The image of the classic English garden is probably pretty familiar to you: well kept hedges, colorful flowers, and whimsical stone paths, dotted with elegant wrought iron Victorian garden tables and chairs. It’s a scene that’s idyllic, pastoral, and (for better or worse) one that’s shaped the American garden. Now, of course some Americans tend more toward decks, grills, and outd

Home offices are something of a sacred space. For people who work from home like I do, it’s a buffer between your business and your family, a place without screaming kids or loud TVs. And it’s a place you can go that’s both more comfortable and professional feeling than your dining table. Working from home is tough, and having a place to go to work can make a big difference, but

I grew up in the Southwest, where rain, wind, snow, and cold were practically nonexistent, and where indoor and outdoor spaces merged pretty freely. Patios, porches, and decks were practically standard-issue living spaces, and even outdoor bathrooms and outdoor kitchens weren’t unheard of. So it wasn’t until I moved to the upper Midwest that I even heard of sun rooms. Until my first wi

More than ever, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, not just for preparing food, but for eating and entertaining as well. Kitchens are larger and more open than ever before, with everything from more storage to more seating. But while many dream kitchens focus on features like sprawling kitchen islands, professional grade cooking appliances, and custom cabinetry, one of my favorite new k

The sun is out, the birds are singing, and despite a recent cold snap, it’s a balmy 40 degrees out – and in my part of the country, that means it’s time to start thinking SPRING! Really, it’s time to start thinking patio furniture. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent one too many summers depending on a junky folding chair. Last year I dragged my feet unt

I was recently in the market for a new bed frame, and I had a very clear, very specific idea of the look I wanted. I went out searching like I was going on a warpath: not going to be talked into anything else by anyone! But once I started looking, I realized there were a whole lot more styles out there than just the one I had in mind, including quite a few I’d never seen before. In fact, man

I have a confession to make. I like to put my feet up.  If I can’t kick my feet up while I’m in front of the TV, I’m not a happy camper. Really, this is one of the few petty discomforts I really can’t stand, but the benefit is that it’s turned me into something of an expert on living room lounges and recliners. There are lots of ways to get your feet up, but not all

In honor of yesterday’s discussion of multitasking furniture, today I want to give a nod to maybe the most derided (yet important!) of all dual-purposed furniture: the sofa bed. Now, these aren’t exactly popular, for more reasons than one. Futons are the bread and butter of college students and first-time renters, cheaper than either a bed or a sofa and able to do both jobs, but neithe

As someone who’s spent most of her life living in smallish spaces, I’ve really learned the value of making the most of the space you have. That can mean anything from hanging an extra shelf in your bedroom to choosing just the right coffee table. Even small changes can make your home feel less cluttered, while some innovative furniture can even make your space easier to live in. These

It’s the time of year for gift giving, and more than any other time it’s the time of year for buying big gifts for your whole family, like a brand shiny new TV. But while every member of your family is basically guaranteed to go bananas for a new television, in the excitement it can be too easy to overlook just exactly how it’s going to fit into your living room. Even a modest up