Lifestyle & Trends - Kitchen

The master material: Unexpected uses for ceramic tile in the master suite

Ceramic tile has held a hallowed place in bathroom renovations for generations. Durable, easy to clean, and available in a wide range of color, format and design, tile just makes sense in a bath. But some enterprising designers and homeowners are finding a new spot in the home where tile not only works well, but can take center stage - the master bedroom. Read More

Luxury bathroom upgrades that are worth the investment

Few room renovations return as much on your investment - in terms of resale value and enhanced enjoyment - as refurbishing a bathroom. Maybe that's why many Americans, who have tightened their belts when it comes to other areas of home improvement, still seem to be willing to spend more for luxury bathroom upgrades. Here are a handful of upgrades that can help elevate a common bathroom to a luxurious home resort. Read More

Nine tips for the perfect kitchen remodel

For many Americans, remodeling their kitchens tops the list of home improvement projects - and for several good reasons. Not only is the kitchen the heart of many homes - the center of family activity and home entertaining - but remodeling your kitchen is typically one of the smartest investments, often generating a payback of 80 to 90 percent on the cost of remodel at the time of resale. Read More

Luxe looks for less

When summer's over it means back to spending more time indoors. But don't let the dropping temperatures take you down with them. Instead, spruce up your space with easy projects. With a little time - and even less money - you can transform your home with simple and luxurious looks ... for less. Read More

An expert's guide to hardwood flooring

As you plan your home and office improvements, think long-term by making choices that are informed, responsible and financially sound. The American Hardwood Information Center suggests hardwood flooring -- one of the best long-term investments to be made. It is environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations. Read More

Turn a gourmet kitchen into a chef's studio

Does your kitchen feel more like Julie's than Julia's? No need to be concerned ... if Julie could learn to master the art of cooking in less than a year, you can design your own chef's studio in a fraction of that time. Follow Julie's footsteps and take your lead from those who know kitchens best - professional chefs. Read More

Get more bang for your renovation buck in the bedroom

Whether you're renovating to attract potential buyers, or to improve your enjoyment of your house, sprucing up the master bedroom has multiple benefits. You can make the most of your money by adding high-quality, high-impact touches like these. Read More

Kitchen, bath renovations remain tops, but go lean and green

When it comes to adding value and enjoyment to your home, kitchen and bath remodels still remain tops, remodeling and real estate experts say. But how people remodel is changing. High-end renovations, costing tens of thousands of dollars, are dwindling, replaced by upgrades that provide homeowners with the most return for the least investment. Read More

Ten tips for the perfect bathroom remodel

Giving an old, tired bathroom a makeover is one of the best things you can do to increase your home's resale value. And while it can take some planning, remodeling your bathroom is easily within the capability of most homeowners. Read More

Practical upgrades pay off in kitchens and bathrooms

Practical pays off when it comes to kitchen and bath renovations. Gone are the days when virtually every kitchen or bathroom remodel involved top-of-the-line luxury upgrades and a budget big enough to fund an Ivy League education. Today's homeowners want more value for their remodeling dollars, and that means turning to improvements that make both functional and fiscal sense. Read More