Category: Design 101
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What Are Your Throw Pillows’ (Or Bedspreads’ or Curtains’) Fabric Patterns Saying? More Than You Likely Know + Where to Shop the Real Deal
I’d bet that many of us don’t know much about the products we put in our homes. We buy things because we’re drawn to them for some reason; whether how they look, how they feel, what they cost, or what solution they bring to us. But what if we treated the things we bring inside…
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How To Layout A Living Room Like A Pro – 1 Room, 3 Ways!
Laying out a living room feels like something that should be easy, but rarely is it a one-size-fits-all situation. Sometimes there’s only one logical option, but often there are a few, so it’s up to you to decide what will work best for you and your family (or you and your roommates, or just for…
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38 PRETTY Home Utility Tech Items—Doorbells, Thermostats, Smoke Detectors—No Need To Hide These
Two weeks ago, I came out swinging with a post entitled “Design Hot Take: Can Designers Stop Trying to Hide Everything Useful?” In that piece, I went off about hiding things like thermostats and doorbell chime boxes behind art, routers, and remotes inside faux boxes, photoshopping things like outlets and cords out of images…the home…
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We’re Doing It AGAIN: The VELUX Brighter Days Makeover Giveaway 2025…Could It Be You???
I’m extremely excited to once again give a free room makeover to (hopefully) one of you. Quite possibly my favorite part of my job and what I really live for. As a massive skylight fan, I can tell you that the natural light and fresh air that VELUX skylight systems bring in can really transform…
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The Best Clearance Deals To Immediately Upgrade Your Kitchen
Look, I get it: the last thing you need is someone telling you to “transform your kitchen.” I know that a kitchen is built piece by piece – some things you inherit, some things you splurge on, some you replace out of necessity. Together, they’re what makes the room work. Every kitchen tool has its…
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No Reno Design Advice for a Real Life Home
Today I get to introduce my BEST FRIEND of 27 years!! Well, sort of. I get to introduce you to my best friend of 27 years’ three biggest “problem areas” in her home, and give “no reno” suggestions that she will be seeing for the first time with all of you:) She and her husband…
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17 Affordable Pieces From AllModern’s Labor Day Sale
While I’m sure a lot of us are hanging onto every last moment of summer, September/the fall can often feel like a second new year. I haven’t been in a classroom for 15 years, but that “new school year” feeling has never left me. All I want to do this time of year is organize…
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Here’s How to Mix Cabinet Front Styles in Your Kitchen
While I myself have yet to remodel a kitchen, I have been privy to many other people remodeling theirs. And especially if you don’t have a design background or a hired designer, all of the basic decisions and budget balancing can be A LOT to manage. Then all of that decision fatigue doesn’t always leave…
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Why Designers Hate Practical Design
What came first: The TV or the designer hatred for the TV? Hello friends, and welcome to this week’s installment of Arlyn’s Curmudgeony Design Takedown. Today’s episode? My lack of tolerance for hiding the things in our homes that we need and very regularly use just because they aren’t “aesthetic.” That black remote control? ::Gasp::…
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A Bathroom Remodel For Not One But Two Bathrooms
Well, I guess this is where I formally introduce myself to you, EHD readers! You’ve seen many photos I’ve taken, you’ve seen my basement, bedroom and living room makeovers that our girl, Emily, has so graciously helped us design, and you may have seen small bits of my face in some of the photos/videos from…