There are lots of weird yet wonderful houseplants which are just waiting for you to discover them. For example, the rock tassel fern is a type of club moss that looks like it came from the world of the dinosaurs. The green velvet alocasia is a humidity-loving plant distinguished by its soft, arrowhead-shaped leaves, while the dolphin plants leaves have a very distinctive dolphin-like shape. The … [Read more...]

Kate Riley recently helped overhaul a dark, cramped San Francisco home into a new design with far more natural light and a very different atmosphere. The house is a “zero lot” structure with no access to natural light on either side, meaning that Riley only had the front and back exteriors to work with. She turned a closet into a brightly-lit and inviting dining nook using wide-profile vinyl … [Read more...]

Say the word "serene" and many people think of white. It doesn't have to be that way when decorating your bedroom. A wall tapestry or art work is one way to add color without descending into color chaos. In terms of walls and bedding, some colors work better than others. A yellow bedspread can be cheerful, while blue and green can feel soothing. You can also try tropical patterns and prints for a … [Read more...]

After a 20 year period where it became a synonym for tacky and vulgar, chintz is making a comeback in interior design. But despite being associated with the 1980s (thank Princess Diana's love for the florid designs of Laura Ashley for that), chintz's history dates back to the 11th century, where Indian weavers would hand-paint colorful patterns onto calico fabric. These fabrics were exported into … [Read more...]

Nothing says summer like colorful decorative touches. Spruce up your outdoor area with bright new outdoor pillows and accessories. In the bedroom, switch up your duvet to something lighter or beach-inspired. Crafty accessories are a nice touch anywhere. Your front porch or patio can be transformed with a new indoor/outdoor area rug. And since you're spending so much time outside, why not add some … [Read more...]

Brighten up your foyer! Rremember to begin with a clear sense of what you want and be sure to leave yourself plenty of capacity to evolve as your needs change. A mirror or a piece of artwork can make a great central point of focus for your console table. Adding flowers or other plants can be eye catching, as can integrating decorations of various different height levels. Key Takeaways: Don't … [Read more...]

The entryway of your home is the first thing most people see when they walk through your front door. There are several ways you can make a great first impression. Try displaying a mini gallery of your favorite artwork on the wall, arranging a collection of treasured trinkets on a table, or hanging a mirror so guests can check their appearance upon arrival or when leaving. You can also create a … [Read more...]

The door to your bedroom, bathroom, closet, and pantry is a significant amount of visual real estate, however, most homeowners rarely decorate them. Bright pops of color on doors give the added boost to catch someone's eye. This technique is also good for those that don't want to paint every wall but like the bold color. Hanging art or wallpapering the door is also a good way to bring visually … [Read more...]

Keep floors clean to improve aesthetic appeal and reduce pests and dust bunnies. Implement a no-shoes policy to avoid tracking dust and dirt inside. Make sure to purchase a high-quality vacuum and check under rugs frequently to avoid discoloration. Always sweep dry debris before using water to mop or scrub so potentially damaging particles do not scratch the floor. Felt protectors for furniture … [Read more...]