Lifestyle Trends

Hibernate in style and comfort this winter

OK, so humans don't really hibernate, but when those bone-chilling northern winds arrive and snow starts to pile up against the door, we all tend to prefer the climate-controlled comfort of our own homes. And like all creatures, great and small, who endure the hardships of winter, we must prepare. Read More

A strategic approach to remodeling: refreshing rooms with small projects

In today's challenging economy, you're taking a look at how you spend your hard-earned dollars. And while you may not have the necessary budget to tackle a major home improvement project, there are many homeowners who are choosing a more strategic approach to remodeling - by refreshing rooms and undertaking small projects one at a time. Read More

You can do that with vinyl siding?

With the economy making a slow rebound, homeowners continue to look for cost-effective options when building or renovating their homes. Natural exterior building materials are often very expensive and require both time and money to maintain. Choosing vinyl and polymeric siding is one way people are saving on building materials. Both siding options, which many considered at one time to be fake-looking or boring, have become one of the most versatile, detailed and eco-friendly home exterior products available on the market today. Read More

Create 'curb appeal' with easy home projects

Whether you're selling your home and want the best price, or you just want to be the envy of the neighborhood, creating "curb appeal" can be very rewarding. And you're confident you know what constitutes great curb appeal - siding, windows, doors and a lawn that are all in good shape. But is that all you have to think about when it comes to curb appeal? Read More

Practical upgrades pay off in kitchens and bathrooms

Practical pays off when it comes to kitchen and bath renovations. Gone are the days when virtually every kitchen or bathroom remodel involved top-of-the-line luxury upgrades and a budget big enough to fund an Ivy League education. Today's homeowners want more value for their remodeling dollars, and that means turning to improvements that make both functional and fiscal sense. Read More

Boosting home energy efficiency: Improvements that feel good and save money

A long-term investment in improved energy efficiency can make sound dollar sense for your family. Energy-efficient home improvements can help reduce energy use, lower utility bills and cut your home's environmental impact. Read More

How to cut home heating costs this winter

Some savvy homeowners are having their cake and eating it too when it comes to energy-efficient home heating. Imagine cutting your heating bills, while boosting your home's comfort. Sound too good to be true? Not for the thousands of homeowners who are using radiant floor heating, one of the oldest and most efficient means of heating a home. Read More

Can smarter closets smooth school days?

Experts say children with good organizational skills do better in school. Performing activities such as sorting and classifying when children are pre-school-age and older can help them acquire organizational skills. It may even help to build self-confidence and self-control, too. What better way to teach kids organization than by starting with their own clothes and toys? Read More

It's not over yet: Tips for getting through the rest of hurricane season

Hurricanes can cause millions of dollars in damage and threaten lives in coastal states. Even inland states can feel the effects of a hurricane's power when people in coastal states who lose their homes to storms turn to their neighbors for aid. Fortunately, you can take steps to prepare your home to weather the rest of hurricane season. Read More

Luxury bathroom upgrades that are worth the investment

Few room renovations return as much on your investment - in terms of resale value and enhanced enjoyment - as refurbishing a bathroom. Maybe that's why many Americans, who have tightened their belts when it comes to other areas of home improvement, still seem to be willing to spend more for luxury bathroom upgrades. Here are a handful of upgrades that can help elevate a common bathroom to a luxurious home resort. Read More