Interior Design

With the development of new surface technologies and the popularity of remodeling, why not have a little fun with your floors? While floors may not seem a likely avenue for creativity, inspired homeowners are increasingly turning to what is underfoot to express their personal style. “[Homeowners] are more bold in the decisions they make, which is a lot more fun,” says Dean Howell, owner of MO… Read more...

  1 Dark-brown and bronze finishes 2 Down-sizing and small-space solutions downspouts) 3 Personalization and customization 4 Simple, organic and natural 5 Home automation/networking 6 Universal design 7 Recycled/repurposed materials 8 Open floor plans 9 Outdoor-living retreats 10 Casual, approachable spaces… Read more...

Sleek Simplicity Du Verre’s “Lotus” collection of contemporary hardware by William Harvey is made with recycled aluminum and comes in black matte, oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel and polished nickel finishes. Elegant Additions, www.elegantadditions.net; $14-$29 Organic-Inspired Top your table with this shimmering leaf-shaped serving dish hand-formed out of hammered… Read more...

Whether you follow color trends or not, it’s hard to ignore the design industry’s fixation on the topic. Just before the beginning of each year, forecasters reveal their picks for the colors they believe will be popular based on current economic conditions and prevailing moods. For 2011, the Pantone Color Institute picked “Honeysuckle,” a bright, red-based pink, as its “color of the yea… Read more...

America has ‘right-sized.’ Following decades of growth in the average home size, the trend ended rather abruptly in 2007 due to “a severe housing recession, concern over rising home energy costs and changing lifestyles,” according to a study by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Downsizing is expected to continue as homeowners adjust to a new “normal.” Here are some strategies… Read more...

While getting organized is often a high priority, actually doing it can be difficult. Luckily, a wide variety of home organization products and services are available to help manage everything from clothing to yard tools and to simplify life. Go room-by-room with us as we reveal strategies for organizing some of the top problem areas in the house: the kitchen, closet, home office and garage. Kitc… Read more...

A coffee table is a decorative, aesthetic piece of furniture that not only pulls together a room, but can also be one of the most useful pieces you will put in your living room. Often considered a focal point, coffee tables can be funky, fun and creative or classic and simple. Size When considering what coffee table to buy, it is important that the size of the table is in proportion to the room… Read more...

When deciding what style of flooring to install, wall-to-wall carpeting is often considered as an outdated, less trendy option. Although hardwood floors are easier to clean, carpet provides a room with warmth and can help make the space feel more welcoming. The sterile-white carpet look of yesterday is no more.According to Kerrie Kelly with the American Society of Interior Design, there are now nu… Read more...

Small, efficient spaces are the new “in” housing trend. Whether you’ve downsized because your kids have moved out of the house, your budget required a less-expensive mortgage, you were no longer able to maintain a large home or your eco-conscience was screaming for a smaller carbon footprint, you’re one of the many Atlantans whose residential relocation took you to a less-expansive home.… Read more...

Is your green thumb more Toxic Avenger than Jolly Green Giant? Under your supervision, are plants more likely to become 6 feet under than 6 feet tall? Mine, too! But Mother Nature will take no more excuses since the creation of the Food Map Container. Chief designer Jon L. Wilson, AIA, LEED AP, heads the California-based Food Map Design, a young multidisciplinary firm committed to residential food… Read more...