Interior Design | Home Improvements

The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring added responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and just keeping up with your daily routines, your home can quickly start to feel more like a never-ending to-do list rather than your haven.

That’s where smart home technology comes in. It can help you streamline holiday tasks to focus on what matters most—spending time with loved ones and enjoying the season's magic.

And there are more upsides to upgrading your home tech: doing so can also enhance the overall value and appeal of your property. Current research indicates that 77% of today’s home buyers are interested in smart homes, which results in an up to 5% increase in a property’s resale value! In general,

For many homebuyers, multigenerational living used to be considered an option of last resort: it was a route families took only when they needed to ride out a financial storm or care for ailing family members. But that mindset is on the decline: A growing number of families now say that they are embracing multigenerational living and moving in together by choice.

In fact, research by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the share of multigenerational home buyers rose to 14% in 2022––close to an all-time high.1

Buyers cite a multitude of reasons for choosing a multigenerational home, including saving money on living expenses, pooling resources, taking care of very young or aging relatives, and spending more time with family.

Searching for ways to keep your home smelling fresh without relying on chemicals?

Try these 5 natural deodorizers to make your home fragrant and welcoming.

* Essential oils: Add a few drops to a pot of boiling water or use a diffuser for instant aromatherapy.

* Coffee: Set out a bowl of fresh grounds to absorb unpleasant smells and add an energizing scent to your home.

* Herbal bouquets: Arrange fragrant herbs, like lavender and rosemary, in vases throughout your home.

* Houseplants: Certain plants, like jasmine and gardenia, release lovely scents while purifying the air.

* Natural candles: Choose options made with soy, beeswax, or coconut wax and scented with essential oils.

How do you keep your home smelling great? Let us know

Looking to elevate any room in your home instantly?
Wainscoting introduces visual allure and rich texture, bestowing a refined, high-end aesthetic to any space.

Here are 20 exquisite wainscoting ideas to inspire you! 

Read more

A recent survey found that more than half (52%) of American homeowners have a renovation project planned this year.1 If you’re among them, you know that embarking on home improvements can be both exciting and daunting. According to the survey, the median renovation budget is around $15,000, so you're probably investing a significant amount—and you'll want to ensure your project’s success.1

One of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the right contractor to bring your vision to life. However, many homeowners fall into common pitfalls during this process, leading to stress, financial strain, and subpar results.

In this guide, we'll explore seven mistakes to avoid when hiring a contractor to ensure your project runs smoothly from start

Is chrome finally making a comeback? Writer Emma Apple Chozick describes seeing chrome accents everywhere on a recent trip to Scandinavia.
But how do you take this industrial metal and soften it up for a modern look?
Architectural Digest has the answers.

Read on

Transitioning to a smaller living space doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort and style. Intelligent design can transform a modest dwelling into a seemingly expansive and functional home.

Explore these 3 design elements to embrace and 2 to avoid for enhancing small living spaces:

1. Incorporate Built-in Shelving: Not only does this feature increase storage options, but it also draws the gaze upward, creating an illusion of height and space.

2. Embrace Flexible, Multipurpose Areas: Utilizing rooms for multiple functions is a savvy way to make every inch count, offering a practical solution to limited square footage.

3. Install Windows High on Walls: Placing windows higher facilitates the entrance of natural light while fostering an airy

When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space.

Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also be liberating––especially if you're in a stage of life where past responsibilities have given way to new possibilities and adventures.

In fact, many downsizers report feeling invigorated by the change, according to real estate journalist and author Sheri Koones. “It scares people to think of moving into a smaller space,” said Koones to the Associated Press. “But every

Relaxation rooms are meticulously designed to embody tranquility and calmness, aiming to ward off burnout. They serve as sanctuaries that effortlessly merge indoor comfort with the essence of nature, thanks to their harmonious color schemes and versatile designs that accommodate restful activities like yoga and meditation.
These havens are outfitted with advanced amenities such as intelligent lighting solutions, high-quality sound systems, and acoustics engineered to enhance serenity.
Together, these elements synergize to cultivate an atmosphere where peace and quietude are not just occasional visitors but permanent residents, ensuring anyone who enters can find a refuge tailored to fostering a state of deep relaxation.

One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas.

Even so, it’s always smart to think about the long-term impact those decisions might have on your home’s value. Choosing over-personalized or unpopular materials and finishes could make your home less appealing to future buyers. And selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your home to feel dated quickly.

To help inspire your design choices, we’ve rounded up some of the top trends we’re watching in 2024. Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to list or