There are many ways to create a flexible guest room. You can often grab inspiration from hotel rooms because they operate from the perspective of providing not only the obviously required bed but also a working desk, comfy seating and a TV. Maybe some of the surfaces are too harsh for home use, but you can adapt the basic ideas easily and turn them into the exact level of … [Read more...] about Design Options for a Flexible Guest Room
Real Estate
Real Estate Q & A – Mortgagor, Mortgagee
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
Small Space Design – Functional, Beautiful Galley Kitchens are Possible
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
Real Estate – Selling a Home a Realtor and Agent Dilemma
Dear Edith: We plan to sell our house in the spring. We interviewed three Realtors and told one we plan to sign with her at the end of the month. In the meantime, we notified our neighborhood and have shown the house to two parties. In our mail today, there was a handwritten note from a Realtor (someone in the same company) saying they have a well-qualified buyer interested … [Read more...] about Real Estate – Selling a Home a Realtor and Agent Dilemma
Understanding and Addressing Pestering Woodpeckers
Q: For the past few years, woodpeckers have attacked my house. Sometimes they are hammering on the chimney. Other times they are drilling huge holes on the sides of the house and pulling out the insulation. I want to do something before they come back this year. Do you have any suggestions? A: They are protected by federal law, so there are limits to what you can do. If you … [Read more...] about Understanding and Addressing Pestering Woodpeckers
Need More Space? How to Install Space-Saving Sliding and Folding Doors
Dear James: Our swinging doors use a lot of wall space when open. Our house is small, so we want to install sliding or folding doors. Which design is better and how are they installed? -- Marcia L. Dear Marcia: Hinged doors do take up a lot of space. Since they are normally in the fully opened or closed position, it may not be apparent how much open space they actually … [Read more...] about Need More Space? How to Install Space-Saving Sliding and Folding Doors
Virtual Interior Design – Does It Work?
Perhaps you have purchased a book online, or gifts during the holidays for family members or friends. The online commercial revolution has made it possible to buy almost anything on your computer swiftly comfortably -- and certainly at better prices than you ever imagined. In less than a decade, half of our purchases will be made through our smart phones. How will this new … [Read more...] about Virtual Interior Design – Does It Work?
Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood
Dear James: I seldom use my old noisy range hood. I thought about making a new one from decorative wood myself. Does this make sense or should I buy a standard metal one? -- Kent F. Dear Kent: People often don't realize how important it is to use a range hood when cooking. Odors are the least of the concerns. Without at range hood running, vaporized grease eventually will … [Read more...] about Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood
Real Estate – Younger Buyers Lead the Market
Today's younger home buyers are leading the pack in home sales in the middle regions of the country, according to Ellie Mae's latest Millennial Tracker. "As housing prices continue to rebound, millennials are increasingly representing a higher percentage of homeowners in the middle of the country," says Joe Tyrrell, executive vice president of Corporate … [Read more...] about Real Estate – Younger Buyers Lead the Market
Decorating Your Home for the Holidays
As we patiently wait for the first blast of cool crisp air and embrace the winter, it's the perfect time to assess our table settings and tabletop decor for the holidays!. December holidays are a great time to infuse your home with special touches and decorations that will make the season a more pleasurable and memorable event. This is one area of interior design … [Read more...] about Decorating Your Home for the Holidays