This past weekend I binge-watched the latest season of Project Runway All-Stars. As I sat there mesmerized, it occurred to me that there are so many takeaways that can be applied to designing your home.

“Wallpaper – good, bad? What are your thoughts on how it adds to or detracts from home value? I’m intrigued by it – but reluctant to take the plunge.”

Before I answer your question, I think I should warn you: I’ve been traumatized by all the wallpaper in my life…

I’m on the hunt today for art to hang in our master and guest bathrooms.  As if you hadn’t already figured it out, I’m not big on being super traditional and proper, especially when it comes to bathrooms. Let’s face it, weird noises (and smells) happen in there…

Do I really need a rug pad? Well, that depends. Try this handy checklist…

Any time a project pops up around the house, my husband and I have to decide whether or not we want to do it ourselves. We’re handy-type people and can handle pretty much anything that needs to be done. Sometimes, though, it’s just better to hire out.

Do you ever have design questions that you’d like to have answered but you’re afraid that they’re kind of silly? What if there was an easy way for you to ask those questions without having to put yourself out there? A sort of undercover question-asking opportunity? 

I get questions like this all the time: “My room is 15’ x 12’—what size rug do I need?” The answer? Well, it depends. (Helpful, right?)

Seriously, though, it really does depend on a number of different things. That’s why I usually answer questions like this with more questions. First, and foremost, what furniture do you have in the room and how is it arranged? Where are the doors and windows? Do you have a fireplace and/or built-ins? Are there air vents or electrical outlets on the floor? I can’t just say “10’ x 13’” and leave it at that.

I hate to break it to you, but the paint color you love so much from that Pinterest or Houzz picture? The one you made sure to find out its exact name and paint company? Probably won’t look anything like that on your wall. (Same thing goes for catalog or magazine photos. Your wall just won’t match.)

I’m curious, do you have a long list of resolutions or are you like me and just skip them? (Waiting until January 1 to start something has always seemed a little silly to me. I’d much rather go ahead and jump into whatever it is I’m planning.) Either way, there’s no judgement here!

With the right tools, wrapping presents is actually pretty easy. Here’s what you need: