Good design usually involves some form of problem solving—whether the solution is functional, aesthetic, or a little bit of both. Here's a handful of 10 randomly chosen stores that we think do a good job of pinpointing the problems that consumers face and supplying innovative solutions. More

Curtain shopping is one of those things that seems like it should be easy but never is. Non-standard window sizes, a mind boggling range of options, and sticker shock from high prices can add up to an all-around unpleasant shopping experience. To help, here's a basic starter guide to high ($$$), medium ($$), and low ($) sources that have some good options. More

Rachel Botsman's 'What's Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption' argues that online communities are changing the way we shop. Disillusioned with novelty and marketing gimmicks, consumers — she believes — are relying more on peer-to-peer marketplaces that allow us to trade, barter, and rent products and services.

Are social networks changing the way we consume? It's a utopian idea, but it's based in analysis of changing consumer behavior. For a glimpse of how it works, here are 10 models of collaborative consumption. More

Cabinetry usually adds up to about half of kitchen renovation expenses, so if you have a small budget, you've got to find ways to cut costs. Shop sales, check second-hand and salvage stores, try a demolition auction, or find ways to get a custom look from big box sources. More

We know — you're tired of seeing IKEA on every single affordable furniture list we pull together. It's one of the biggest and best sources for modern furniture on a budget... but, yes, it can get old. So, to make up for the IKEA overkill, here's a list of sources for cool furniture on the cheap. We tried to stick to non-obvious sources. (Don't worry — there's no West Elm or CB2 here either.) More

Lyndsay and Fitzhugh are talented designers who renovated their Brooklyn home and built much of the furniture themselves from reclaimed wood. Even if you're not gifted with the ability to throw together a handmade sectional sofa, you can still be inspired by their accomplishments... and you can rely on our shopping guide for a similar look. More