By Kathryn Weber As spring approaches, trees and plants will start to bloom, officially kicking off the allergy season! If you have asthma or allergies, this time of year can be both welcomed and feared. Sure, the weather's nicer, but if you're sneezing all the time or struggling to breathe, it's hard to enjoy it. Luckily, you can take steps to reduce the pollen and allergens in your home. Start in the bedroom The one area of … [Read more...]
Keep your house cleaner by parking shoes at the door
By Kathryn Weber If you could do one simple thing to have a cleaner house, carpets that look like new, and less bacteria in your home, would you do it? All you have to do it remove your shoes before coming into the house. Growing custom More and more Americans are making a habit of kicking off their shoes at the door. The is common practice in Hawaii as a way to keep sand out of the house, and widely popular in Asia. As Asian decorating … [Read more...]
Add a touch of Parisian elegance to your decor
By Kathryn Weber Few cities are more romantic than Paris, France. With a style and grace all its own, the Parisian "look" is classic and timeless. Even if you've never been to The City of Lights, it's easy to spot Parisian style in books, magazines and films. While you probably can't imitate French architecture, you can easily bring a chic touch of Paris to your interiors. Tres elegante In Paris, most people live in apartments, each a … [Read more...]
Bunk beds have grown up in style, function
By Kathryn Weber Contemporary Kids by Aspen Photographers Hufker Photo Bunk beds used to be the domain of the under-7 crowd, but not anymore. In recent year, bunk beds have grown up in style and function. More than just a way to create additional floor space, bunk beds for adults can also offer privacy and even a touch of luxury. Adaptive style Nowadays, many bunk beds are built-in versus assembled. This allows greater design detail and … [Read more...]
Warm up this winter in your own backyard spa
By Kathryn Weber Say what you want about the kitschyness of a hot tub, ski resorts know there's no better way to warm up and soothe aching muscles after a long day on the slopes. Since it's good bet winter will be sticking around for a while, why not fight the frosty monotony with a toasty dip in your own backyard spa? The benefits Hot tubs are wonderful if you exercise frequently and they can be used into the summer months. The warm … [Read more...]
Avoid bringing bed bugs home from vacation
By Kathryn Weber A chance to relax and escape the everyday demands of work and home is a real reward, but today's vacations bring with an extra worry besides airline baggage fees: bed bugs. Once rarely seen, these blood-sucking creatures are appearing with a vengeance at the very places we go to escape -- hotels and vacation rentals. But worse than finding bed bugs on vacation is bringing them home. DO SOME RESEARCH Before … [Read more...]
How to store winter clothes safely
By Kathryn Weber With cold weather finally out of the way in most parts of the country, it's time to rotate the clothes in your closet. In fact, regardless of whether you live in a seasonal climate or a temperate one, cramming all your clothes in the closet all the time makes it harder to find what you want. Also, leaving your wool, cashmere and specialty fabric clothing out during the summer -- when bugs are more prevalent -- could leave you … [Read more...]
Beautify your bathroom with easy updates
By Kathryn Weber Contrary to what you might think, updating and beautifying your bathroom doesn't have to include ripping out plumbing and reconfiguring layouts. Some paint and new accessories may be all it takes to transform your bath into an elegant, spa-like retreat. Opting for some unique items not usually seen in the bathroom can make the difference. MAKE IT LIVABLE The bathroom is no longer simply a perfunctory room for quick … [Read more...]
Do more decorating with drapes
By Kathryn Weber Beyond simply framing a window, drapes offer a wealth of decorating options to add softness, screening and privacy. Drapes can be used in unique ways that bring more panache to your home and cozy up large, open spaces. THE DRAPE DIVIDE The large open spaces in many contemporary homes are enjoyable to be in and give a feeling of spaciousness, but they can lack warmth and coziness. Ask most diners at elegant restaurants … [Read more...]
15 designer secrets you can adapt for your own home
By Kathryn Weber Go to a designer show house or parade of homes and you'll be struck by all sorts of fabulous "why didn't I think of that?" decorating ideas. Designers seem to be able to decorate a room in a way that looks effortless yet chic and pulled together. That's the product of their expertise, but it doesn't mean you can't adapt some of their ideas for your own home. Try on these ideas to give your rooms a designer touch: 1. … [Read more...]
