Sheila Kim

With its natural beauty and warmth, it’s no wonder that timber is such a highly sought-after material for home improvement projects, so much so that other materials today mimic the appearance of wood, from ceramic and high-pressure laminate to vinyl. But beyond wood species and grain patterns, stain color and finish can dramatically affect the outcome of any home design project.

From outdoor entertaining to improving curb appeal, it’s that time of year when a home’s exterior is front and center. But before you embark on any exterior updates, learn what the pros have to say when it comes to home exterior mistakes, so you can avoid making them in the first place.

If you feel it's high time to update a certain piece of furniture in your home or to finally add a piece to a room that's been sitting empty for some time, don't do so without learning some of the most common mistakes people make when furniture shopping.

If you’re looking to update the flooring in your home—whether with a simple area rug or a full swath of hardwood or ceramic tile—don’t do so without first reviewing the potential missteps that may seem minor but can set back a flooring project or even larger home improvement goals if overlooked.

Not everyone has the fortune of living in their ultimate dream home the first time around, and even if they do, their tastes and needs may change over time. So, it’s more likely that homeowners will find elements and spaces in and around the house that they feel can be improved and updated.

If you feel it’s time to refresh your home, but fear the cost and work involved, think again: you don’t need to break the bank or hire a professional to revamp your home or a single room. Nor do you have to go on a shopping spree to completely overhaul your home’s decor.

Whether you want to ramp up your home’s curb appeal for your own enjoyment or you're getting ready to sell, giving it a fresh coat of paint can surely help—assuming you choose the right colors.

If you think there’s no such thing as a faux pas in selecting and installing window treatments, think again. Mistakes can range from mismeasuring the window to miscalculating the occupiable space on either side of it. It can also be purely aesthetic in nature, such as using curtain panels that look ridiculously short and choppy for the window they’re dressing.

If you're looking to design an outdoor kitchen that's both functional and stylish, we've got you covered with expert advice. From what kind of materials are worth the investment to what layout factors to consider, we asked designers to share their best tips.

If you have a pile of cardboard boxes sitting around your home and aren't quite sure what to do with them, consider reusing them to create home decor accents or a playhouse for your kids or pets. With a sturdy structure thanks to an inner layer of fluted material, a cardboard box can often be useful a second or even a third time.

For some, spring cleaning is a satisfying ritual that freshens up a home, making it feel lighter and more organized. But for others, it can be intimidating and time-consuming.

When it comes to hosting your very own dinner party, it could be daunting to think about the chores that come with the big task. We spoke with home entertaining and organizing experts to learn what are must-dos after guests leave, as well as a few tips and tricks that will help make the post-event tidying go more swiftly and smoothly.

Every homeowner knows a thing or two about how flipping certain spaces—namely the kitchen and bath—can help sell the home. However, prospective sellers should also pay attention to the minute and unobservable details and repairs that can slow down or cancel a sale.

Trim, from crown molding to window casing, offers an air of elegance and dimensionality that many homeowners desire. But sometimes they’re so eager to incorporate such detail that they don’t think through some of the faux pas they may be committing.

Kitchens are often the “hearth of the home” because they're actively used every day and are often the main gathering and socializing spot for family members and friends.

Whether you find it while dumpster diving, curb shopping, or thrifting, stumbling upon a perfectly intact piece of discarded furniture at no or low cost to you could result in an intriguing addition to your decor.

For some homeowners and renters, standard-height ceilings offer a cozy and intimate atmosphere. But for others, they can often make spaces seem smaller and at times darker. If you fall in the latter group, don’t worry.

Undoubtedly, tile is a versatile material that can transform and elevate the look of kitchens and baths, as well as living spaces, mantles, and mudrooms. But just like paint colors, tile designs go in and out of style and can ultimately date a space.

You may finally be ready to update your home whether it's trying a new paint color or swapping out your current light fixture. However, there are some fundamental things that designers, architects, or renovators want you to keep in mind before beginning a home remodeling project, so you don't end up unhappy or unsatisfied with the new remodel.