Forget the Open Floor Plan--It's Time to Bring Back Walls

A Focal Point Designers Shawn and Tina Taylor of  Dacotah Studio  tell me that every well-designed living room needs a focal point. “Whether it's a stunning piece of furniture or a captivating piece of artwork, this focal point draws the eye and anchors the room, giving it a sense of purpose and cohesion,” Shawn Taylor says. However, the focal point should  not  be a television according to interior designer Barrett Cooke of  Arterberry Cooke . “A focal is not a television," she says. "It should be either a fireplace or a nice piece of art that lets the room be more than a space for watching television.” A Color Story The Taylors say a color story is crucial for a properly decorated living room. “Follow the 60-30-10 rule to create the perfect balance," Tina Taylor says. "60 percent of a dominant color, 30 percent of a secondary color, and 10 percent of an accent shade.” That 60 percent may be the color of your walls or sofa, the 30 percent could be your curtains...

  1. Dingy or Moldy Grout Grout is porous, and it can be difficult to  clean grout lines  that are set deeper than the surface tiles. Experts recommend regular cleaning with a grout brush, but when grout is badly stained or has developed significant mold or mildew buildup, something stronger may be needed. A mold- and mildew-eliminating grout cleaner that contains chlorine bleach, like  X-14 , makes quick work of cleaning and brightening dirty grout. For a solution that doesn't call for heavy-duty cleaning agents like bleach, a  steam cleaner  like the  Bissell Steam Shot  fitted with a grout brush attachment will do the job fast using only steam. 2. Stiff and Smelly Towels (Even When Clean) There's a surprising reason why your towels come out of the wash feeling stiff and smelling less than fresh: You're using too much detergent, liquid fabric softener, or dryer sheets. Waxy buildup from softeners reduces the absorbency of towels, and buildup fro...

  1. A Comfy Seating Area, Dining Spot or Both The amount of space you dedicate to seating will depend on how you want to use your yard and, of course, how much room you have to play with. Will you eat outdoors frequently? If so, a permanent table and chairs will probably be a must. Do you entertain a lot? Consider a dining table, a lounging area and several places where people can perch with a plate or a drink. Or perhaps you’re simply after a couple of comfy chairs where you can read the papers and relax? Next, consider seating locations: Some shade would be nicer for mealtimes than full sun, while a spot that gets early or late rays can be lovely for relaxing or having evening meals. Soft or scented planting nearby can enhance the ambiance. NatureWorks Landscape Services, Inc. 2. Lush Beds and Borders Traditionally, garden beds and borders run between a lawn and the boundaries of a yard, but the standard thin, uniform planting strip is only one approach. Browsing  photos on...

  Energy-Efficient Upgrades Homeowners can potentially qualify for an  Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit (link is external)  of up to $3,200 for energy-efficient improvements made after Jan. 1, 2023. The credit for 2024 is 30% of qualified expenses, but it has certain limits depending on the type of improvement. Energy efficient upgrades can help reduce energy usage and strain on a home’s critical systems. Upgrades can include structural improvements to the home and the installation of new systems. Here are some sample projects: A  home energy audit  may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $150. An auditor will help your clients understand where they’re losing energy and identify health and safety issues in their home. A home energy audit could help save up to 30% on energy bills, according to the Department of Energy. To qualify for the credit, the audit must be conducted by a  qualified home energy auditor (link is external)  or someone who...