Small adjustments in lifestyle routines can lead to big changes, particularly when it comes to the environment. The following list details 12 easy ways to “go green” to help the environment. Not only will you decrease your negative impact on the Earth, but you will also save a few dollars and create a healthier home. Change your light bulbs One of the simplest and quickest ways to save both en

I’m a big fan of shabby chic decor – I like the look of weathered furniture, roughed up antiques, and flea market finds – especially in bathroom design. But if I’m being totally honest, a weathered white finish is a big toss up, with a very fine line between an aged finish that looks stylish and “found” and one that just looks beat up and dirty. As well as white

One of the most surprising trends I’m starting to see in both kitchen and bathroom design is a renewed affection for white. White walls, white tile, white cabinets – from whitewash to porcelain subway tiles, white has not only been given new life, but has seen a massive surge in popularity. This trend makes perfect sense alongside a design culture that heavily favors wide, open, clutte

Outdoor furniture has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. New, innovative materials mean that high quality furniture is both more durable and lighter weight, requires less cleaning and will stand up better against weathering. But while synthetic wicker and powder coated aluminum are all the rage, there’s a reason that most furniture that’s left outside year round – like

Adding a second sink is starting to show up on a lot of kitchen to-do lists. It’s one of those features that you probably wouldn’t even think to want if you hadn’t heard of it before, but makes so much sense when you do. Having a second sink, whether a small prep sink or a second full sized one, can solve a whole host of common kitchen annoyances. But before you give in to the in

Traditionally, apron sinks are smooth, wide rectangular sinks made of ceramic or porcelain, with an iconic front-facing bib traditionally associated with farmhouse design. But recently this type of sink has gained both popularity and variety, and is now available in a wide range of materials that work with more than just a cottage decor. If you’d like your sink to be a major focal point of y

Metal might not be the first material you think of when it comes to bathroom decor. It can be cold to the touch, and many varieties don’t hold up especially well in the face of moisture. So you might be surprised to learn that designers are starting to incorporate all types of metal into decorative bathroom vanities. More fascinating still, this isn’t even a trend exclusive to a chic m

Many bathroom design trends are beginning to converge: bigger bathrooms, luxury master suites, an emphasis on simplicity and creature comfort. Taken together, they show a clear trend towards master bathrooms strongly influenced by spas and high end hotels. But even with the simple, open floor plan and emphasis on luxurious natural materials in mind, there are more than a few options when it comes

Corners are always among the most difficult spots to decorate and, in my experience, ones that lend themselves all too well to inelegant solutions. You can’t comfortably hang art in a corner, most furniture doesn’t fit comfortably in a corner, and corner windows are more of an architectural feat than a go-to solution. Comparatively, it’s pretty easy to plunk down a decorative flo

It’s hard to keep a home clean, as anyone who has to find a way to do it knows. But as difficult and oftentimes unrewarding as cleaning can be, it isn’t impossible, and as with so many things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Practically speaking, that means targeting problem areas and furnishing them intelligently to prevent messes from accumulating in the first place.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to choosing a bathroom vanity. First is the belief that they should be more like kitchen cabinets – built in and designed primarily for utility. On the other end of the spectrum are those who believe that bathroom vanities offer a somewhat rare opportunity to personalize and dress up a space that’s frequently composed of fairly generic ele

One of the most interesting up and coming new design trends is one that isn’t actually new at all – the re-emerging popularity of large format, full length mirrors. I realized recently that I haven’t had a built-in, full length mirror in any of the last dozen or so places I’ve lived. This is at least partly because, despite their usefulness, mirrored closet doors and such w

Choosing artwork for your home is probably one of the most personal decisions you’ll make in terms of your overall design. After all, the counter top, floor, cabinets, and even the paint you choose will still be there when you leave. What you choose to hang on your walls is really the mark you choose to make on your home. But if you’re like me, deciding just exactly how to dress up you

As kitchens move to the forefront of home design, homeowners are starting to have a little fun with the space – specifically spicing up the color palette. While French country and farmhouse style white kitchens are still quite popular, it’s becoming more common for these simple designs to be enhanced with bright, colorful decor. Some designers are going even bolder, with walls and coun

Typically, bathrooms with dressing tables are big bathrooms with custom made cabinetry. Most pre-made bathroom vanities, even larger ones, are made of solid continuous cabinets without the interruption needed to be able to sit and apply makeup comfortably. That said, there are a few workarounds if you’d like to have a permanent dressing table, but aren’t anxious to have a complete set