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Here’s How to Install Mirrors on Closet Doors

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Dear James: The dressing area in my master bedroom is not as bright as I would like. I thought about hanging a mirror somewhere, perhaps on the closet door. Will this really help my problem much? -- Mary T Dear Mary: Using mirrors is an excellent and effective method to brighten up any room. An added benefit is your room will also look much larger than it actually is. This … [Read more...] about Here’s How to Install Mirrors on Closet Doors

Designing a Home Interior That is Perfect For You

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As a designer, I am often asked whether I like the interiors of the latest restaurant or the lobby of a hyped hotel. And when I am asked, I'm always cautious to answer. Not because I'm afraid to offend anyone, but rather because as a designer, my "likes" will possibly different. Since the 3rd Century BC in Greece, the expression "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" has … [Read more...] about Designing a Home Interior That is Perfect For You

Rachel Maddow and President Trump Raking in the Cash for MSNBC

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The election of President Donald J. Trump has led to soaring ratings for MSNBC and Rachel Maddow and those numbers also equal higher ad rates. MSNBC’s prime time star is helping her network rake in the cash as sponsors are now paying a hefty “69 percent increase from last year, per Mediaite. According to their report, “a 30-second spot ran for $2,600 in May 2016, it now … [Read more...] about Rachel Maddow and President Trump Raking in the Cash for MSNBC

Real Estate Q & A – Mortgagor, Mortgagee

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Dear Edith: I'm studying for my real estate license, and last week, we discussed mortgages. I still can't get "mortgagor" and "mortgagee" straight in my mind. I told our professor that I'd email you to see whether you could help. By the way, we sometimes talk about your column in class. Wish me luck on the exam. -- L. C. Answer: Perhaps the confusion comes because we all … [Read more...] about Real Estate Q & A – Mortgagor, Mortgagee

Home Design – The Space Under the Stairs

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Sometimes helpful solutions are hiding in plain sight. It is common to become so familiar with our surroundings that we no longer see them clearly. When you pass by something dozens of times a day, it becomes invisible in a way, so we miss opportunities. What if you challenged yourself to find places with extra function? One of my favorite spaces is the area under the … [Read more...] about Home Design – The Space Under the Stairs

Social Security: Explaining Medicare Card Codes

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Q: My wife and I are both on Social Security and Medicare. Her Medicare card has my Social Security number with a "B" after it. When I die, I know she will get widow's benefits. But will she continue to get Medicare on my record? A: Yes, she will continue to get Medicare on your record. The only thing that will change is that she will get a new Medicare card, still with your … [Read more...] about Social Security: Explaining Medicare Card Codes

Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim

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Dear James: I have old aluminum siding trim on the sides of my house, but it looks bad. I would like to replace it with wood siding. Can I just nail wood over the old siding? What is the best method to do it? -- Andre B. Dear Andre: New aluminum or vinyl siding looks good and is practically maintenance-free, but neither has the sharp crisp look of real wood siding. Since you … [Read more...] about Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim

Small Space Design – Functional, Beautiful Galley Kitchens are Possible

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Galley kitchens are common in many older homes. Houses built before World War II often had very simple layouts with in-kitchen dining at the end of a long narrow room. The challenge for those of us living in such houses is that we now want to load up the limited space with modern amenities that weren't part of the planning back in the day, such as dishwashers, pot fillers, … [Read more...] about Small Space Design – Functional, Beautiful Galley Kitchens are Possible