Reading about the worst decorating trends made me think about remodeling patterns as well. There's no question that certain materials and fixtures crop up again and again. They often become popular for valid reason; either they are practical, beautiful, inexpensive, or all of the above. Others however--like granite countertops--take hold of the market and just don't let go. Chances are good it's these finishes that will scream 2012 to our contemporaries. More

Appliances. We love the help they provide but battle with deciding if they're worth the space they consume. We hope these compact appliances make the decision easier. Fortunately, there are some fun, attractive and small options, like a single serve blender, compact food processor, drop-shape humidifier, compact toaster oven, and even a blender/food processor duet! More

Since I arrived in Mexico City a couple months ago, I have observed many new and old homes with strange contraptions on the roof. At first I thought they were skylights, but then I realized that they are in fact solar water heaters. This seemed like a great idea, especially for places that get a lot of sun. Not only are they economical, but they also help to save resources. After doing a little research, I learned that heating water is the second largest energy consumer in the average American home, so a more efficient system would mean great savings in energy costs.
More

Whether you're renovating your kitchen or simply switching out appliances, there are a lot more options out there than the ubiquitous stainless steel. Retro and vintage appliances can give a kitchen a fun new (or should I say old?) attitude. Check out these suppliers for vintage and retro (but new) appliances… More

Have you ever been at a dinner party where the host kicked you out of the kitchen and then argued amongst the guests about which dish loading system was the best? I have...

More

Over the last decade we've seen the trend of slick stainless steel appliances take over American kitchens. While that might make for a modern streamlined look, we're finding the warm feel of these vintage inspired refrigerators a refreshing change. More

Apple is king. Everyone seems to be bowing at the feet of the company's minimalism aesthetic, straight-forward interfaces, and "just works" mentality. Who can blame them? It looks like the design language of the future (albiet a future designed in the 60s). Some designers come by it honestly, being former Apple employees themselves. Here are some of their products, which show the apple doesn't fall too far. More

Having in-unit laundry machines is a luxury right up there with having a dishwasher, a flood of natural light and perhaps parking. When you get a stain, have guests over or just plain need something clean to wear, there's nothing better than being able to do a quick load without having to schelp all your stuff to the laundromat. If you have a little space that you can give up in your bathroom or closet, you might be able to gain a whole laundry area. More

There's nothing like the crackle, warmth and glow from a real wood-burning fireplace. But for apartment dwellers without an existing fireplace, alternatives to the traditional chimney and flue are necessary. Ventless designs powered by eco-friendly biofuel are now available in modern materials and as ceiling-mount, wall-mount and floor standing units. Here are a few sleek designs that won't leave you feeling left out in the cold.

More

Ahh, doing laundry. The never-ending chore. Like some Sisyphean torture! And there is nothing worse than a housekeeping task that doesn't yield satisfying results. So now we are turning to you to ask, "What's the best washing machine?" Be sure to share your experiences in the comments below.
More