Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

Indulge the eye, offer a break from visual chaos and make decorating easier with single-color rooms in any shade you like

Go ahead, paint everything the same color (even the trim)

Tile the whole wall in your shower to give your bath a light and lofty feel

With a fresh-looking decor trio (rug, light fixture, wall covering), they won’t even notice that same-old sofa

Choose a paint with some heft and a little sheen for walls and ceilings with long-lasting good looks. Here are some getting-started tips

When you tuck boxes, wires and speakers into walls and ceilings, all you'll notice is your favorite shows or music

No walls came down. No windows were added. But this once-dark kitchen looks completely different, thanks to bright new surfaces

Brighten a room and clean the air with a houseplant that cascades artfully, stretches toward the ceiling or looks great on a wall

Raised ceilings and knocked-down walls create a light, bright and more open barn-like kitchen in California