating. Low-cost, easy changes can enhance a [...]

Resale value isn’t the only reason to redo a kitchen. Even if the home is a rental, or resale is far in the future, the room where families spend most of their time together cries out for a personal touch.
Taking your kitchen from everyday drab to your personal “fab” doesn’t require a complete makeover or [...]

What is the one fall home fix-up project that takes only a couple of hours and yields the biggest bang for the buck of any exterior home renovation?
Here’s a clue: This project adds style, energy efficiency and security to your home, and the preparation is easy and mess free — all you need is an [...]

With more and more people concerned about the environment, building and decorating green has never been more popular. One of the easiest ways for homeowners to limit their environmental impact is to consider replacing the lighting inside their home.
Incandescent bulbs waste energy and burn out quickly, and when the more energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs outlive their [...]

As Mother Nature wows us with fantastic fall colors and scenery, the latest trends in fall decorating and entertaining bring the beauty of the great outdoors inside. Give your home some fall-time flare by adding nature-inspired decor with unexpected crafty details.
“This fall, decorating trends are inspired by nature, but the key is to use these [...]