Q & A–home improvement

Q & A–How Can I Create A Defined Entryway/Mudroom?

how to create the feeling of an entryway where one doesn't exist

January 4, 2012 By Kristi Linauer 25 Comments

how to create an entryway / mudroom in a tight small space

Erin in New York has a problem that many of us have--no defined "entryway" and no place for a mudroom. Here's what Erin had to say: Normally, I have a knack for figuring out my own design dilemmas, but this one has me really flustered. My problem (design-wise) is that I lack a mudroom, or even a "landing area" when you enter my house from our attached garage. You enter directly into the eating area of our kitchen. And this is how we ALWAYS … [Read more...]

25 Comments Filed Under: Entryway & Hallway Decorating, Q & A--home improvement, Small Space Decorating

Reader Question: How Can I Make My Plain Kitchen Fabulous (On A Budget)

November 2, 2011 By Kristi Linauer 7 Comments

Sheena from British Columbia writes: I’m looking for some cheap(er) options on what to do with my very small (blasé) kitchen and having a hard time thinking outside of the box. Do you have any ideas? Specifically I am looking to paint the cupboards (white? grey? black? other?) and replace the countertop with a granite-style (but budget friendly) option. But even when I complete that – how can I make this a fabulous kitchen without … [Read more...]

7 Comments Filed Under: Kitchen Decorating, Q & A--home improvement

Q & A–What Options Do I Have With My Outdated Bathroom Tile?

October 21, 2011 By Kristi Linauer 3 Comments

I have a feeling today's question will resonate with many owners of previously-owned homes, or even with many homeowners who have been in their home for a couple of decades or more. Mary from Tennessee writes: My husband and I just bought this house and are in the process of renovating it. The one room that has me stumped is the master bath because of the LARGE amount of surface this outdated tile covers. I will do the obvious things … [Read more...]

3 Comments Filed Under: Bathroom Decorating, Q & A--home improvement, Q & A--material selections

Reader Question: How Do I Paint This Ceiling?

October 17, 2011 By Kristi Linauer 1 Comment

Katie needs help with her ceiling. Ceilings can be tricky when all you have is a plain 'ole ceiling and you have to decide on a paint color. Add in additional architectural features, and the challenge becomes even greater. Katie writes, We are building a new home and have paint questions. Our master bedroom has a step ceiling up to 11 feet. We are wanting to paint the walls a dark bluish color (Retreat by Sherwin … [Read more...]

1 Comment Filed Under: Q & A--home improvement

Q & A–What Can Be Done With Etched Stripe Mirrored Walls? (This One Has Me Stumped!)

(this one has me stumped!)

September 22, 2011 By Kristi Linauer 12 Comments

I got a very interesting question from a reader today, Elenir in Sao Palo, Brazil. Here’s what Elenir had to say: “I have striped mirrors on the walls of small powder room. The vertical stripes are over glass (mirrors and opaque etched glass) so the surface is a whole wall of glass, and I hate it. I don't want to break them out of the wall, so I thought about covering them with wallpaper, or fabric or even painting them. Could you … [Read more...]

12 Comments Filed Under: Q & A--home improvement