PBS NewsHour anchor Judy Woodruff and Atlantic editor Derek Thompson explore how data shapes the music industry. Read more in Thompson’s recent Atlantic story, “The Shazam Effect.”
How Shazam Predicts the Next Pop Hit
December 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Bathroom Workbook: Layer on the Texture for High Bath Style
December 14, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Make even a modern bath warm and welcoming with these 11 ideas for adding texture
I once read that the average American spends almost three full years of his or her life in the bathroom. If that’s true, perhaps we should consider making this space a little more worthy of our time. Bathrooms can often be sterile and cold, with slick and shiny surfaces. But just as with any other room in your home, adding texture to your bathroom can make it vibrant and welcoming. With gorgeous natural stones, plumbing fittings with intricate details and textural linens, wall treatments and more, there are endless ways to give your bathroom depth and personality. But beware: If you get inspired by the stylish little spaces below, you may find yourself spending a few more years in the bathroom.
How to Give Neutral Paint Colors a Subtle Jolt
December 13, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Don’t compete with your neutral hues — complement them!
I have to admit: As much as I love big, bold color, I like it best when it is used with restraint — and used strategically. After all, a little bold color goes a long way, and it’s all too easy to go from “wow!” to “ouch.” For the color-shy out there who are looking to spice up their neutral interiors but want to steer clear of anything too intense, here’s how to add small to moderate splashes of vivacious hues to a mostly neutral interior palette.
Color Guide: How to Work With Chartreuse
December 11, 2014 By Leave a Comment
As earthy or electric as you please, this yellow-green hue brings the zing or just freshness to homes from traditional to modern
It’s a vivid, electric color. Happy, even. It’s the inside of a perfect avocado, a bed of Scotch moss or the belly of a lovebird. Chartreuse is halfway between green and yellow — a yellowish green, a greenish yellow. But the spectrum within this color ranges from bright lime to light sulphur.
In its lighter, softer form chartreuse makes a great wall color for earthy, nature-inspired rooms. In its boldest, brightest form it is as eye catching as neon.
Chartreuse can be both earthy and electric. It looks wonderful with reds, oranges and blues, especially turquoise and cobalt. Bright chartreuse is a perfect foil for charcoal gray (think lichen on stone) and in modern design is often used as a pop against muted neutrals. It looks crisp and spring-y with bright white and vivid with purple.
It’s very popular in modern design, but chartreuse can span the eras and does not need to be used sparingly. Go ahead and put it all over; it can take it. Do you want a baroque entryway with chartreuse walls and crystal chandeliers? Go for it.
As these photos show, chartreuse may be bold — flashy, even — but it is not limiting. In fact, it’s an all-around great decorating color.
Home equity is back and homeowners are using it
December 10, 2014 By Leave a Comment
As home prices rise, homeowners are wasting no time making use of their newfound, or regained, home equity. In fact, while all mortgage originations rose in the third quarter of this year, the biggest gain was in home equity lines of credit (HELOCs).
Originations of these loans, which are often in addition to primary mortgages, jumped over 17 percent for the quarter, according to Inside Mortgage Finance, a mortgage industry publication: $20 billion in new HELOCs, which is the most quarterly volume for the product this year.
How to Add Just the Right Amount of Dramatic Black
December 9, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Done right, black can add punch and personality to just about any room. Here’s how to go over to the dark side in style
Black is a somewhat divisive color when it comes to interiors: some adore it; some abhor it. Personally, I love black — it instantly adds atmosphere — but it can be overwhelming if not handled carefully. From mixing in jewel brights to restricting it to paintwork or a feature wall, here are 10 ways to use inky shades in uplifting ways.
How to Ditch the Drapes and Let Your Windows Shine
December 8, 2014 By Leave a Comment
If your home has beautiful windows and you don’t need to hide a view, consider dressing them in these elegant, creative ways
Drapes are a beautiful — and functional — home privacy solution, great for covering up an unwanted view inside or out. But when your home has beautiful windows and privacy isn’t an issue, why hide them? Consider some of these classic and creative ways to dress your windows, whether you live in a secluded country house or a high-rise city apartment.
Styling to Sell a Home
December 7, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Styling your home can make a world of difference in how quickly you sell and even how much you sell your home for. Find out how to style your home to sell to make a great impression on your buyers.
Simple Pleasures: Savoring the Season of Fire and Light
December 6, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Warm up your home and lift your spirits on cold winter days with these decorative touches
I am the first to admit I’m not a winter person. But where I live, in New England, snowy winters are a fact of life. And if living with winter has taught me anything, it’s to savor the warm and cozy aspects of this season. Candles, fairy lights and a roaring fire can do wonders to boost light on short, dark days and (even more important) bolster the spirits. So pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa and get cozy around the fire. Here are 10 ideas for boosting light and creating a magical ambience around the house.