How Visual Clutter Is Making Your Living Room Feel Cramped

Visual Clutter

A phenomenon known as visual clutter is the number one reason many living rooms feel cramped, regardless of their size. This issue, rooted in the brain’s processing of environmental stimuli, overloads the visual cortex and makes a space feel physically smaller, according to experts.

Designers Love These 10 Fall Porch Upgrades for Instant Seasonal Curb Appeal

Designers Love These 10 Fall Porch Upgrades

Design professionals are increasingly recommending strategic fall porch upgrades to boost a home’s curb appeal and potential value. Experts say these 10 upgrades, from layering rugs to updating hardware, provide a significant return on investment and create a welcoming aesthetic for homeowners and potential buyers.

An Expert Analysis Paint Colors That Make Your Home Look Smaller

Paint Colors That Make Your Home Look Smaller

Unexpectedly, some popular deep, saturated hues of blue, green, and even warm tones are proving to be paint colors that make your home look smaller. This phenomenon, according to design experts, is due to their low light reflectance value (LRV), which causes walls to appear closer and shrinks the perceived size of a room.

Sell a Home Quickly: Experts on the Nine Key Documents Every Seller Needs

Sell a Home Quickly

To sell a home fast, real estate professionals advise sellers to prepare nine key documents in advance. From original purchase agreements to repair records, having these papers ready can prevent delays, instill buyer confidence, and expedite the entire closing process, according to experts.

8 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home Experts Say You Can’t Ignore

Hidden Costs of Buying a Home

Beyond the asking price, the hidden costs of buying a home—from closing fees and property taxes to ongoing maintenance—can amount to thousands of dollars. Experts advise buyers to budget for these additional homeownership expenses to avoid future financial strain.

A Guide to Sourcing High-Value Furniture in the Secondhand Market

High-Value Furniture

The global secondhand furniture market is growing as consumers seek sustainability and affordability. A key skill is identifying valuable pieces of furniture to always look for at thrift stores, such as solid wood items, mid-century modern designs, and antique tables, which are indicators of quality craftsmanship.

Designers Report Widespread Regret Over Open-Concept Floor Plans

Open-Concept Floor Plans

Many homeowners embarking on renovation or construction projects often overlook a key element, leading to a surprisingly common design choice regret. According to leading interior designers, this mistake is tied to a specific type of lighting, highlighting a significant disconnect between aesthetic appeal and functional use in residential spaces.

Designers Warn Against 5 Tacky Home Upgrades That Devalue a property

Tacky Home Upgrades

Interior designers warn against five popular home upgrades that can devalue a property, including faux-stone backsplashes, excessive shiplap, and artificial-looking flooring. Experts argue that these tacky home upgrades often use cheap materials that mimic luxury but fail to provide lasting value, negatively impacting a home’s aesthetic and resale appeal.

How a Common Laundry Room Design Mistake Is Making Your Home Feel Smaller

Laundry Room Design Mistake

This prevalent error is particularly impactful in smaller homes, where every square foot is crucial. “The biggest design mistake we see is people failing to think vertically,” said Marie Kondo, a renowned organizing consultant and author, in an interview with an industry publication.