Decorating & Design

DIY Projects

How Should I Hang My Pictures?

Framed artwork and pictures add a splash of color and character to a space. It may seem simple to just add one to any given wall, but there are rules to be followed.

DIY Projects

How Big Should My Light Fixtures Be?

Calculate the right fixture size for your room using this basic formula: measure the room’s width in feet and multiply it by two. The resulting number is the approximate measurement — in inches — that is the ideal diameter for your fixture. For example, a 10-foot-wide room would have a…

DIY Projects

How Do I Make My Old Radiators Look Better?

Existing rads don’t need to hinder your interior’s style. Here, we recommend three relatively simple, inexpensive ways you can incorporate radiators into your decorating scheme. As our illustrations show, by painting, topping or covering them, you can tum radiators into attractive and/or functional design elements. Paint It If…

DIY Projects

How Do I Decorate With White?

There are three types of whites: warm whites have yellow undertones; cool whites have blue undertones; pure whites have no undertone. Here are three ways to use white in a living room. All White A white-on-white scheme has a soft, pretty look, which can also be used in a modern…

DIY Projects

How Do I Enhance My Exterior With Paint?

When it’s time to paint the exterior 
of your home, choose two or three colors plus a door color — one that contrasts and isn’t used on any other element. More elements provide more opportunity for different paint colors. A classic trim color is white or creamy white. To highlight…

DIY Projects

Where Should I Hang My Drapery Rod?

If there are 12 inches or more between the top of your window molding and the ceiling or crown molding, hang the drapery rod at the halfway point. If there are less than 12 inches between the window molding and ceiling or crown molding, hang the drapery rod directly below…

DIY Projects

What Do I Need To Know About Choosing Tile?

Here are general tips that you can use when shopping for tiles, plus ideas for different looks for floors and walls. Size And Style The most common size of wall tile is 4″ x 4″. It’s often laid square, but can be varied as a focal point or…

DIY Projects

What Size Should My Area Rug Be?

Rugs add comfort and visual interest to a space, and help unify its furnishings. But before you buy, beware: this is one area of decorating where size and placement really matter. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your rugs make the most impact. Note: If your rug doesn’t reach under…

DIY Projects

How High Should I Hang My Dining Room Light Fixture?

Place your fixture where it “grounds” the dining table. It shouldn’t look like it’s “floating” alone in the room. Hang it 30 to 34 inches above the tabletop or five to 5-1/2 feet from the floor. Don’t automatically install a junction box (the electrical box the chandelier hangs from)…

DIY Projects

DIY: Painted Patio Stool

Sarah Hartill shares step-by-step instructions on how to create a painted patio stool. 

DIY Projects

Nursery DIY Projects

Gwen McAuley's easy ideas for feathering the nest.

DIY Projects

What Are My Options For Outdoor Storage?

Whether your outdoor space consists of a balcony, a patio or a large backyard, effective storage for tools, pots and other garden miscellany is a must. The dream? Storage units, large or small, that keep contents close at hand for easy access and out of the way when not in…

DIY Projects

DIY: Vertical Garden Planter

Lauren Petroff shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a vertical garden planter. 

DIY Projects

DIY: Roll-Up Mattress

Margot Austin shares step-by-step instructions on how to make a roll-up mattress that's perfect for overnight guests. 

DIY Projects

How Do I Prevent My Furniture From Moving?

To make your furniture stay in place, use rubber “feet” that slip over the bottoms of the legs to help stop it from sliding so easily. Think of the rubber grip on the bottom of a cane, and you’ll get the picture. To find them, try hardware stores and medical supply stores.