Glossary of Terms

Traditional

Traditional interior design is rooted in the elegance and sophistication of European decor, particularly from the 18th and 19th centuries. It emphasizes classic details, symmetry, and rich materials to create a timeless and inviting atmosphere. Ornate furniture with dark wood finishes, such as mahogany and cherry, along with luxurious fabrics like velvet, silk, and damask, are hallmarks of this style. Decorative moldings, wainscoting, and carved wood accents often enhance the architectural features of traditional spaces, lending a sense of grandeur and formality.

Color palettes in traditional interiors are generally warm and rich, featuring deep reds, browns, greens, and golds, often paired with neutral tones like beige or cream. These colors contribute to the feeling of comfort and coziness in a traditional room. Patterns such as floral prints, damasks, and stripes are frequently used in upholstery, window treatments, and area rugs, adding layers of visual interest and texture. Accessories like gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and framed oil paintings further emphasize the style’s focus on elegance and refinement.

Despite its emphasis on formality, traditional design remains inviting and functional, making it popular for homes that seek a sense of balance and stability. It appeals to those who appreciate timeless beauty, craftsmanship, and the charm of a well-curated space. Traditional interiors are designed to be both visually impressive and comfortable, creating a perfect backdrop for family heirlooms, antiques, and personal collections.


Traditional News

Latest News

7 On-Trend Kitchen Upgrades
...sign, wood grain finishes are making a comeback. The look is cozy and inviting, and with a wide span of stain options, it is equally possible to take the look ultra-modern or veer toward a more traditional style. Outside of cabinetry, there is plenty of room to incorporate the warmth of wood, such as butcher-block counters or exposed beams. Green, Blue and Earth Tone...
On-Trend Home Designs for 2022
...h offers an extensive line of more than 600 brick and stone products that provide nearly endless design possibilities and timeless beauty. The brickmaker's collections feature an assortment of both traditional and modern products to unique international items sourced from around the globe that evoke beauty, elegance and creativity. Get your design planning underway with a virtual...
Crafted Plank and Tile
...Crafted Plank & Tile is one of the most innovative and user-friendly flooring solutions on the market today. As an affordable alternative to traditional wood or tile, it provides homeowners a stylish, long-lasting option that is kid & pet friendly, resistant to water, quick to install, easy to clean, requires minimal routine maintenance, and comfortable underfoot. At Beauflor, o...
IFDA'S Educational Foundation Announces Design Student Scholarship Winners for 2020
...iladelphia, PA, and graduated with her BA in December 2016. Born and raised in Rockland County, NY, she began her artistic exploration at the Art and Design Studio of Rockland. There, she learned traditional drawing and painting practices as a foundation of her skills. Working as an assistant art teacher at this studio throughout high school gave Keshishian confidence in her abilities as...
Decorating Your Home with Bold Colors
...itant to invest in a pricy couch in a trendy hue, a compromise might come in the form of a richly colored accent table or chair. Creative cabinetry Traditional wood grain cabinetry sometimes gives way to far more creative color schemes in kitchens and bathrooms. While white is still a popular choice, and can even be considered bold in the rig...
SMART Carpet and Flooring Offers Multiple Options for the Home Gym
...at-home workout space, SMART Carpet and Flooring (https://www.smartcarpet.com/) has a mobile showroom with a large variety of get-fit flooring choices: from rubber to vinyl, as well as turf and traditional carpet. Rubber flooring is the most common choice for commercial gyms due to its strength and durability, though it is also appropriate for the home gym as well. Rubber ...
Be the First to see Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams New Spring 2019 Collection
...s featured in the season's new Calypso-Canary, a yellow diamond jacquard, for a modern bohemian vibe. MAE - armless turned-leg, barrel-back chair introduces a graceful silhouette and new traditional aesthetic Meet Coco, Mid-century inspired sofa collection with a low shelter-style back. This versatile piece lends a modern bohemian look, it is featured here in the season's n...
6 Top Home Design Trends for 2019
...Pretty and Calm As female buying-power continues to increase, spaces are being redesigned to fit the lifestyles of modern women who often appreciate both contemporary and traditional design. Biophilic elements mixed with pale-hued colors, luxurious touches and textured glass doors are all key features for Pretty and Calm design. To achieve this style, play with tex...
Smart Tech Upgrades to Improve Home Function
...y and giving them added confidence that their families are safe within those walls. Smart smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors offer enhanced sensory features as compared to traditional models, in addition to sending alerts to your smart devices when you're away. A smart sensor can also alert you of changes in your home's moisture level due to leaks or humidity so you...
Designer Kathryn M. Ireland Launches First-Of-Its-Kind White-Glove Digital Design Platform -- The Perfect Room
...t. For this reason, I felt it imperative to have an in-house concierge department comprised of designers and field experts. The Perfect Room is a true one-stop shop, without the headache of the traditional interior design process for those with little time to spare who still want a luxurious home with a designer stamp of approval." In the coming months The Perfect Room will ...
Clever Kitchen Upgrades - Fresh colors and textures for a functional kitchen style
...lable space. In addition, an option like Wellborn Cabinet's Aspire Full Access Frameless cabinetry makes it simple to create diverse design styles with better storage options than traditional cabinet framing allows. Without a face frame on the front of the cabinet box, this style provides more room for storage and easier accessibility. You can create a modernistic kitchen, ...
Advice from SMART Carpet and Flooring: Elderly Should Avoid Using Porcelain Tile in Bathrooms
...hroom, according to the National Council on Aging. The advice from SMART Carpet and Flooring is to replace bathroom flooring with modern luxury vinyl flooring, which is more slip-resistant than traditional porcelain or ceramic tiles typically used in bathrooms. When selecting a new bathroom flooring material, seniors should consider three factors: slip-resistance; cleaning...
Five Show House Trends to Inspire Your Renovation
...looks you'll love for years, here are five head-turning trends that led the way in 2018. Make a statement with plants: Humidity-loving plants have long added a soft contrast to the traditional hard bath surfaces. Designers are going big with the plant concept by incorporating what's called a living wall in this room - a wall that's essentially a floor-to-ceiling panel of thi...
Top exterior trends to inspire your 2019 home projects
... If you've decided this year is the year to add a deck or a patio, don't settle for an uninspired open-air platform. Today's designers are remaking the deck concept altogether by bringing traditionally "indoor" amenities outside. Rugs, arbors and high-design furniture will turn your deck into an outdoor living room. By adding a fire pit, portable furnace or heater, you and your fam...
Just a week remains to enter for a chance to win the HGTV Urban Oasis Giveaway 2018
...Oasis mold perfectly. Spanning approximately 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, the home is a model of understated elegance and has personality in spades – call it "traditional with a twist." "Cincinnati is a diverse, happening place with lots of charm and a real sense of vitality," said Dan Faires, Project Manager for HGTV Urban Oasis 2018. "The...
Expand Your Kitchen - How space-saving sliding door hardware can help
...'re making breakfast for the kids or hosting a big dinner party. Using innovative wall-mount door hardware, you can unlock your kitchen's potential by freeing up the "real estate" traditional swinging doors take up. Due to their unique space-saving possibilities, versatility and aesthetics, wall-mount sliding doors can make your kitchen more open and inviting. ...
Conn's HomePlus Helps Three Families Still Recovering from Hurricane Harvey
...> The Company's primary product categories include: Furniture and mattress, including furniture and related accessories for the living room, dining room and bedroom, as well as both traditional and specialty mattresses; Home appliance, including refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, dishwashers and ranges; Consumer electronics, including LED, QLED, OLED, Ult...
Art Van Furniture Introduces Innovative New Way to Shop by Identifying Six Popular Lifestyle Collections
...iture. The Midwest's No. 1 furniture and mattress retailer has debuted an innovative new merchandising system that showcases six primary lifestyle collections (casual, urban, farmhouse, modern, traditional and mid-century) identified by easy-to-spot, color-coded tags. Art Van Furniture shoppers can now easily select furniture and décor that reflect their unique tastes and preferences e...
Living in Color
...e believe they have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry." The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn Cabinet's latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, green and b...
Living in Color
...e believe they have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry." The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn Cabinet's latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, green and b...
Home Improvements with High ROI
... /> Roofing Re-roofing a home gives it an instant value boost, but it's a job that needs to be repeated periodically. One longer-term and on-trend alternative to traditional roofing is metal. Performance is the big selling point for metal roofs, but not only does the roof itself increase the home's value, the safety benefits and peace of mind that come wit...
Bring New Life to Your Kitchen with Color
... perfect hue for appliances - both large and small - and also works well in a patterned backsplash or on decorative items such as canisters and cookware. Consider red "crystal" grout instead of traditional white grout for tile to create an unexpected look. White Associated with clarity, cleanliness and purity, this "non-hue" promotes a sense ...
How big of a deck do I need?
...t With the added square footage comes a bigger price tag - $25,000 to $250,000 depending on the size. The deck material will also affect the final cost. Pologruto uses traditional wood boards and high-end ENVISION composite decking by TAMKO Building Products, and says if homeowners are already preparing to spend the money to build a large deck, they should go ...
Ideas for an On-Trend Bathroom
...ay's freestanding tubs offer tons of style to fit nearly any design motif. If the claw-foot style of yesteryear is your thing, there are plenty of contemporary takes on the look for an updated, traditional bathroom. There are also a wide range of sleek styles that look nothing like the classic version for a completely fresh, sophisticated bath. Give your tub extra star power by setting ...
3 Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2018
... tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry: Try Different Shades White is classic, crisp and always in style, while gray also provides a traditional look. Many designers pair white or gray cabinets, tile and wall color with a pop of color to add interest without overwhelming the space. There are many ways to introduce color, such a...
4 simple swaps when planning a kitchen refresh
...ay tile. A textured surface touting quality and distinction lends a design-forward aesthetic without breaking the bank. Embrace the unexpected Replace traditional décor with curated accents to elevate the space and delight the eye. Incorporate a plush patterned rug or paint cabinets with an on-trend hue of blue, gray and green, such as Behr's Co...
6 project ideas to recreate your kitchen/Minor and major projects that can recreate your kitchen
...as of your kitchen. The use of varying shapes and materials can really showcase your creative side. Today's homeowners are choosing larger sized subway tiles, introducing a bit more color to this traditionally neutral-colored area of the kitchen, experimenting with varying tile patterns, and choosing metallic and mirrored finishes. Extending the backsplash all the way to the ceiling, wit...
Fresh Home Upgrades for Spring
...details like popcorn ceilings or other texturing that may appear dated and dingy. 2. Add some color. Bring character to the room by adding color to the ceiling that complements the traditional walls for a cohesive look. If you have eaves, dormers or other architectural elements, consider painting some and leaving others white for variety and added dimension. 3...
5 top trends for your kitchen in 2018
... luxe appliance finish complements any kitchen and is also designed to conceal fingerprints and smudges. This smooth, low-gloss design option enhances any style kitchen, from modern to farmhouse, traditional to contemporary and every style in between. * Design elements everywhere. Long a place of functional purity, the kitchen is getting a dramatically artistic makeover in 2...
The beauty of barn doors
...ood, which may not be a look they're interested in," says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. "But contemporary barn doors offer many more aesthetic choices than their traditional image suggests. We've noticed a trend toward the use of solid, fine-milled hardwoods like walnut and cherry for sliding doors, which not only gives them satisfying heft but is also a g...
Save Money Through Energy Efficiency
...m savings, due to its energy-efficient operation. The home is divided into zones, designated by floors, rooms or areas - however the homeowner chooses - which eliminates the "all on" feature of traditional air conditioners. A system like Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating's Zoned Comfort Solutions offers a true zoning-system with convenient controls and automation, a...
3 Ways to Throwback Style
...livering ambient, accent, task and decorative lighting to create the right mood for any space. Elegant A beautiful, ornate bathroom with plenty of traditional features can truly be an interpretation of elegance in design. Plan for an abundance of luxurious, spa-like elements to achieve this look. Incorporate features such as warm hickory c...
Material Matters
...llation while the texture and appearance of solid hardwood are its strongest appeals. Other variables include the wood type, which further affects the look and strength. Oak is most common, but other traditional selections include options like maple or cherry and specialty woods like teak or bamboo. Plank width influences overall aesthetic, with slimmer boards lending a more modern look. Color is ...
5 ways to create big luxury in a small master bathroom
...sually appealing, bright-white model for an updated, yet classic, style. For example, Americast bathtubs from American Standard combine unmatched strength and durability with elegant, traditional design lines that blend perfectly with stylish bathroom decor. Patented three-layer Americast construction gives the tubs a porcelain enamel finish, sound-dampening qualities and superior ...
3 ways to personalize your home's curb appeal with an eye-catching front door
...achieve a one-of-a-kind look for your front door, consider these three ways to personalize your wood door. 1. Choose your favorite wood From modern to traditional, doors are available in many different wood species to meet your personal taste. If you like the look of high-end furniture, cherry or walnut might be right for you, while exotic woods lik...
Renovations for the Ages - Antique upgrades for kitchen and bath
...and charm of a country, century or Victorian kitchen requires complementing antique-style appliances. With careful attention to vintage design, a line like Elmira Stove Works' appliances complete the traditional feel of a "vintage" kitchen, rather than detract from it, as would modern-style black, white or stainless steel. Fortunately, the "antique" aspect of these appliances ends ...
7 'little' upgrades that can mean a lot to homebuyers
...u as much as 10 percent annually on energy bills. A programmable thermostat automates the savings for you! * Replace incandescent light bulbs — If your home still has traditional lightbulbs, replacing them with energy-saving LEDs or CFLs is an easy way to improve your home’s overall energy efficiency. These bulbs use 25-80 percent less energy than conventional bulb...
Black is the new black: Black makes a comeback as a major home improvement trend
...rk side. Home improvement experts agree black roofs are making a comeback, offering a sleek alternative that boosts curb appeal and enhances design elements. Decades ago black was the traditional color for asphalt roofs. Homeowners, seeking to mimic the look of expensive wood shake shingles, started to opt for brown and gray composite shingles. Black shingles began to fall out of p...
Stylish Storage for Renters
...percent have made purchases based on things they have seen on the site. Organizational issues, especially small or non-existent closet space, are common and many creative solutions, such as using non-traditional means to store seasonal items like clothes outside of the bedroom, can be found online. Embrace unique ideas. Typical storage places and containers are obvious choices, but ...
Designing Stylish and Functional Outdoor Kitchens
... Just like the inside of a home, aesthetics are often the first thing you notice when stepping outside. An outdoor living space can be modern, traditional, rustic, coastal or even country farmhouse - the possibilities are endless. The look and feel it exudes is important, so figuring out a design that reflects your own personal style is a top priority in the planning st...
5 green home improvements that can help sell your home for more
...emperature for hours, tankless water heaters use far less energy. ENERGY STAR says a tankless water heater could save you up to $1,800 over its usable life - which is twice as long as the lifespan of traditional tank water heaters. When you're thinking of selling your home, you'll probably invest a lot of time and energy into staging. Consider saving some additional budget for ener...
Add living space to your home with an easy patio makeover
...re. Your summer party room With the right pieces, you can set the scene for any gathering of friends and family. Start with ample seating. Add to the traditional living room setup with an outdoor cushioned bench, and position some accent chairs and tables in a nook or two for conversation clusters. A patterned outdoor rug also helps to delineate sp...
5 projects to create the perfect outdoor kitchen
... Cedar. Building a table is easier than you think, and red cedar can be finished in a variety of ways because it is pitch and resin free. All of this allows you to create furniture perfect for a more traditional or modern kitchen. * Provide a little shade. Make those summer afternoons more enjoyable and comfortable by providing some shade for your guests, along with the cook. Build...
Top 6 home decorating trends
...h almost any type of design style or color scheme. Acrylic furniture pieces and accessories have been around for years, but they primarily came in very modern shapes that wouldn’t work well in a more traditional home. All of that has changed, and now you can find the best of both worlds with this more modern material being used in furniture with traditional designs. Bring acrylic into your space b...
4 design upgrades for a spring refresh
...s a bold, modern statement with its sleek handles and angular spout. To further amplify the contemporary aesthetic, focus on simplicity by installing mirrored cabinets to store toiletries. For a more traditional look, pair a stainless faucet finish with warm cabinetry such as toasted almond oak. Wallpaper wonder For people who choose to rent instead of purchase, cr...
3 tips to make your bathroom remodel a breeze
... affordable $399, Kohler also gives rebates on the company’s products for online design customers purchases. More details can be found at www.kohler.com/designservice. For those who may desire a more traditional customized in-home design process, working with a National Kitchen & Bath designer is also a great option. A nation of remodelers, the U.S. boasts a home improvement in...
Simply sleek: How to create today's top shower design
...inished look. In shower spaces, consider the surround and flooring transition. Explore joint systems and find one that is seamless and low-maintenance. Consider flat walls rather than traditional curved varieties. Be aware of the visual impact a shower has when viewed both internally and externally. Clean lines, simple transitions and smart design are keys to creati...
How to Create the Closet of Your Dreams
... to your changing needs or do you prefer something with a designer look? Are you a DIYer or do you require professional assistance? Define your taste and style. Do you prefer modern or traditional? Or are you more eclectic? Identify the product that works best for your needs and your budget. One option to consider is ClosetMaid SpaceCreations, a designer-inspired, DIY...
Make a striking focal point the foundation of your spa-like bathroom
...ve sanctuary of relaxation. In fact, in 2016 half of NKBA members were asked to install freestanding tubs in bathroom remodels, and 60 percent expect to be doing more of them in 2017. Traditionally styled freestanding tubs were often claw-footed fixtures that meshed well with conventional design themes, but struggled to fit into the sleek, contemporary lines associated with a spa-l...
How trending home colors achieve their 'hot' status each year
...er says. "Culturally, we're seeing a shift toward blending of gender, relationships, careers, workplaces and living spaces," she says. "For example, male makeup models are now blending traditional views of masculine and feminine. Hotels, restaurants and homes are blending indoor and outdoor spaces, and modern offices are finding middle ground between work and play. Purple is such a ...
Stainless Steel is Trending Outdoors
...hting are among the many examples of products using stainless steel to create exterior spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain. As this material continues to expand beyond traditional uses, design-forward homeowners are more likely to incorporate it into their outdoor living spaces as well. One option for creating a stylish outdoor look is with kitchen cabinetr...
Easy Home Upgrades/Add style, function to interior, exterior spaces
...e mess and enhance your closet's storage space in a weekend with ClosetMaid's SuiteSymphony line.The DIY system, which is available in multiple finishes, adds stylish organization to both walk-in and traditional closets, and is customizable with accessories such as drawers, door fronts, shoe shelves and expandable hang rods.Find more organization solutions at ClosetMaid.com.
Color Your Kitchen
...rant color on the cabinets themselves, or pair softer hues with muted contrasts to create an eye-pleasing backdrop for bold color appliances and vibrant accents and accessories. If you opt for a more traditional finish such as cherry, black, walnut, white or maple, you can still add visual interest to your kitchen design by contrasting the upper and lower cabinetry or creating a standout island in...
Natural Stone in the Shower
...ing fresh. To help avoid water marks on the stone surface, use a squeegee on the walls after showering. Bonasera also recommends leaving the door open to accelerate air drying and using glycerin over traditional bar soap. "It's transparent and doesn't have a lot of fat, lye and animal by products that are in regular soap," he said. "It will cut soap scum, which is a food source for...
Playroom upgrade: A wall-mount 'barn door' makes more room for fun
... With spring fast approaching and the kids at school, there's no better time to upgrade the playroom. Why not swap out a traditional swinging door for a playful chalkboard wall-mounted sliding door? Your little artists can draw for hours on the chalkboard, plus the sliding door can add up to 14 square feet of floor space which means more room for spreading out toys, gam...
5 residential design trends in hardwood
..., designers and homeowners are always finding fresh ways to use it in the modern home. What's the appeal? Flexibility and variety, for starters. "We're constantly delighted to see how traditional woods like oak and walnut are being employed with renewed flair and imagination," says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.hardwoodinfo.com. "Subtle tweaks c...
Trend alert: Wood planks warm up ceilings and walls
... we've seen a strong trend toward the use of floorboard-style wood planks on ceilings and walls. Homeowners are finding it's a great way to create interiors that are clean and modern yet still have a traditional warmth." New York-based interior designer Laura Bohn agrees. "I've installed wood-plank ceilings in many projects, both in the city and the country," she says. "The ceiling...
3 ways to turn discarded wood into beautiful home decor
..., pick a few of your favorite stain colors and apply them to the wood. If you are looking for bright and bold colors or subtle cottage inspired tones, check out Minwax(R) Water Based Wood Stains. For traditional, rich wood tones, try Minwax(R) Wood Finish(TM). It's a deep penetrating stain that offers an array of colors, so you can create a display of contrast and patterns on your walls that can b...
4 hot bathroom design trends that don't have to cost a bundle
...cording to a poll of remodeling professionals, the vast majority agreed that "transitional" was the most-requested style in bathroom settings. Transitional design allows you to blend elements of both traditional and contemporary styles. The result is a comfortable blend of sophistication and simplicity that is easy to create with only a modest investment. An example is the urban depiction of the ...
Fans Get First Peek at HGTV Dream Home 2017 Located on St. Simons Island, Georgia
...as restored a hidden gem into a one-of-a-kind seaside getaway with a design aesthetic that can be described as Southern Transitional. With Sea Island as the backdrop, the 1980s-built home maintains a traditional look that embodies true Southern charm with an emphasis on architecture reflective of its coastal location. “The charming seaside location of St. Simons fits the bill as a ‘dreamy’...
One In Four Receive Unwanted Christmas Gifts
...Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, but new research reveals it might be worth thinking twice before splashing your cash on gifts, as spending big doesn't necessarily lead to gift satisfaction. Wasted presents  According to the ING International Survey Special Report - Christmas 2016, which asked 13,500 people in Europe, the USA and Australia about their ...
Practical remodeling tips for modern multi-generational families
...t, the ability to be together in shared living spaces, and the cost-savings of sharing expenses among multiple generations of adults. Families may find it difficult to achieve those objectives with a traditional mother-in-law suite, or by putting grandma in the guest bedroom or adult children in a converted garage or basement. Instead, homeowners and remodelers are seeking to redefine exis...
4 nursery design trends you'll love now - and later!
... better than ever! On the heels of Pantone’s announcement of not one, but two pastels, Rose Quartz and Serenity as colors of the year, this trend is legit. These shades add a slight twist on the traditional pink and blue: Rose Quartz is a softer pink with a hint of peach, and Serenity is a periwinkle blue with shades of lavender pushing through. Other popular pastels are lilac, lemon drop and...
Eight Launches Smart Mattress To Help You Get Better Sleep
...htsleep.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.eightsleep.com) the technology company focused on improving the way we sleep — today announced the launch of a smart mattress, designed to replace traditional mattresses with an alternative that helps customers get better sleep through higher comfort and technology. The Eight Smart Mattress is designed with four layers of responsive and high den...
Secrets to marrying style, eco-sense and luxury in any bathroom
...aging pebble tiles made of recycled glass, it’s easy to find flooring material that meets your expectations for luxury and beauty while still minimizing their impact on the environment. While traditional luxury countertops like granite require materials to be mined from the ground, luxurious eco-friendly options can be just as beautiful. For example, countertops made of cement embedded wit...
Home improvement: What's old is new again
... time for change, which makes the current trends in home décor so unique. Simply put, what’s old is new again. Homeowners are gravitating to classic and timeworn elements to give their home a traditional feel. Character is not something with which every home is born. Newer construction often sacrifices some of the charm or detail of older home styles that can be incorporated with s...
Making memories: Tips for preserving and creating meaningful wooden pieces
...an existing polyurethane finish or on bare wood. *If you’re taking on your first wood-finishing project and you want to create something to last for generations to come, try using a beautiful traditional wood stain. Minwax Wood Finish is an oil based stain that comes in a variety of gorgeous colors, creating a rich, appealing color in a single coat. For darker, richer hues, apply a second ...
4 great ways to create an outdoor living space
...e critical aspects in mind while planning your outdoor space, and deciding what media you’ll incorporate and where it will be placed. Bars are big Outdoor bars, like traditional tikki bars, may increase your home value by nearly 14 percent, according to Realtor.com. Whether you’re thinking of adding a bar in tandem with your outdoor kitchen space, or want to simpl...
4 DIY projects for your first home
... Doors are often forgettable, but don’t have to be. Replace hollow core bedroom, bathroom and closet doors with wood alternatives for an instant dash of richness. And don’t limit yourself to traditionally-styled options. From specialty woods to glass panels, there are plenty of options to choose from. 3. Clean and refinish your wood deck. As long as your wood is i...
5 ways to design with the 1980s comeback kid: Marble
...porating the marble look. Make a grand entrance. In the foyer, marble floors make a statement for visitors. Adding marble to the floor is a great option since it is traditionally a smaller space — meaning more bang for the buck. Marble also adds visual interest to a home from the moment someone steps through the front door. Add sophistication ...
6 holiday-friendly home design features
...Whether you’re shopping for a new traditional, manufactured or modular home or just attempting a renovation project, it’s important to consider the functionality of key spaces like kitchens and living rooms. These most-frequented rooms will host meals, family gatherings, movie nights, homework sessions and holiday celebrations, so they need to include features that facilitate all thes...
On-Trend Transformations/Get the hottest looks with a bathroom makeover
... difference in the overall look of the room. Determine which door style fits best with your design: Full overlay doors span over the frame and have a concealed hinge for a clean look. Traditional overlay doors reveal some of the frame for a classic design. Inset doors are placed inside the cabinet frame. Some brands, such as Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., offer options like beaded...
Keeping the Character/Renovation with original charm in mind
...ystems from Mitsubishi Electric provides individual temperature control for specific temperatures in each room, installation flexibility and quiet operation - all features that are not available with traditional central systems or window units. Learn more at mitsubishicomfort.com. Kitchen and BathTwo rooms that see the greatest attention in home makeovers are the kit...
Make a Great Escape with a Specialty Room for You
... available, the garage can serve as a good alternative. With specific spots for tools and lawn care products - or even that car or motorcycle collection - the garage can meet the same needs as a more traditional man cave. When two rooms become one. Whether space limitations prohibit separate quarters, or you simply prefer to share your hobby time with a partner, you can create a specialty ...
Upgrade Your Kitchen This New Year
...the Kenmore PRO 24-inch Built-In Dishwasher goes beyond the traditional circle with a full-coverage, spiral pattern that reaches deep to clean every dish, while rotating spray jets let you skip soaking and still target baked-on, caked-on messes. In add...
5 Pops of Pattern to Instantly Upgrade Interiors
...No matter where you turn, pattern inspiration is all around you - from modern architecture and traditional flooring to animal furs, floral arrangements and fashion runways. As homeowners and designers look to personalize spaces and create impactful interiors, patterns are being replicated with paint on walls, floors, furniture and more. "Pattern always catches my eye and is my go-to element fo...
A Kitchen Designer Tells All - Five tried-and-true tips for rocking your kitchen remodel
...re they loud? Did they show up too early? If sticking to a budget is critical, yet a reference says, "Well, he came in way over budget, but he did such an amazing job," this isn't the guy for you. Traditional vs. contemporary You may find yourself gravitating toward a kitchen style that will look foreign in your current house. By adding unexpected elements, you can incorporate more contemporar...
5 Freezer Hacks that Save Time & Money
...he investment you just made to your family's meal plan, arm yourself with the new Frigidaire Gallery Freezer, a first-of-its-kind upright with ArcticLock(tm) Technology that offers thicker walls than traditional freezers to keep foods frozen for over two days during a power outage. It's also garage-ready and built to handle extreme hot and cold weather. * Find a bulk buddy. While you may not ne...
Creating Sustainable, Beautiful Landscapes
...and environmentally sustainable. 2. Hiring a landscape architect is a terrific investment for your home. Research from Virginia Tech shows that landscapes literally grow in value over time, while traditional home additions or remodels start to lose value the minute the dust settles. 3. Landscape architects are licensed professionals who often work with landscaping or other construction com...
How Green Is Your House?An eco-friendly approach to home care
...me is just a first step. There are many other ways you can make such products even more sustainable: * Rely on LED light bulbs, which use a fraction of the energy and last significantly longer than traditional bulbs. * Use light timers to turn off lights when they aren't needed. * Make a habit of powering off lights and other electronics when you leave the room. * Set a programmable thermosta...
4 Tips to Make Home Maintenance Easier
...e your collection is complete, and replace damaged or rusted tools. Your toolbox is also a good place to store common repair items such as adhesive. For quick, fuss-free fixes with no dry time, ditch traditional glue for Glue Dots. The double-sided adhesives bond instantly to virtually any surface with no mess and let you skip using clamps. Get ahead of potential problems. For example, have a p...
Encourage Kids to Give Back This Halloween
...rition, clean water, emergency relief and education to children around the world. Below are some of the ways families can get involved. Donations go digital In addition to going door-to-door with traditional orange boxes to collect coins for UNICEF, for the first time kids and parents can now set up individual fundraising pages on Crowdrise for their friends and family members to donate. Parti...
DIY Ideas for Every Room/Simple steps to update and organize
...remium Cubes, available exclusively at The Home Depot. With a full back panel, these six- or nine-cube organizers are offered in two distinct looks. Choose the style that complements your decor, from traditional Mahogany to the contemporary styling of Weathered Teak. Work Space Improve your efficiency with the proper tools for the job. The Home Depot Premium Cubes are also a great addition fo...
Energy-Efficient Solutions for Your Home
...ss market appeal. Another more energy-efficient lighting option is CFL bulb technology, which has been in the market now for more than 30 years and has greatly improved to mirror the performance of a traditional incandescent light. As new energy-efficiency standards are set to take place Jan. 1, 2014, consumers will choose between these more energy-efficient lighting options, including Energy-Ef...
Tips to Capture Mood, Splendor of the Season with Lighting
...ially important in rooms where the most time is spent with the lights on in order to see the biggest energy savings impact. Many energy-efficient alternatives of today mirror the light quality of the traditional incandescent bulb, providing the warm glow and dimming capabilities. Do your homework Savvy homeowners should do a little research before purchasing light bulbs to ensure compatibilit...
Colorful Autumn Additions
...ll 2013 will be a season filled with vibrant purples, bright blues and dazzling greens. These colors blend perfectly with the autumn décor you already own. Watch as plum hues pop when paired with the traditional fall foliage of burnt orange, copper, gold and brown. Create your own glittering display with this Colorful Candle Ring, which features lively, on-trend hues certain to make your fall more...
Simpler, Quicker, More Efficient Ways to Light Up A Home
...When adding energy-efficient upgrades to your home, it's important to ensure even the most fundamental of enhancements - such as lighting - offers the ease of use, reliability and value expected from traditional, incandescent options. Advancements in bulb technology Though they have had a presence in homes for the last three decades, the compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulb has greatly impro...
Create a Fully Loaded Laundry Room
... you don't miss a minute of your favorite show. Other ornate laundry facilities include a space for your laptop for the most serious multitasking individuals. High-efficiency topload washers The traditional topload washer has received a well-deserved makeover. New technology has enabled that familiar washer you grew up with to be considered high-efficiency (HE) and is the fastest growing cate...
Liven Up Your Home with Color
...y can be a big commitment, but it also can set your kitchen apart in a sea of design sameness," said Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. In addition to traditional wood-toned cabinetry styles, there is also a growing selection of on-trend paint and stain colors such as the new Pebble Grey paint from KraftMaid Cabinetry. Take it a step further by choo...
A Modern Master Suite - Adding technology - and style - to the bedroom
...ce, too." Here are a few of Henderson's favorite ways to modernize the master bedroom in style: Bed control "It shouldn't take a lot of work to get comfortable enough to relax," said Henderson. "Traditional beds only have one position, and that's not going to be a good fit for everyone or every activity. That's why I love Leggett & Platt's adjustable bed bases. With a wireless remote I can ea...
Five fast home decor updates with fantastic results
...ut your showerhead. The new Moen Halo rainshower, available at The Home Depot, is a perfect pick. Halo features an innovative, pivoting double-ring design which provides 60 percent more coverage than traditional non-pivoting rainshowers, while offering three spray settings - full rainshower, deep massage and relaxing massage - for a spa-like experience. With an easy two-step installation you can u...
Surprising, affordable upgrades can give your home a whole new look
... flow of the home and sets the tone for the entire house. Modifying a staircase can open up a floor plan and increase usable square footage. It can also help you redefine the theme of your decor from traditional to contemporary or even modern. For example, replacing old wooden balusters with iron can help you create a cohesive look with other metallic design elements in the home, such as doorknobs...
Upgrading your kitchen from 'blah' to 'bling' for less
...gner and HGTV's Design on a Dime host, Summer Baltzer. 'I love the fact that there are now new countertop collections, like the Wilsonart HD line, that offer great design options that complement both traditional and modern spaces, but also offer great features like integrated sinks and decorative edges, to make it a simple one-stop remodeling project. Consumers can give a room new life just by rep...
Four steps to a more beautiful bathroom
...g ways to avoid clutter is important when decorating a small room. Organization is key to a great-looking bathroom, so incorporate storage options that can add style while saving space. Rather than a traditional towel bar, try staggered wall hooks or a standing coat rack. Keep items like extra hand towels, toilet paper and cleaning supplies easily available in woven wicker baskets, and arrange cou...
Teragren's Complete Bamboo Line Certified USDA BioPreferred
...l (below) is estimated to be on certified Teragren products and available to consumers by early 2013. Teragren’s bamboo products tested at the following levels, by category: PureForm Traditional Bamboo Flooring with 99% biobased content Xcora Strand Bamboo Flooring with 94% biobased content Bamboo Worktops with 99% biobased content PureForm T...
Top kitchen upgrades that blend beauty and value
...tting additional light. Accessories like decorator blinds with remote control ensure you can adjust the amount of light that enters your kitchen from a skylight while dressing up your decor. If a traditional skylight isn't right for your needs, you can still enhance the room with natural light; tubular models like Velux's Sun Tunnel skylights use reflective tunnels to deliver light from above ...
Simple Switches to Spruce Up Any Home
...e. Quirky or vintage mix and match glassware makes a unique statement and makes it easier for guests to remember which drink is theirs. * Menus: Use inexpensive chalkboard paper instead of a traditional tablecloth to transform your table into an interactive writing surface. Or as an alternative, grab candles and write menu items directly on them with a gold paint marker - a menu that melt...
A Beauty Routine for Your Furniture
... respondents think about cleaning only when it's time to entertain - which means most furnishings are not properly taken care of on a regular basis. To help educate people and get them to rethink traditional furniture cleaning, Guardsman, a furniture care pioneer for nearly 100 years, and TV design star Tracy Hutson, have teamed up to introduce furniture's new beauty routine. This new furnitur...
Selling or staying put, 'daylighting' improvements pay off for homeowners
...ight manufacturer VELUX America. Homeowners who want to apply the principles of daylighting to their home have many options: They can add windows or roof windows or install any number of types of traditional skylights or Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. The easiest daylighting upgrade While adding a window in the wall of your home may raise practical and design issues, adding a roof windo...
Need a Quick Room Makeover? Look to Lighting Solutions
... and collectibles. * Decorative - Fixtures become an element of the space themselves, such as chandeliers or pendants. The type of light bulbs you use matter as well. Due to the EISA Act of 2007, traditional incandescent light bulbs will eventually be phased out; however there are several energy-efficient options, ranging from CFLs to halogen or LED light bulbs. No matter what room you're look...
Holiday TLC for Your Furniture
... into a display table for holiday décor. * Trying a small accent table in the powder room for guest towels and soaps. Make your dining table shine. Try creating beautiful centerpieces using a non-traditional color scheme (like purple) or creative touches with family photographs to make the table more fun and personalized. But first, she recommends bringing out the table's inner beauty with a d...
A Beautiful Nursery on a Budget
... with your child. These are pieces that will remain in the nursery as it evolves into a toddler's and then big kid's room: * Select furniture that complements the look of the rest of your home. Love traditional style? Seek out nursery collections that fit right in. Focused on a transitional look? Seek out cribs and furniture with clean lines and solid construction. * Do you love the look of ric...
Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Considerations
... a weekend project. Don’t forget to take into consideration any events that could interfere with your timeline, such as a family vacation. 7.) Consider your design style. Do you consider yourself a traditional person? Or do you prefer a sleek, modern look? Narrowing down a design style in the beginning will make the process of choosing colors, appliances and finishes easier. Design tools like Kr...
Update Your Bathroom in a Weekend
...a little bit of visual oomph to the room. Hardware. Because most bathrooms won't have a lot of knobs or pulls to replace, you can afford to splurge a little bit on something special. * Switch out traditional knobs for ones that say something about you. You can find knobs in just about any shape - from cowboy boots or kittens, to sea shells and flowers. * Try a different knob material. Ceramic...
Mohawk “Colors of Spring” National Sale Features Aggressive Consumer Rebate and Financing Offers, Free TV Commercials
... HGTV.com and DIYNetwork.com • National consumer magazine advertising support in consumer favorites like Country Living, House Beautiful, Real Simple, Sunset, Martha Stewart Living, Family Circle, Traditional Home, and Renovation Style. • A “never go dark” online strategy that features ads on major consumer websites, including Homeportfolio.com, HGTV.com, and MyHomeIdeas.com; plus a new comp...
The master suite: a haven within your home
...pend it in the master bedroom. "The master bedroom has increasingly become a restful retreat within your larger home - a place where you can spend the day, if you wish, with all the comforts of a traditional family room," says Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Dutch Boy Paints. "The trend is to combine comfort with convenient amenities in an atmosphere that is peaceful an...
Easy Ways to Transform a Room
...rs in lighter colors also make the room appear larger and serve as a color-coordinated highlight at the same time. Use mirrors to add visual interest. * Instead of the hanging a large mirror in a traditional space, such as above a couch or fireplace, modernize by hanging several smaller mirrors. Create a grouping of mirrors with frames that have the same color, but different sizes, shapes and ...
The Art of Fine Furniture Design
...value. (Family Features) Homeowners seek interiors with fine furnishings and accessories. Whether enlisting interior designers or doing it themselves, many are turning to a popular trend of using traditional furnishings in a range of juxtaposed décors. "With emphasis on comfort and personal style, many homes include varied elements of aesthetic form and practical function," says Mike Howart...
Top 10 home decor trends for 2011
... popular items from the '50s, '60s or '70s, vintage will be hot next year, according to Kenneth Ludwig of Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, Ltd. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic such as chairs done in old grain sacks, or old carts from factories use...
DIY-challenged? Three easy tricks for floor to ceiling
...imply freshen up the existing color. Hit the paint store and ask the staff there for some tips on how to make the job go smoothly. Wallpaper is another great way to revive a room's look, but it's traditionally considered a job requiring some sophisticated DIY skills. Until now, that is. Mural-maker MuralsYourWay.com now carries a line of wallpaper murals that is virtually DIY foolproof. SmartS...
The finish is just the beginning with Artistic Finishes
...rams which will benefit small to large distributors with meaningful programs to help improve their business. These include both new and updated incentives and rewards which grow with the distributor. Traditional marketing programs have also gone through a makeover with an updated and improved website, numerous technical developments in web-based and EDI ordering connectivity, and refreshed marketi...
Hardwood finishes are more eco-friendly than ever
... in a well-ventilated area, and once they solidify, place them in the trash. Of course, you could always leave the lid on and pass the finishes along to a neighbor or charity organization. Beyond traditional low- and no-VOC finishes, consumers can select from an increasing array of natural paints, stains and sealers. These products, which are made with organic ingredients such as water, plant ...
Top 10 home decor trends for 2011
... popular items from the '50s, '60s or '70s, vintage will be hot next year, according to Kenneth Ludwig of Kenneth Ludwig Home Furnishings, Ltd. Examples include chair frames redone in new upholstery, traditional lighting fixtures in newer brass or pewter finishes, or products imported from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic such as chairs done in old grain sacks, or old carts from factories use...
TERAGREN® INTRODUCES NEW PORTFOLIO STRANDBAMBOO FLOATING FLOOR COLLECTION
...s new full display tower. Complete Lines of Bamboo Flooring, Panels, Countertops & Veneer In addition to the new Portfolio Strand Bamboo Floating Floor collection, Teragren offers numerous lines of traditional and strand bamboo flooring. These include Synergy™ Strand Bamboo Wide-plank Floating Floor and Synergy™ Strand Bamboo Solid-Strip Flooring (Chestnut, Wheat, Java and Brindle colors), Signa...
HomerWood floors offer a blend of the handcrafted and the contemporary in new patterns and finishes
...esign gives a room a distinct and sophisticated look. In Herringbone, the hardwood floor strips are laid in a diagonal zigzag plan that looks like a twilled fabric. This pattern can be put down in a traditional manner or in square modules, like a parquet design. “You can customize your HomerWood floor with this elegant design,” said Dawn McElfresh, product manager, HomerWood. It is offered i...
Getting the "Green Light" at Home
...home energy bills which is why, in an effort to go green in the United States, the Federal Government enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), which will, in effect, phase out traditional incandescent bulbs in favor of more efficient lighting products in the near future. In plain terms, consumers will no longer be able to purchase the traditional incandescent in a few years...
Color splashes into 2010 styles
...palettes. Particularly in the interior, natural primaries like bright blue, yellow, green and red will lend new life. Color will be a factor in the emphasis on what people want this year, rather than traditional space utilization, particularly in public spaces like hotel lobbies. While business conditions are looking up for some, buyers remain wary and seek quality and value in purchases. Produ...
Refresh Your Nest Affordable ways to liven up your home
...re turning up all over in American homes. "The organic patterns, vibrant color palettes and handcrafted looks create an aura of sophisticated warmth," said Smith. What to look for: motifs inspired by traditional African design; susani patterns from Central Asia; ikats and batiks from Indonesia; and handblocked woodprints from India. Power Play Smaller footprint, lighter weight and better perfo...