(ARA) – With the growing popularity of green building practices, more companies are incorporating environmental and sustainability policies. These are all positive steps toward reducing the impact of global warming and caring for our earth. But what do you really know about a product you buy that is labeled green? Is it really environmentally [...] [...more]
(ARA) - Natural wood once reigned as the product of choice when it came to selecting an attractive flooring material that would impart a warm, homey and upscale appearance. Today, with many new laminate flooring options available, homeowners are taking a closer look at what appears to be authentic wood, but delivers the beauty at [...] [...more]
(ARA) - Just because you’re going green doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. There are many ways to easily incorporate eco-friendly ideas into your home decor without living the stereotypical “granola-and-Birkenstocks” lifestyle. “Within the domains of daily living lie our opportunities and obligations to effect positive change in the world,” says Crissy Trask, author [...] [...more]
(ARA) – You’ve got a weekend to work with and the inspiration to do something to dress up your home. You don’t need to spend like a diva or wield a hammer like a home improvement show host to achieve a high-impact do-it-yourself project. Many value-enhancing, elegance-adding improvements can be accomplished in a [...] [...more]
(ARA) - Dreaming of a fantasy island? No, not the island with white sandy beaches, palm trees and sun . . . but your kitchen island. According to a recent survey, kitchen islands are increasing in popularity. “The kitchen island has become the icon of the modern kitchen – the 21st century equivalent [...] [...more]
(ARA) - The use of mirrors in interior design hit its peak in the 1970s, when they could be found on walls, in architectural designs, and even on some ceilings. Over the next 10 years, their use declined, but designers are once again incorporating them into interiors to add substance to style. With [...] [...more]
(ARA) – Sick of those saggy silk drapes? Does the trendy color you painted your walls last year now look so “last year”? Your décor leaves you uninspired, yet the current economy makes you hesitate to spend a bundle on a total redesign. The good news is you don’t need the skill – or [...] [...more]
Tips from Martha Stewart (ARA) - Warm weather is finally here, and there’s nothing more beautiful than or as anticipated as the season’s fresh flowers. For lifestyle expert Martha Stewart, one of life’s greatest pleasures is living in a flower and plant filled home. Stewart loves to arrange the flowers that bloom in her gardens [...] [...more]
(ARA) – If you dream of an updated, upgraded kitchen, don’t feel guilty about it. Kitchens sell houses, as any real estate expert will tell you. They’re also the heart of the home, where we spend most of our time, studies show. So improving this important living space is a sound financial investment, and an [...] [...more]
(ARA) - A crackling fire sends sparks flying into a star-filled sky. Good food and great company set the tone for an almost perfect evening alfresco. Stop! What’s wrong with this picture? How about the faded cushions, tired table covers and sagging chairs that have seen better days? Outdoor living has always held [...] [...more]
(ARA) – Interest in the benefits and use of environmentally friendly products continues to grow, making the green movement stronger than ever. This is especially prevalent for homeowners who are looking to build and decorate their homes in ways that support the environment. Furniture found at a traditional retail store is often mass-produced and [...] [...more]
