Blog Posts by Houzz.com

David Neiman ArchitectsIf you want to put a new office into your home, you may not need to look any farther than the basement. A lower level can be the ideal spot for a home office, since it can offer the necessary quiet and separation from the rest of the home.
Could your basement be a great home office? Consider some tips from design professionals.

1. Assess the basement. "Make sure the area is suitable for furniture; business equipment, such as computers and fax machines; communication lines, such as phone and Internet; storage needs; and basics such as lighting and heating," says interior designer Charmean Neithart.

2. Don't forget an inspection. Neithart also advises having the space inspected for leaks. "Make necessary repairs or take waterproofing measures before any finishes are installed," she says.

Help: Find a general contractor in your area

3. Consider the noise. "Plan your basement space so that the office is at one end of the basement and noisy areas, such as playrooms or media

By Vanessa Brunner | Houzz.com

I've been searching for a midcentury credenza for weeks on Craigslist. For anyone who's looked for something specific on the black hole that is Craigslist's furniture listings, you know how frustrated I feel. Every good item is snatched up in a second, and I'm stuck mining through the leftovers.

It turns out there's a technique to digging through this virtual pile. The next time you're looking for some affordable or vintage household goods, save yourself the headache and try a few of the tricks described here. Some are self-explanatory, but it's always good to have a refresher. If you're persistent, you'll be able to find the treasure you've been hunting for.

Browse thousands of inspiring home photos

Photo by Jenn Hannotte / Russet and Empire InteriorsSearching
• Unless you want to spend years filtering through search results, check off that little box at the top of the search bar to view only listings with photos.
• Search "by owner" rather than "by dealer." Avoid anything with tons of asterisks,

by Laura Gaskill | Houzz.com

Getting organized is something of a passion of mine. Yes, I consider cleaning out my junk drawer a leisure activity - I love labels and have been known to put my books in rainbow order, so make fun if you must! But over the years I have honed a simple routine for paring down and creating order in the home, and I want to share these 10 tips with you today.

Before we dig in, it is important to understand what we are up against. What is clutter exactly? Excess stuff, right? Well sure, but more than that, clutter is a sign of procrastination. It is the bicycle you've been meaning to have repaired, the books that need to be returned to the library, the hideous vase from Aunt Mildred you can't bear to throw out, and the heaping piles of paperwork that need sorting. I think this is why we find it so hard to declutter. It requires a lot of decision making, some that you may have been putting off for years - no easy task. Let's begin by setting an intention to

By Becky Harris | Houzz.com

Space is usually tight in a powder room, so people often shy away from bringing in any bold design elements. While in most cases white or a light neutral can help make a space feel bigger, break out of the white box in a small space. Try a bold wallpaper, add a unique mirrors, look at eclectic vessel sinks, choose ornate sconces and turn a piece of furniture into a vanity. See how 10 designers put their own spin on the powder room in look at 10 surprising and unique powder rooms in a wide range of styles.

See the latest powder room ideas on Houzz

Photo by Anna Baskin Lattimore DesignA lot's going on in this powder room, and that's what makes it great. An antique dresser repurposed as a vanity, the beautiful pottery vessel sink, the twig mirror (complete with birds), iron sconces and geometric tile are fabulous ingredients in this mix.

Tip: If you need to save space, experiment with setting the faucet to the side of sink. If you need to save even more space than that, mount the faucet into the

By Shawn Gauthier | Houzz.com

Bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms; I've seen them all papered in the wildest of wallpaper patterns, but kitchens with wallpaper are hard to find. It's understandable that people prefer a clean, calming aesthetic in the kitchen, but that shouldn't mean wallpaper doesn't stand a chance. In an effort to gather insight into this imposing question, I've collected the few photos of wallpapered kitchens to see how this marvel can actually work.

Let's start the discussion: Should we adhere to the general practice of avoiding wallpaper in the kitchen, or step outside the expectations and run to the local wallpaper retailer for a fresh and fun new look? You decide.

See more inspiring kitchen photos on Houzz

Photo by Andrea Schumacher I don't think people would think twice about using a custom wallpaper design like this in their bathroom or even a bedroom, but many would have shied away from using it in the kitchen. Yet, it really feels original in this space, and it especially pops when

By Natalie Myers | Houzz.com

Do you have a running list of improvements you plan to do around your house but keep putting off? Wouldn't it feel so good to tackle one of these projects , take a step back, and witness how it made life easier? Knowing that each one of these projects is attainable in a weekend or two, let's get motivated to cross one off the list. Here is my list. What project has been hanging over your head?

See More Inspiring Home Design Photos

Photo by Shirley MeiselsI'll start with an easy one: Frame your prints and hang them in a nice gallery wall like arrangement. Buy frames in one color and size at one source and framing everything at once will dress up that blank wall and give you a sense of accomplishment.

You do need the funds before you can even think of upgrading your appliances, but you just know that the latest models of dishwashers, washing machines and dryers are much more efficient than your current model. In the long run, it's good for the environment and good for your wallet,

By Shawn Gauthier | Houzz.com

Is your purse collection stuffed under bed in storage bins? Or do you easily lose track of your everyday purse, throwing it over a chair or putting it down somewhere in haste only to be covered up by the day's coats and jackets? It may be time to equip your home with two things: proper long-term purse storage, and a dedicated home for your most commonly used purse.

Like your keys, purses have a habit of going wayward, and you'll save a lot of time and energy keeping them corralled. Check out the following photos for some ideas. Leaving the house will become that much easier when your purse is easily at hand.

See more inspiring storage solutions at Houzz
Photo by Chris KauffmanKeep your purse handy but out of sight by installing a hook in a small nook, or inside a cabinet near the front or garage door.

Photo by Emily Johnston LarkinYou know that top rack of your closet? Instead of hanging t-shirts you rarely wear, hang up your purse collection. It keep your purses in much better shape than stuffing them in

By Pangaea | Houzz.com This year, the driving force behind what we want in our kitchens is our need for calming spaces and improved functionality to reduce stress in our busy lives. All of these trends either make our kitchen-related tasks easier, or they aesthetically move the look just a little more in a minimal direction.

If you are getting ready to build or remodel - or even if you just want to freshen up your kitchen a bit - here are 9 features to consider for your dream kitchen.

Related: See More Kitchens at Houzz 12 Ways to Enjoy Your Kitchen More This Year What's Ahead in Kitchen Faucets and Fixtures What's Ahead in Kitchen Appliances