The Anti-Kondo Approach
Is it just me, or is there anyone else out there who would be perfectly happy if they never again heard the phrase “spark joy”? I’m sure you know what I’m referring to: The question “Does it spark joy?” is the ubiquitous tagline of Japan-based professional organizer...
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Get Your Patio Summer Ready in 3 Easy Steps
We’ve been presenting a lot of ideas lately about sprucing up your outdoor spaces to get ready for summer, but not everyone is ready to tackle a big outdoor project. Never fear! Just follow the three easy steps below, and your uninspired patio or deck will be summer...
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Touring “The New American Remodel”
First let’s get the alphabet soup of acronyms out of the way. The convention that Wendy and I went to in February was actually two shows: the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), combined with the 75th annual International Builder Show (IBS), which is put on by...
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Granite Vs. Quartz Smackdown
Which is Better: Granite or Quartz? Clients often ask us if they should choose granite or quartz for their new countertops, and our answer, as with so many design questions, is, "It depends." It depends on your personal preferences. It depends on your budget. It...
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Resolve to Try a New Color This Year
If you’ve resolved to add a fresh new color to your usual décor, paint manufacturers and color forecasters can be a great source of inspiration. They put a considerable amount of research into determining colors that they believe will be trending in the foreseeable...
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Stop Treating Marble As If It’s Delicate and Precious
I recently took a trip to Spain and France, and I was struck by something that I’ve noticed on previous vacations: Europeans use marble everywhere: public bathrooms, sidewalks, staircases, wherever. The most humble and mundane places are often enriched with beautiful...
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