Home Decor Tips Choosing Fabric Colors

Check out these great tips on how to construct a colour scheme for your home.

How to decorate home for Christmas? Sweet Tips & Tricks

Inject merriment to your house this holiday season with these decorating ideas.

Decor Ideas For Fall/Autumn & ThanksGiving! :)

Learn how to bring the beauty of fall into your home using the helpful home decor tips in this video.

How to Make 5 Emergency Candles - Life Hacks

It’s great to know that these household items can be put to good use.

How to Hang Curtain Rods on Drywall : Wall Repair

Hang your curtain rods easily with help from Joshua Clement in this video clip.

How to Make a Recycled Letter Organizer : Upcycling Around the House

This video by Cristin Frank shows you how to make use of unwanted DVD cases to make a useful letter organiser.

Glass backsplash for kitchen - New york

Get some inspiration from this video showcasing glass backsplash for kitchen.

How to Decorate a Table Like a Football Field : Holiday Party Ideas for Kids

Party planner Deborah Stumm demonstrates how you can do up a table like a football field.

Fall DIY-Scarf Hanger

Simple and easy method to get your scarves organised!

How to Use Dark & Light Shades of One Color to Paint a Room : Painting Choices & Tips

Decor expert Mary Lawlor shares with you the usage of dark and light shades in a room.

DIY Starburst Mirror | Home Decor #DIYwithJulia

Julia shows you how you to DIY an awesome mirror in this video!

DIY Leather Tassel

Step by step guide to making your own leather fringe.

Cute Things to Make for a Baby Girl's Room: Crafts Around the House

Here’s a video showing you some crafting ideas for your little girl’s room.

DIY Glitter Lamp | Home Decor

Bring some glamour into your home with a shimmering lamp.

How to make a decorative cup with a recycled plastic bottle

Create a decorative cup using a recyled plastic bottle. Have fun!.

Interior Design First look and Next Up on The Design Network...

Designers Alexandre Blazys and Benoit Gerard transform the hallway into a lounge area and office.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner - A Night at the Museum

This video features how a 325 square feet apartment can accommodate 8 guests.

The Best Ways to Pack Clothes Without Wrinkles : Smart Packing & Travel Tips

Detest wrinkled clothing? Here’s a guide to wrinkle-free clothes from a travel savvy professional.

Adding soft-closing for furniture doors: Do-It-Yourself with Hettich

Close your furniture doors quietly and softly with this screw-on soft closing system.

Homework Organization Caddy for Students

Set up a storage container for easy access to all stationery supplies.

How to Remove White Marks on Wood Furniture: Furniture Restoration

Eliminate white marks on wood furniture from a skilled furniture restoration specialist!

How to Decorate a Table With Lavender : Table Decorations

Expert Krista Fabregas will show you how Lavender adds to the ambiance when placing it on the dining table.

Room Decoration Ideas! + Organization

In this video, Leeny will show you how she decorate and organise her room using some simple crafts and decor items.

Hiding Kitchen Lighting : Beautiful Home Lighting

Concealing kitchen lighting to achieve accent lighting or task lighting. Watch this video with the help from Sharon McCormick.

Interior Design First Look episode 6

Follow interior designer Rebecca Robeson and she will show you some beautiful furniture where you can use it as a reference for your home.

How to Make a Clubhouse for Kids Out of Blankets & Pillows

Try making this clubhouse during school holiday for your kids to have some fun!

Transforming Micro-Apartment at the Museum of the City of New York

An awesome transformation in this mini apartment in New York City.

How to Organize a Small Linen Closet

Sort out your linen closet with these space-saving strategies.

Small Patio Makeover on a Budget

Need some ideas on how to remodel your patio with tight purse strings? This video will give you the tips.

Room tour #48 Shared Bedroom winner

In this video, Rebecca deals with Amirah's request from Singapore to do a makeover for her room which she shares with her 3 sisters.

beach ocean themed rooms

Wow! Check out this amazing ocean-theme bedroom and living room.

Indoor Corn Plant Care Instructions : Garden Space

Corn plants are sometimes called false palms because of the thick canes germinating from its buds. Watch this video for more plant care info.

How to Fold Bath, Hand & Face Towels in the Bathroom & Linen Closet

A step by step video by Alejandra on how to speedily fold all sorts of towels.

Candle Safety & Babies : Baby Rooms & Preparation

Fragrance candles can give terrific ambiance but they are certainly unsafe for a home with children. Understand about candle safety with help from Christina Gavenda in this video.

Wow Guests with This Unique Infusion Shot Glass

This unique shot glass has two parts with a divider between them. Surprise your guests with a smoking drink!

5 Easy Tips to Organize your Kitchen

 
In our home – as with many other households – the kitchen is our centre. Forget the living room. This is where we do most of our living. The flurry of activities practically ensures that the space will be a mess. To combat this, follow these five easy tips to keep the kitchen clutter-free.

Set proper places.

Designating places for items is one of the best ways to keep things neat. Install hooks for aprons and pot-holders. Tools should be grouped together so nothing gets lost. A decorative canister for slotted spoons? Yes, please. Another good idea is to use clear zip-lock bags to keep items together when they are stored.

Group the items according to use.

Instead of organizing the kitchen items according to material, why not store them according to usefulness? Place items that are used frequently in the countertops or easy-to-reach shelves. For instance, the coffee maker does not have to be stowed away if it is used every morning. But fine china that is rarely used can be safely tucked at the back of the cabinets.

Utilize the space wisely.

You can never have too much space in the kitchen. Don’t forget underappreciated places under shelves and cabinets. One of the most useful installations in our home is a towel rod under the cabinet. A pot rack can keep pots handy for cooking. In the alternative, you can also install lighting under the cabinets to make working easier and the kitchen appear brighter.

Maximize the use of items.

Minimize clutter by getting rid of them! The less stuff you have, the easier it is to get things organized. This means getting the most use out of items. Mugs can double as containers for cutlery. Cake stands can be used to hold spices for easy access. Baking trays can also be used to hold sauces and oils. Not only do they make reaching for the bottle handier, but they can also catch drips and spills.

Store your recipes properly.

No kitchen is complete without recipes. Whether cookbooks or handwritten cards made out by your grandmother, they are an essential part of cooking. However, very few kitchens actually accommodate them properly. Cookbooks can be decorative if held up by bookends on top of the counter. They can also be placed on a shelf, arranged by colour or height. Use a clear plastic binder for loose sheets or magazine clippings. If using a tablet, invest in a holder to keep your gadget safe and reading the recipe more convenient.

Homemade Scalp Moisturizer : Beauty Secrets From the Kitchen

Find out how to make your own homemade scalp moisturiser from the kitchen with Robin McDonald, the beautician in this video.

How to make a wall lamp / sconce

Lighting is an essential element to getting the right ambiance in any home. Take a look at this video demonstrating how to accent lovely wall lamps with different DIY lamp shades!

Cute Fish Bowl Ideas : Aquariums & Fish Tanks

Here are some quick ideas from Paul Endtricht for your mini aquarium at home. A tip for you - make sure you keep an eye on the fishes and follow the correct instructions to keep the fishes inside the tank as cheerful as possible.

Organizing for Kids: How to Teach Kids Where Things Belong

In this video, Alejandra shares a simple and enjoyable way to educate your children on where to place things.

Sisal Stair Runner | The Garden Home Challenge With P. Allen Smith

Sisal rugs - made from durable natural fibres and static-proof - are great as stair runners.

Water Wally Shower Dance

Water conservation for a better tomorrow! Let's spread this video and take up the challenge to shower under 5 minutes now!

Interior Design Seashell Candles ... a DIY project!

Here's some beach inspired home decor ideas for those who love the ocean. San Diego Interior Designer Rebecca Robeson and Greyson Darrow guide you through the process.

How to Decorate Rooms for Moms & Babies: Baby Room Décor

Preparing for your baby's arrival but unsure on the essential items needed for your baby nursery? Christina will give you some guidance.

The Grout Solution

You know that icky black stuff in between your tiles? The grim that takes so much effort to get rid off? Well, apparently there's an easier and greener way to do it. I'm all for green methods, especially if it means I have to break into much less sweat. Heh.

Why is it important to maintain the grout?
Cleaning the grout isn't just about keeping up appearances. The grout should be maintained for hygienic purposes as well. Mould and mildew can accumulate in the spaces between the tiles. When this happens, it can lead to contamination and disease.

It is only natural for grout to become dirty, because after all, it does get exposed to traffic, air, and water. It is not about preventing the inevitable. It is about finding easy solutions to cleaning up the scum.

Use oxygen bleach to clean the grout.
Powdered oxygen bleach is an ideal cleaning method because it is safe and non-toxic. These two descriptions are golden, considering that tiles are used frequently in kitchens. Also, oxygen bleach does not release harsh fumes when they are used.

The oxygen bleach cleans the grout by breaking down the molecules that make up the stains on the grout. To use the oxygen bleach, mix it with warm water. Soak the tiles, especially the grout lines, for about 15 minutes. Simply scrub away the stains after.

Commercially available chemicals are definitely effective in cleaning up grout. However, they are not the only answers. Explore other greener solutions, such as oxygen bleach and even baking soda and vinegar. Not only are they inexpensive, they are also better for the environment.

Maintain the grout every day.
Keeping the grout looking clean is not just a once-a-week thing. Many homeowners – this one included – would agree that the easiest way to keep the space looking clean is to take small, constant steps. The same principle holds true with grout. When mopping the tiled floors, add a little bit of oxygen bleach powder to the water.

Another way to ensure that the tiles look new is to install a means of ventilation in the room. Grout becomes mouldy when there is excess moisture. Place an exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom so that the humidity is regulated. Keeping the moisture at bay will lessen the need for vigorous cleaning.

Finally, clean up spills as quickly as possible. Grout is porous so when staining agents come in contact with it, (Orange juice! Tomato sauce! Wine!) it can be discoloured. Prevent this from happening by mopping up the mess with soap and water.

Organize A Small Laundry Room Closet

Expert Alejandra helps you to get organised and stay organised while getting your laundry done!

Buzz Off!

Solving your mosquito problem

Mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance. They can be a serious problem because they are potential carriers of diseases like malaria. Fortunately, there are ways to control their existence at home.

Keep your surroundings clean.
Routinely check the home and nearby areas for places where mosquitoes can breed. Get rid of any stagnant pools of water, as these are where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Do not just look at the obvious places - mosquitoes can even breed in puddles that form near the garden hose. Some species only take 4 days to turn from eggs to adults!

Mosquitoes can be quite clever and it does not take much water for the larvae to survive. For instance, mosquitoes can lay their eggs inside trash cans, if water collects at the bottom. Make sure the flower pots have sufficient drainage so there is no standing water.

Clean out the gutters of the house regularly. If leaves and other debris collect in the gutters, the water will not drain properly. These places can be used as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

For places where the water can be drained, a good tip is to put a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. The soap will prevent the eggs from developing into adult mosquitoes.

Keep the mosquitoes away.
Be proactive in keeping the mosquitoes away. There are some easy steps that can be done in order to make your body less attractive to these pests. Aside from specially formulated lotions to keep mosquitoes away, there are some household items that can be used.

Mosquitoes do not like the smell of fabric softener, so use them when washing the clothes. It is also a good idea to stuff a few fabric softener sheets on your pockets while working in mosquito-prone area. Another interesting method is to use a minty-smelling substance such as mouthwash or a cold rub. Simply apply to exposed areas of skin to prevent bites.

In the event that you have already been bitten, do not scratch. Use calamine lotion or spritz on some hairspray to the affected area to stop the itching.

Use plants as natural repellents.
Mosquitoes are naturally adverse to some plants. Citronella, lemongrass, and horsemint have scents that mosquitoes cannot stand. Another useful plant to have around is rosemary. Aside from being a wonderful addition to recipes, rosemary can drive away mosquitoes as well.

Some flowering plants can also be used as a means to keep the mosquitoes at bay. An example is the marigold. Plant these on the ground, or place them in flower pots as a cheerful means of protection.

Boy's Bedroom Reveal | GHC In-Depth With P. Allen Smith

Natural light from the dormer windows and green bead board walls increase the sense of space and relaxation.

10 Bathroom Decorating Tips

Here’s an honest question: how much time do you spend in the bathroom? Your answer makes the idea of updating the bathroom décor more sensible! Create an oasis for your home with these decorating tips.

Personalize the space with details The line between house and home is often defined by how much of the owner’s personality is showcased in the space. The bathroom is no different. Create a unique ambiance by including thoughtful details in the décor of the room. For instance, change plain metal doorknobs with printed ceramic ones. I find that one of the easiest and effective ways of injecting some individuality in the bathroom is to get rid of commercial packaging for shampoos and lotions. Place them instead in prettier containers.

Place special items in the bathroom

One of the fastest ways to amplify the aesthetic value of a bathroom is to use unexpected design elements. An antique rug, a cushioned chair and pieces of artwork – these are items normally reserved for other parts of the house. However, there are no rules that say that they can’t be brought in the bathroom as well. Our bathroom wall is lined with pictures of the kids. Placing decorations such as these instantly make the bathroom feel part of the home.

Be creative with colour

The colour is a room’s personality. Do not always think in terms of size when it comes to choosing which hues to use. Generally, bright colours look great in small spaces because it makes a room feel more expansive. However, dark colours can work just as well. They make the bathroom feel more dramatic. Colour does not always have to come from paint though. Spruce up a bathroom by bringing in colourful fixtures and accessories.

Look beyond tiles

Bathrooms do not always have to use tiles on the walls and the floors. Explore other options such as wood or stone. The walls outside of the shower stall may also be covered in wallpaper in interesting prints and textures. The most important consideration when it comes to floor and wall coverings for the bathroom is the humidity. Make sure that they are constructed to be moisture-resistant so they don’t peel or warp.

Place plants in the bathroom

There are some plants that are just made to thrive in the bathroom. Pick a plant depending on the characteristics of the space. If the bathroom does not get enough light, explore the use of aloe vera, orchids, ferns. If gets enough light, tropical flowering plants might work. In any case, plants brighten the space and help freshen up the air.

Have enough storage

Bathrooms need a lot of storage to contain the various items that are needed to be accessible. Rolls of tissue, make-up, toothbrushes and medicines – the list goes on. Storage does not have to be limited to built-in cabinets and shelves. The use of other storage items such as a metal locker or a wardrobe can be just as functional and more visually interesting.

Invest in good fixtures

You will only be able to enjoy a bathroom if it works properly. This means, bathroom fixtures have to be dressed up and working at their best. Pick timeless pieces such as those made out of brushed chrome or bronze. For a more cohesive look, invest in a set so that the towel bars, sink and shower fixtures match.

Choose appropriate lighting

Lighting for the bathroom is not just as simple as installing a couple of fluorescent bulbs overhead. Accent lights can help open up the space. A good tip is to use the mirror as a start-off point. Recessed lights near the mirror can create a brighter atmosphere. Another option is to use sconces on either side of the mirror and installed at face-height. These lights also help illuminate the face when grooming or putting on make-up.

Do not neglect the shower curtain

Fortunately, there are plenty of attractive shower curtains available in the market. Take advantage of this! Rotate shower curtains of different designs to refresh the look of the bathroom. Start off a collection with having a curtain in plain white, then expand to colourful prints. No matter what design, stay away from cheap, plastic curtains as they can make the room feel inexpensive. Instead, go for softer materials to create a more luxurious atmosphere.

Watch out for extra space

Like most households, our main bathroom problem is that there is not enough space to hold everything. To remedy this, we had to learn where to look. To make a bathroom feel larger, find ways to make use of every inch of the bathroom. The back of the door is often an underutilized space. Hang rows of towel bars to maximize the empty vertical space. You may also place hooks to hold up laundry bags. It is an ideal way to increase storage without the need of additional furniture. The space underneath the sink can also be useful. Place decorative baskets, such as those made out of wicker, to hold cleaning supplies or dirty laundry. 

How To Make A Cork Board

Reuse and recycle your wine corks. In this video, Jasmine Orchard will show how you can turn it into a crafty cork board.

Decorating with Mirrors

In a decorator’s arsenal of tools, decorating with mirrors is one of the most powerful. Using mirrors in the home can make it look bigger and expansive. Read on for some of the tricks to decorating with mirrors.

Go big with mirrors

To maximize its impact, use large-scale mirrors in a room. Try using wall-to-wall mirrors and see how much depth is created in a space. Think in terms of proportions as well. If the wall is wide, a small mirror will look sparse and out of place. Instead, group together mirrors in different sizes to use the area better.

Use mirrors as artwork

Mirrors may be used as a substitute for artwork. Use them as a focal point of the room by having one standout piece, such as a mirror in a starburst design. In the alternative, hang several mirrors the way that you would pictures or paintings.

Keep in mind that mirrors are reflective surfaces

Mirrors have to reflect something that you want to see more of. For instance, place a mirror across a beautiful piece of artwork or a chandelier. If the mirror reflects random things, the room will tend to look cluttered.

Play with textures

The surface of the mirror does not always have to look clear. I love the look of vintage, so distressed or antiqued mirrors add charm to our living spaces. Another option is to have etched mirrors. Having mirrors with character can be another method of creating visual interest in a room.

No need to hang

Mirrors don’t always have to be nailed on a wall. An interesting way to decorate with mirrors is to place a framed mirror on the floor, leaned against a wall. My mother-in-law leans a large, vertical mirror at the end of their hallway. It adds an air of effortless charm to a room's decor!

Learn to edit

Just because mirrors are a good idea, it does not mean that you should use it everywhere. Know when to recognize that mirrors are unnecessary. For instance, you don’t need mirrors in the kitchen. Our neighbour has mirrors as backsplash accents. It takes so much effort to keep them looking good. All the activity in the kitchen will require constant maintenance for the mirrors, which would make them more trouble than they’re worth.

Mirrors can be used in furniture

Mirrors can be interesting accents when they are found in furniture. They have the tendency to make items look invisible, since they reflect what is in front of them. Select bulky furniture, such as a wardrobe, with a mirrored surface to make it seamlessly blend into a room. Mirrors on top of tables or trays are also quite glamorous.

 
Use mirrors to create a window

Not all rooms have the benefit of the view of the outside. After getting married, my husband and I moved into a tiny shoebox flat. To spruce up the space, we added mirrors as architectural details. Frame a mirror with window shutters to create your own unique views.

Use mirrors outdoors

Decorating with mirrors does not mean being confined indoors. Mirrors can also be used as landscaping elements to make the garden or patio more interesting. For instance, a mirror on the ground framed by rocks and plants can mimic the look of a small pool of water. Additionally, placing a mirror at your garden can also make it look twice as large.

Think of the frames

Decorating with mirrors is not just about the mirror itself. Do not take the impact of the frame for granted. They too, can be utilized for maximum impact. For example, gold-framed mirrors can make a room quite elegant. Faux tortoiseshell frames add earthiness to a room.

Creative Furniture Idea: Home Design Tips

Lacking furniture in your living room? Complete it with assistance from Phyllis Harbinger, a designer and interior decorator.

Core77 @ IHHS 2013: Sodastream

This video showcases the International Home + Housewares Show 2013 in Chicago. Do not miss the table top soda machine and refrigerator with an integrated Sodastream dispenser.

How To Upcycle A Chest Of Drawers

Convert your old chest of drawers to give it a new look. This video will guide you through the entire process.

Creative Furniture Art, Save space

Brilliant pieces of art! Watch this designer demonstrate some amazing space saving furniture design ideas.

Tennis Ball Tips for Wiping Away Scuff Marks : Clean in :30

Removing scuff marks is so easy with the use of tennis balls! Cleaning expert Leslie Reichert shows you the instant effect.

Closet Organization Ideas & Tips: Organizing Your Closet (HomeOrganizing)

Learn more about organising your wardrobe. Matching your outfit will be a breeze!

DIY Cute Rugs | Easy No Sew Home Decor (BeautySplurge)

This video shows you how to make a personalised rug inexpensively, without having to sew a single stitch!

Chalkboard Paint | At Home With P. Allen Smith (ehowhome)

Learn about chalkboard paint at a crafts market. Chalkboard paint easily makes any flat surface into a functional chalkboard, making the writing of notes, to-do lists and reminders a whole lot of fun!

Interior Design / Luxury Penthouse Tour in High Point North Carolina (robesondesign)

Explore this luxurious 4,000 square feet penthouse.

Organize Your Makeup: How to Organize Cosmetics in the Bathroom

Trouble finding your your hair and makeup products in your bathroom? These simple tips can help.

How to Create Creative Book Displays | At Home With P. Allen Smith

Allen explains his strategy for organising and displaying his book collection, including a look at his secret method for reaching the top shelves.

Acacia & Aromatherapy : Naturopathic Medicine

Find out more about Acacia and Aromatherapy with help from a licensed naturopathic doctor in this video clip.

Decorating the Purple Room With Rebecca Robeson | GHC In-Depth With P. Allen S

Using bright, bold colors against the soft purple walls, Allen and Rebecca select art, objects and furniture pieces to create a vibrant yet harmonious feel for the bedroom.

Creative Curtain Tie Backs | At Home With P. Allen Smith

Allen shares some simple, elegant ways to tie your curtains back.

Homemade Laundry Detergent | At Home With P. Allen Smith

You can create your homemade laundry soap recipe using just a few simple ingredients like super washing soda and borax. Clean your clothes like never before!

Living Room Reveal | GHC In-Depth With P. Allen Smith

Need decorating tips for your living room? P. Allen Smith reveals the finished living room that doubles as the main dining area for the home.

Give New Look To Old Countertops

Countertop transformation is so quick and easy with these tips from Shauna Gallagher. Give an old countertop a fresh look!

Master Bedroom Reveal | GHC In-Depth With P. Allen Smith

Need decorating tips for the master bedroom? P. Allen Smith reveals a finished master bedroom that is completed under tight budget and space constraints.

Girl's Bedroom Reveal | GHC In-Depth With P. Allen Smith

Need tips for designing a girl's bedroom? The bedroom features two focal points: the antique mahogany bed with a pineapple bedpost motif as well as a corner desk decorated with colourful objects, artwork and a lamp.

Carpet & Allergies : Treating Allergies

Learn about carpeting and allergies with help from an expert from the Arizona Natural Health Center in this video clip.

Designing a Daughter's First Apartment | Room Tour With Rebecca Robeson

Rebecca brings her DIY know-how and shopping savvy to one of her most challenging projects to date.

The HemLoft - a secret treehouse, hiding in the woods of Whistler

IT worker-cum-carpenter, Joel Allen, harboured a dream of creating a house that organically mesh with his much loved woods around Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. His dream became reality after finding friends in two fresh new architects, who set him on his path of a uniquely egg shaped treehouse, now known as the HemLoft Weekend Cabin.

Green Diva Meg on FOX: Easy Ways to Keep it Green in 2013

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint at home. Here're some easy ways to keep it green in 2013!