How to achieve the perfect crackle effect on walls, doors, furniture, accessories and more. By Diane Franklin A crackle finish gives many types of surfaces a desirable, on-trend vintage look. If you want to create a crackle finish for a door, a piece of furniture or another item, there are products on the market that [...]

Mid-Century Modern isn’t the only popular home decorating style By Diane Franklin and Tammy Adamson-McMullen It seems that the world has gone mad for mid-century modern styling. It’s everywhere—in both residential and commercial spaces—and increasingly is the focus of many home furnishing stores, flea and antique markets, decorating blogs, local home shows, shelter magazines…you name [...]

Spring cleaning isn’t only for interiors. Outdoor items need your attention, too! By Tammy Adamson-McMullen The phrase “spring cleaning” conjures up all sorts of activities—such as sorting out closets, shampooing carpets and dusting nooks and crannies—and all likely involving the inside of your home. But home exteriors also need sprucing up this time of year, [...]

Here are 10 great ways to celebrate with tips for sprucing up your home. By Diane Franklin It’s an annual tradition! April is National Decorating Month, the perfect motivation for homeowners to spruce up their surroundings. Consumers have 30 days to celebrate by moving forward with decorating projects, both large and small. Here are 10 [...]

After the harsh winter, it’s time to freshen up decks that look worn and tired By Diane Franklin Spring is almost here, which means it’s time for that annual ritual that many homeowners dread: deck cleaning and staining. If your wood deck is looking worn and tired, follow these five steps and soon it will [...]

Caulk today has both practical and aesthetic uses. We look at both… By Tammy Adamson-McMullen We all know that caulk has many practical uses around the home, such as sealing cracks and protecting joints from water damage. But did you know that caulk also serves a decorative purpose? With the proliferation of pre-colored, tintable and [...]

Borders are here to stay and are being used in fresh ways By Tammy Adamson-McMullen It wasn’t so long ago that some decorating experts were predicting the demise of wallcovering borders. With the massive appeal of mid-century modern styling and its clean, uncluttered lines, the prediction seemed a good one. But borders remain popular decorating [...]

Follow these steps to make your home’s exterior the envy of the neighborhood By Diane Franklin What enhances the curb appeal of your home more than a freshly painted exterior? You may have noticed your home’s outward appearance is looking a little faded—possibly even peeling. So, it may be time to head to the paint [...]

Bolder colors are on the rise. How can you incorporate them in your home?   By Diane Franklin and Tammy Adamson-McMullen   All of the 2018 Color of the Year pronouncements have made their appearance in magazines and websites across the world. Many of this year’s forecast colors are bolder and more vibrant than in [...]