Lifestyle & Trends - Home Decorating

Looking to make your home more livable and still save money? Rely on natural light

You can use natural light to enhance your home's livability, not to mention your mood. Bringing ample natural light into your house can also help trim utility bills by reducing your dependence on electricity to power artificial lighting, and gas or oil to heat your home. Read More

Cut heating costs with simple home decor changes and home improvements

With a scorching summer drawing to a close and last winter's deep freeze looming in their minds, many Americans are already looking for ways to curtail energy costs this winter. Fortunately, a few simple home improvements - and even some decor changes - can help reduce your home's heating costs this winter. Read More

Luxe looks for less

When summer's over it means back to spending more time indoors. But don't let the dropping temperatures take you down with them. Instead, spruce up your space with easy projects. With a little time - and even less money - you can transform your home with simple and luxurious looks ... for less. Read More

Just married? How to reconcile your decorating differences

After the "I dos" are exchanged and the reception is over, couples find out that the realities of cohabitation do not always make for smooth sailing, especially when it comes to blending different tastes and styles. While newlyweds find themselves saying "I do" at the altar, that phrase frequently turns into "I don't" when the couple begins combining two unique decorating styles into a single household. Read More

Color, murals can turn your kid's room into a castle

The effect of color and decor on mood is widely recognized by both designers and psychologists - but among the general public, not so much. You can use color and decor to help your kids relax after a hectic day or stimulate them when it's time to get up. A wallpaper mural is a great way to incorporate both color and theme into the decor in your child's room. Read More

Lower costs make now a great time for a bathroom remodel

Have you outgrown your small home, but you're staying put for financial or economic reasons? Or maybe you recently bought a house in foreclosure that was a great deal, but needs fixing up. If so, you're part of the re-energized remodeling market. For the first time since 2006, home-improvement spending is up, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Read More

How to make your house spectacularly haunted for one day

Most days, you probably want visitors to feel welcome and secure in your home. But one day a year, it's fun to scare the dickens out of them - so make the most of Halloween and all the good-natured frights that come along with the spookiest of holidays. <br/> Read More

Tips for choosing a focal point for your space

When planning a room redesign, the right focal point is probably the most important design element you need. A room's focal point is usually what people notice first, and it can determine their opinion about your room. Read More

Doors and trim should top your list of remodeling projects

Fall is here. Time to rake the leaves, carve a pumpkin, and start drafting your holiday shopping list. It's also a perfect time to tackle do-it-yourself projects around the house. Updating your interior doors and replacing old exterior trim are two great ways to spruce up your home and increase its value inside and out. Read More

Hot interior design trends and design psychology for 2010

Interior design trends definitely change with the state of mind of the majority. So, with the stresses and challenges of the recovering economy, continuing fast-paced lifestyles, and a desire for positive change, the latest hot design trend is to create a tranquil and optimistic home environment. Read More

AP ENTERTAINMENT