All too often I walk into someone's home in February and am assaulted with a visual massacre of red everything. Yes, the pun was intended. It looks like someone bled over everything and left hearts everywhere. Christmas has red, green and a few other colors. Easter has pastels. Valentine's has red and … [Read more...]
Spook-tacular Halloween Home Decor
September 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Perhaps it's the mystery and menace behind Halloween that makes it so alluring, but we can't help but get excited every time we see those black and orange decorations pop up in store each year. Everything about this spooky holiday -- pumpkins, spiders, witches and ghosts -- reminds us of our days as … [Read more...]
Notes From the Field: How I Survived the Snowpacalypse
February 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
When I heard that Illinois was going to have 20 inches of snow dumped on it within a 24-hour time frame, I did everything I could to make sure the house was in tip-top shape. I made the sure the windows and doors were secure, I went downstairs and took a look at the furnace to make sure it was in … [Read more...]
Halloween Decorations You Should Avoid
September 22, 2010 By 2 Comments
The leaves are starting to change and the weather is getting colder, so that can only mean that fall has arrived and with it, the Halloween season. If you are anything like me, you have already canvassed about three different stores the latest and greatest in spooky decorations. While I am all for … [Read more...]
Living for the Week: Design to Keep You on Schedule
May 17, 2010 By 9 Comments
The weekend is great with its relatively relaxed pace - you can breathe easily, knowing that you at least have fewer commitments during the week. But let's be honest - how you do during the week affect show much you can really relax during the weekend. Is your house optimized to help you be as efficient … [Read more...]
Reclaim Your Backyard!
April 13, 2010 By 2 Comments
So the snow has melted, and you are looking forward to finally being able to use your deck, patio, porch space, and backyard. You're not alone. Why don't you take this opportunity to clear out the old junk and use some of the following ideas to enjoy the outdoors all spring and summer long? Redo … [Read more...]
Breaking News: Outdoor Holiday Lights
November 2, 2009 By 1 Comment
Hopefully you really decked out the house for Halloween. Jack-o'-lanterns, spooky cobwebs, maybe even a few lanterns hanging from the porch to light the ghosts and ghouls way in Old Hallow's Eve. Children must have loved it, but now it's time to switch gears and think about more mature, warm, inviting … [Read more...]
