With the summer sun shining bright and warmer temps creating a relaxing air, you may be looking for a way to bring those easygoing vibes indoors by refreshing your home’s design. Try these ideas for seasonal updates that will not only look great but be kind to Mother Earth too. Lighten up An easy first step is opening up your spaces. Replace heavy and dark window coverings with light-colored cotton curtains to let in the sunshine and allow views of your yard or garden. Then c

According to the CDC, more than 20 percent of adults suffer from some form of chronic pain. Our lifestyles usually don’t help the matter—sitting all day on furniture that doesn’t offer proper support can worsen stress points on the body, exacerbating pain. That’s why ergonomic furniture has become so popular. It can help you feel better while working or relaxing while also being stylish and budget friendly. What is ergonomic furniture, and should I buy it? Ergonomics is the s

When it comes to designing your interiors, the finishing touches often bring everything together. Take window coverings, for example. These fixtures do more than block sunlight—they can also set the tone for a space, offer privacy, and even improve your home’s energy efficiency. But with so many types to choose from, picking the right one for each room can feel overwhelming. To help make the selection process easier, here’s a breakdown of popular window treatments and where y

Bay Area interior designer Paulina Perrault discusses a unique project: transforming a partially updated 1908 house in the suburb of Larkspur. What was your path to design like? I grew up in the Midwest with some serious DIY parents who bought older houses and fixed them up, so transformation is deep in my DNA. Professionally, my design journey is very winding and essentially self-taught. I dabbled in design and then went into corporate sales, but the internal pull of the for

As spring arrives, you may feel the urge to explore new possibilities for your yard. Plant new blooms in your garden, refresh your lawn, or make your curb appeal presentable for warm-weather entertaining—or even a home sale. New landscaping is an excellent investment not only for your property value but also for your sense of pride in your home. However, an ambitious project like a whole-property redesign can rack up costs quickly. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to ba

Did you know that the direction your home faces can affect your sun exposure? Design your home and garden with sunlight in mind to save money and improve your indoor ambience. Sunlight does more for your home than warm you with natural light. It can impact your heating and cooling costs, your indoor comfort, your furniture, and how well you sleep. In fact, sunlight may have been a factor in how your home was built. Many architects and home developers consider orientation, or

A backyard is the ultimate residential oasis, combining your own personal property with the great outdoors. However, that serenity can be shattered when it feels like neighbors and passersby alike can peer in. The solution? Adding one or more of these privacy solutions to your space. Fencing In his famous poem “Mending Wall,” Robert Frost quipped, “Good fences make good neighbors.” Today, homeowners are taking Frost’s words to heart—and then some. A white picket fence has lon

Your home only gets one chance to make a first impression, and the way it looks from the street sets the tone for everything that follows. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to make your property more inviting, a neglected lawn or a worn-out front door can create a negative impression before anyone even steps inside. The good news is that most curb appeal mistakes are easy to spot and even easier to fix once you know what to look for. Here are six common ones and