Month: June 2014

(BPT) - It can be hard to keep up with the latest changes in decorating styles for the home. But the latest trend might actually make it easy for you to have a stylish house, especially if you’ve kept some family treasures around.Mixing tradition...

(BPT) - Patio season is upon us, which means hosting family and friends for warm-weather gatherings and barbecues. Don’t fret; outdoor events don’t have to break the bank. With just a bit of creative vision and DIY savvy, you’ll have ...

(BPT) - The quilt handed down through generations, the turn-of-the-century wooden rocking chair made by a long-gone relative, hand-stitched samplers that have graced every home your family has lived in – handcrafted items simply speak to the soul...

(BPT) - Small yards, city dwelling or soil that’s sandy, rocky or full of clay – it seems no obstacles can keep Americans from the joys of gardening. More than 78 million U.S. households grow gardens, according to the Garden Writers Associa...

(BPT) - Summer is here and most people are turning their attention to home improvement projects that let them spend more time outside. In fact, 92 percent of residential landscape architects noted outdoor living spaces as a popular design feature for t...

(BPT) - Whether it’s a cookout for friends or a quiet conversation with family, the backyard deck is the hot spot for summer living. So what’s trending now when it comes to making that space as stylish and functional as it can be?“The line between indoor and outdoor living spaces continues to blur,” says HGTV/diy network …

(BPT) - More than 40 percent of homeowners plan to update their homes in the next two years, according to the latest Houzz & Home Study. Of those who plan to remodel, 78 percent cite their motivation as improving the look and feel of the space.“With an increasing amount of home remodeling projects in the works, …

(BPT) - Don’t sweat it if your home doesn’t have central air-conditioning. Whether you live in an older house that can’t accommodate ductwork, or you don’t want to sacrifice your interior aesthetics with an unattractive air cond...

(BPT) - Efficiency is the name of the game these days. At the office it comes into play in processing work quickly and at a lower cost. At home, efficiency means being able to get the household and landscaping chores done so you can spend time with the family.If your chore list includes maintaining the lawn, …

(BPT) - The smell of fresh-cut grass, the cascade of blooming flowers, and the laughter from outdoor entertaining are a few of summer's favorite moments. With the warm weather in full bloom, you may be looking for easy do-it-yourself projects to spruce...

(BPT) - Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or entertaining a late-night dinner party on the deck, summer is the perfect time to throw a get-together in your outdoor living space.The outdoor living experts at Trex offer these tips for crea...

(BPT) - The tub tucked away in your home’s master bathroom is so much more than a place to get clean. It’s a calming refuge and therapeutic retreat after a busy, high-pressure day. Tub trends indicate that bathtubs are primarily used for so...

(BPT) - From disappearing acts to mind games and sensory illusions, the art of magic is all about making your audience believe what they are seeing, taking a seemingly impossible task and making it possible. This timeless art can inspire you to perform...

(BPT) - In the summer your backyard can quickly become the most important “room” of your home. However, you aren’t alone if your backyard looks outdated and lackluster. Weather conditions can be tough on outdoor areas, but with a few simple updates, you can create the perfect outdoor living space.Backyard gatesUsually the first thing you and …

(BPT) - No matter if you’re an aspiring chef or TV dinner connoisseur ... if the look of your kitchen makes you want to dine out – it may be time for an upgrade. The kitchen should be the heart of your home: it’s where you entertain, ...

(BPT) - Today’s consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever before. They understand that making eco-friendly choices not only creates a positive impact on your surroundings, it can also translate into actual savings on monthly energy b...

(BPT) - No one ever said “trendy” translates to “cheap.” Yet when it comes to on-trend, luxury upgrades, you don’t have to spend like a diva to make your bathroom look and function like a designer’s dream. From skyli...

(BPT) - After a long winter trapped indoors, nothing beats a great backyard get-together to catch up with old friends, introduce yourself to new neighbors or just enjoy a beautiful day.Now that the weather is warmer, you may be thinking about your first gathering of the season, but before the guests arrive, get your backyard in …

(BPT) - When you add a tile or natural stone surface to the kitchen or bathroom, it transforms each space with a fresh, clean and customized look. Many homeowners often dream about adding a backsplash or replacing a floor, but never complete the projec...

(BPT) - Do you dream of being the next contestant on a reality cooking show? Think your culinary skills could take on Chef Gordon Ramsay? You’re not alone. There are only approximately 20,000 professional chefs in the United States, accordin...