The holidays are a time when sprucing up your home hits an all-time high, but it can be difficult to find festive decorations that match your style. While there is nothing wrong with snowmen, Santa figurines and lots of red and green, it’s OK to think outside the (gift) box. Follow these three tips for a gorgeous yet non-traditional holiday home. Choose a fresh color scheme Who says that holiday decor has to be red and green? Try something new, like neutrals and mixed metallics. Or try unique color combinations that may not scream holiday, but create a sophisticated celebratory look when used ..read more

As winter plods along, you may wish you could just hibernate until spring - and that may be more true than ever this year. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the quieter months of the year. While the trend may have come and gone in the U.S., the art of hygge, that feeling of being ultra-cozy and content, is just part of everyday life in Denmark. The thing is, the Danes know how to thrive in winter. You might already know they're the happiest people on earth, but did you know a lot of them attribute their unseasonably sunny outlook to their home- and self-care habits? When it's cold and r ..read more

Moving into a new house is often bittersweet. You are excited for the change, but sad to leave a home so full of memories. Downsizing can be even harder - a smaller place means you don't have room for all of your current possessions. But downsizing is also an opportunity to refresh and start anew. If you get rid of the clutter, you can fill your new place with the things you really love, making it feel like home. Here are three steps for downsizing without sacrificing your meaningful belongings. 1. Make a plan Take a trip to your new place and measure the size of your rooms and storage ar ..read more

While Halloween may look a little different this year, there’s no reason you can’t still have an amazing outdoor display. If you’re not interested in shelling out big bucks for a 12 foot animatronic skeleton, or if your style is more autumn chic than gothic gore, you have plenty of options when it comes to the traditional jack-o’-lantern. Before you cut into your sacrificial squash, check out these top tips for making a carv-tastic display. Pumpkin selection There are no rules for what size or shape makes for a great jack-o’-lantern. Any pumpkin can rise to ghoulish greatness. Do look for a pu ..read more

If your house is bursting at the seams, or simply short on storage options, the solution may be as close as your garage. To make the best use of this space, however, you first need to corral its current chaos. This is, fortunately, a relatively simple task if you incorporate a few good storage ideas. With careful planning and a little effort, you can transform your garage from a messy catchall to an efficient, well-organized household annex. Divide and conquer First things first: Get rid of anything you no longer use. After you’ve winnowed down the contents of your garage, sort everything into ..read more

In the height of summer, your backyard or porch is headquarters for family time and date night alike. Combine both, and cue up a movie on your DIY movie screen for a staycation highlight. A bedsheet or table cloth affixed to a fence or wall plays projection screen, and your at-home projector makes movie magic. Setting up a snack station with seasoned popcorn and traditional concession stand candies will win over guests of all ages. Creating a homemade touch is a nice way to personalize the experience. Gather a few common household materials - canvas dropcloth, painters’ tape, fabric-safe ..read more

You don't need to stay in a hotel and play tourist to have a proper holiday. Look no further than your own home for a staycation that dreams are made of. Make no mistake, an at-home staycation doesn’t just mean a lazy weekend on the couch. Turn your humble abode into a resort made for relaxation with a few days of planning and prep work. Here’s your guide to creating the ultimate staycation. Tackle chores in advance Make a list of chores you want to tackle a few days before your staycation begins. At the very least, cover the basics like washing linens, dusting and vacuuming. For an ..read more

As summer approaches and temperatures start to rise, no one wants to spend time inside sweating over a hot stove. With an outdoor kitchen, you can make the most of the beautiful warm nights by spending them with your friends and family. Whether you have thousands to spend or a just few hundred to splurge, create your own outdoor kitchen and enjoy all it has to offer. Upgrade your grill A rusty, dusty grill doesn't inspire lingering outdoor evenings. Upgrade your outdoor grill and take care of it all year round for a stand-out outdoor kitchen. A standard grill will cost you $150 to $300, and to ..read more

For many homeowners, the patio borders on magical: a place to relax, entertain, cook out and take a break from the day-to-day. It’s surrounded by vibrant hues, and a meal prepared in an outdoor kitchen somehow tastes better than anything that comes from its indoor counterpart. Creating that perfect outdoor space for you and your family all starts with the literal foundation of this alfresco living room: the patio materials. Your selection can have a huge effect on the appearance, durability and functionality of your favorite home addition. Getting started Before you commit to a type of patio ..read more

While the kids are out of school, the adults are doing everything they can to keep their little ones safe and healthy at home - and find creative ways to alleviate the boredom and frustration they may be feeling after weeks away from their school friends or grandparents. With just a few materials you can order online (or pick up curbside at the home improvement store) and some tools you likely have lying around the house, you can keep those little hands busy while giving your house some TLC. Here are five DIY projects to improve your home and give your kids a productive outlet for their energy ..read more