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Working With Pros 27 Ideabooks

“A typical color consultation client is someone who has already taken 10 trips to the paint store, has stacks of paint swatches, has samples painted on the walls and can't make up their minds what to do," says Mary Nolte... more »
As a client, how can you avoid paying for design work you don’t want? Making sure you know what you're getting before you have it built helps. Today there is no better way to understand and have a feel... more »
A contractor without a contract is just a worker and his or her word. Even the most honest person would be hard-pressed to keep track of all the conversations that go into planning for the average construction project. That's where a good contract... more »
Lifestyles evolve over time, and so do our homes. Babies are born; kids grow up and leave the nest; aging parents join the household. And even if a house functions just the way it needs to, changing design trends and new materials can leave older spaces... more »
When most people think about hiring an interior designer, they zero in on aesthetics: wall colors, window treatments, pillow patterns. But that's just scratching the surface of what a designer can add to a home. These pros go beyond cosmetic concerns... more »
Whether you're planning a simple addition to your house, a comprehensive remodel or a brand-new structure from scratch, the services of an architect can be a worthwhile investment in a home tailored to your specific site, taste and lifestyle. Architects... more »
Whether your kitchen needs a minor face lift or a complete gut job, soliciting help from a certified kitchen designer can be well worth the investment. The rule of thumb: If a kitchen project costs more than a few hundred dollars, it may be time to call... more »
Even if you can decorate a living area or bedeck a bedroom with the best of them, landscape design has a unique set of challenges that may leave you stumped. Not only does it require a totally different... more »
It often seems we hear more bad stories than good when it comes to client-contractor relations. Miscommunication on both sides is a common culprit. In my experience it has been easier to discuss issues and salvage existing relationships than... more »
Raise your hand if "Get organized!" topped your New Year's resolutions list (again). Now put it down if you've already fallen off the wagon. Don't feel bad: It happens to most of us. But if clutter... more »
Between home makeover TV shows and the wealth of online resources available today, there are more options than ever for those of us wanting to decorate and improve our homes on our own. But what happens when things just aren't coming together? DIY projects... more »
If you were building a new home or remodeling an old one, you'd probably rely on a bevy of professionals to get the job done right, from architects and contractors to interior designers and artisans. But would you think to hire a color consultant?... more »
A good upholsterer can be one of the most invaluable pros on your home improvement list. Not only can he or she give a threadbare or dowdy piece of furniture a stylish new face, but an upholsterer also can craft one-of-a-kind decorative elements that... more »
Although painting is one of the most DIY-friendly jobs, there are times when you'll want or need to hire a pro. Here's how you can ensure a tip-top experience. What a house painter does: In addition to painting surfaces of all kinds, painters... more »
Whether you work with a general contractor or act as one on your own project, getting a glimpse into the mind of a contractor can give you a new perspective into remodeling projects around your home. I’ve learned a lot working as a contractor,... more »
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