Kitchen, Bed & Bath

(ARA) - Redecorating a room is an exciting way to freshen up your home, but might also seem like a daunting task if you don't identify with just one conventional style category. Traditional design, for instance, is classic, inviting and elegant, while contemporary design includes more clean lines, modern accents and natural hues. But what if you like a little from each category? With the right tools and a proper balance, you can blur the lines between traditional, transitional and contemporary design to create a room that represents your own unique style.

(ARA) - Just because it's five o'clock doesn't mean the workday is over. In fact, 84 percent of women and 67 percent of men, on average, do some sort of household activities, such as housework and cooking, every day. With so much time spent in the kitchen, there are certain tools that you just shouldn't live without: especially those that make work easier, cleanup faster and results more professional.

(ARA) - Making your home a safe haven for your family - no matter how big or small, young or old - should be a top priority. But according to the Home Safety Council, less than one-third of homeowners make any safety improvements. Why? Forty-two percent of homeowners say they're unsure of what actions to take, while 19 percent cite they don't have enough time.

(ARA) - Want to "wow" guests with your culinary skills and the beauty of your kitchen? You're not alone. Enhanced kitchen designs aimed at allowing homeowners to show off their advanced cooking techniques are one of the hottest kitchen trends.

(ARA) - Technology has changed so much, so quickly, that it might be difficult to remember how you lived life prior to carrying around a cell phone, having a tablet computer or, for that matter, multiple remotes to turn on all the electronic devices at home.

(ARA) - Mother Nature is a master decorator. In summer, she dresses the world in lush greens and vibrant floral hues. And in every season, natural light is one of her most powerful designer touches.

(ARA) - When new technology makes its way into home design, often it enters through the kitchen. The heart of the home is also the portal for innovation, and many of the technologies that we now use throughout our homes were first applied in the kitchen.

(ARA) - The mantra of the green earth movement - reduce, reuse, recycle - can easily be adapted in your kitchen. No need to redo your entire kitchen with bamboo floors, the newest energy efficient appliances, counters made of recycled paper and yogurt containers, and locally made antique cabinetry. In fact, the greenest option is to keep the kitchen you already have and adopt some new practices.

(ARA) - When your family comes home at the end of the day - from school, work, a play date or extracurricular activities - it's very likely the first thing they do is dump whatever they're carrying on the kitchen table or counter and grab a glass for a drink.

(ARA) - Smaller homes equal better quality of living these days. Many homeowners are downsizing the space they occupy, but are upgrading and customizing that space to make it better fit their lifestyle.

(ARA) - Longing to update your home, but short on time and money? You're not alone. Remodeling experts report that whole-house remodels have declined in recent years - but don't throw in the towel just yet. Instead of focusing on every room - focus on smaller areas where you spend a lot of time, like the bathroom.

(ARA) - Do you tend to lean toward traditional designs, but like the convenience of modern technology? If you do, you're not alone. Keep your kitchen pretty and polished with these items that pack a modern punch ... but only on the inside.

(ARA) - Selecting the perfect flooring for any room in your home isn't easy. Chances are a visit to your local flooring retailer might leave you wandering through a sea of samples, evaluating them for different materials, designs and overall durability and function. How do you choose from all of the options to find the right flooring that not only will provide comfort and durability but also complement your home's style - all within your budget?

(ARA) - The kitchen has always been the heart of the home - a place where the family socializes and entertains friends. It's no wonder a kitchen remodel occupies first place on many homeowners' wish lists, especially at a time when families are spending less time dining out and more time at home. Unfortunately, it's also one of the most expensive and time-consuming home improvement projects a family will undertake, ranging from $17,000 to $20,000 for a basic kitchen remodel.

(ARA) - When budgeting demands cut back on life's little extravagances, it's a disappointing but acceptable change. Cutting things out of the budget, like home improvement projects, might seem reasonable in the short term, but it's a bad decision in the long run. Taking on those projects might seem like an expensive proposition, but with smart solutions, like renting tools, taking proper care of your home is well within your budget.

(ARA) - Redecorating used to be most fun for those who had the time to spend poring through interior design magazines, waiting for samples to arrive in the mail, and driving to specialty stores looking for exactly the right item for their redesign.

(ARA) - Now that spring is here, many homeowners are thinking about remodeling projects that will improve the home this season and year-round. Whether you're planning a few do-it-yourself improvements or a major renovation, it's important to think "green." One way to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home while saving on energy is by installing highly energy efficient windows.

(ARA) - Are you planning an upcoming remodel for your home? Going green and using sustainable building materials continues to be a top trend in home improvement. Remodeling green isn't just about using products with recycled content, it's also about using superior products that will stand the test of time and reduce energy costs.

(ARA) - When you sit back to relax in the tub, or take time to preen in front of the bathroom vanity, do you often feel that the setting just isn't giving you the comforting and spa-like experience you wish you could feel at home?

(ARA) - Starting any home project can be stressful, especially when undertaking those projects in the most-used rooms of the house, like the kitchen and bathroom. From overall room style to structural changes and fixtures, many pieces of the puzzle need to fit together to create the finished product.

If you're one of the many homeowners who took advantage of record low mortgage rates and the recent first-time homebuyer's credit, you most likely are looking for plenty of do-it-yourself tips and guidelines to help you turn your new abode into a comfortable and homey place for your family.

(ARA) - The winter months often mean holiday gatherings and guests ... and much more time indoors. So, why not give the two rooms that you spend the most time in - the kitchen and bath - a function and fashion facelift?

(ARA) - When you're on the go and rushing around all day long there is nothing better than coming home to an orderly home. You may already have everyone in the family pitch in to keep the bills filed, backpacks off tables and toys off of the floor, but to create a home that goes beyond tidy to harmoniously organized, you might need some savvy tips from the pros.

(ARA) - Fall colors, cooler weather and crackling fires mean the holidays are right around the corner. As consumers prepare themselves and their homes for colder temperatures, many will seek out energy-efficient products. By making smart decisions, you can be sensible, yet stylish, when the cold weather, family and friends arrive for the holidays.