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It’s time to switch over to the dark side—at least in your home decor. Yep, that's right. When it comes to today's hot trends in interior design, black is the new black. From bold accent walls to chic black-and-white living spaces to onyx kitchen cabinets, designers are increasingly turning to the darkest shade on the spectrum to create a dramatic statement. Sure, using black can be a little intimidating. But just like a little black dress, it goes with everything. “Black is a great choice for interiors because it never goes out of style, [...]

1. Know what you like Oh that part's easy, right? You want a totally new kitchen. But what exactly does that mean? You have to narrow down whether that’s just cosmetic (e.g., new cupboards, counters, and appliances) or structural (e.g., reconfiguring your space or knocking down a wall). Related Articles 6 Secret Thoughts Contractors Have About Your Precious Renovations—Revealed 6 DIY Projects You Should Never Do Yourself It's Hammer Time! 4 Concrete Reasons to Remodel Your Home in 2017 “I suggest my clients spend time browsing Pinterest, flipping through home decorating magazines, [...]

Small bathrooms, or half-baths, present unique design challenges. You want functional storage without cramping an already tight space or a trendy design without being visually overwhelming. Whether your goal is to make your small bathroom more functional for everyday use, or just more aesthetically appealing, you have several options. Luxe Materials on a Small Budget With less square footage to cover, you can opt for those pricier materials. Go for a more expensive tile and give your bathroom a luxurious feel without breaking a budget. If you're feeling adventurous, take advantage [...]

When you're house hunting, you can start feeling like Goldilocks pretty quickly: This one's too small, that one's too big, and that other one has crazy wallpaper—the list of "not quite right" goes on and on. The average home buyers will visit 10 homes over 10 weeks' time before they find "the one"—that special place that inspires an offer. But that number can vary widely: Some may fall in love with the first place they see, while others feel compelled to check out several dozen. To prove that the path to homeownership can take some wild turns, we got [...]

Question. Over the years, I have been involved in questions dealing with the value of certain property. This has involved such diverse issues as appealing the County's assessment for tax purposes, obtaining a refinance mortgage to avoid private mortgage insurance, and recently challenging an IRS valuation of property we just inherited. Is there a way to determine what our property is really worth. We have often obtained different appraisals on the same property and would like to determine our true net worth. How do the appraisal prices work? Answer. The most [...]

Choosing a gray paint can feel like a monumental task—dare we say, right up there with selecting a career or deciding whether to have kids. OK, maybe it's not quite that monumental. But if you're in a decorating mode, a sea of choices—from brown-gray to blue-gray and everything in between—might make you feel like you're drowning in a smoky, slate- and gunmetal-hued ocean. Don't despair! You can go gray without turning your hair the same shade in the process. You just have to follow some simple design rules. Find the undertone Before jumping into [...]

These clever tricks banish dim interiors and dark corners, and usher natural light into the house. Most homes have a few gloomy rooms and nooks, but you don't have to stay in the dark. To illuminate a poorly lit home without flicking a single light switch, use a combination of these bright ideas to enjoy an improved result that's like the difference between night and day. Choose glass-paneled doors. One of the most effective ways to let natural light flood into your home is to use glass-paneled doors. Installing a new [...]

Figuring out how to buy a house is no small feat—particularly since the rules keep on changing. So even if you've bought a home in the past and feel like the process is old hat, watch out: What worked in 2017 might not fly in 2018. It's a whole new real estate world out there! In an effort to prepare you, here are some of the new rules on how to buy a house this year. You will face new tax codes, an onslaught of tough competition, and more that will require you to [...]

After years of taking our collective home decor in a more neutral direction (we're looking at you, inoffensive beige, gray, and granite color schemes), we're finally branching out and allowing some color back into our homes. Look no further than our 2018 interior design forecast, which predicts jewel tones will continue to reign supreme this year. These bold hues—deep sapphire blues, vibrant emerald greens, and intense, regal purples—can transform a room from a boring, vanilla box into a lusciously rich and cozy space you never want to leave. “We're definitely seeing that [...]