Today's My Favorite Thing comes from Jeff Katzman. More

Basements can be a mixed bag. Functional space is always good, but rooms below grade can present challenges with light, climate control and moisture. The right flooring can mitigate some concerns and take a basement from musty oversized storage area to usable family space. A few things to consider: More

Metal contact paper or shelf liners are fantastic for completely transforming furniture and even appliances. It's also very practical when you need a wipeable surface like a backsplash for the stove or a tabletop free of crayon marks. More

We recently had the opportunity to view the latest wallpaper designs from British paper and paint craftsmen, Farrow & Ball. Showcased in their Soho store, the new collection is a slight departure from their traditional look as it features four distinct patterns highlighting animal prints and geometric designs. More

I recently installed under cabinet lights in the kitchen of my rental apartment, and for a relatively small investment, they have made a big impact: They provide lighting for such kitchen tasks as dish washing and food prep, and their ambient glow is a pleasant alternative to the harsh overhead lighting I relied on previously. Fluorescent, halogen and xenon are all popular choices, but if you are looking to go the energy saving route, check out these LED options below: More

Historic Preservation Carpenter Paul Cutting rescued this abandoned house and restored it into a working home, using parts from over 23 houses. He recommends using salvaged hardware (and we think it's a great solution for sprucing up old cabinets and dressers, too). More

They've long been a staple of Parisian apartments and it's easy to see why — white oak floors are pretty, easy to maintain, and well suited to just about any design style. More

Picking a paint color can be one of the toughest design decisions you make for your home. So, to help out, we created an entire category of posts, our Paint Color Portfolios, that highlight the best shades and brands for nearly every room of the house. Here they are — all in one place: More

Fussing with a jumble of keys at your front door is so old fashioned. A new generation of locks lets you use your fingerprint, keypad and even your smart phone to access your home — some even allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely. Check out a few keyless lock options after the jump… More

I love IKEA butcher block countertops. They're so versatile, so beautiful, and so inexpensive — so what if they also tend to be a little lacking in a certain flair? Here's an idea: make this one-size-fits-all kitchen staple into a one-of-a-kind unique surface with just a few tools and a little bit of know-how. More