Decorating 1,146 Ideabooks

When I was little, I had a great aunt who lived in a snazzy '50s ranch house. Her kitchen had all the hallmarks of the era's architecture, including a cozy corner banquette. Her banquette had yellow cushions and a square table. I would sit there and watch... more »

Does the thought of hanging Christmas lights conjure feelings of dread? Have you stared longingly at a beautiful storefront tree and felt ashamed by your own tree's appearance? Follow these simple steps and your days of disgrace will be a thing of the... more »

Many of us still admire the elegant proportions and soft colors that dominated English homes of the early Georgian period — the 18th-century reigns of George I and George II. King George III was succeeded by his son, who was first prince... more »

Black is the color of the night sky, ebony, caviar and coal. It was one of the first colors ever used in human art. It's classic, deep, simple and elegant. It is also associated with death, fear, mourning and evil. But whatever your associations... more »

When we sit down to craft, we engage in the same kind of process as when we design our interiors. We consider form, we're intimately connected to our materials and we do it because it grounds us in our sense of place. Crafting has always been... more »

Cushions and pillows in any space introduce color, texture and form — all vital design elements when you're finessing a room. These days we are bombarded with all kinds of styles and shapes of cushions, and here you'll learn the ins and outs of this... more »

There aren't a lot of toys out there that parents enjoy seeing left out in the middle of the living room. However, the Ride On Classic Car is one they'll probably keep on display long after their kids have outgrown it. The car is made in France by Vilac,... more »

I have known people who are Sunday comics fanatics. Not a Sunday goes by for these folks without the morning ritual of coffee, comic strips and crossword puzzles. It's a routine that many people have enjoyed for years. It's no surprise that... more »

They have smaller footprints than sofas, but they are roomier than chairs. They are dainty and elegant and sculptural. A settee is the cornerstone of a conversation nook and the perfect thing to fill a dead space. They can be modern but often... more »

Living in a truly small space can be a fun challenge — or just plain frustrating. Each small space is unique, and working out the best solutions can feel like putting together a really complex jigsaw puzzle. Make the most of every inch by sneaking in... more »

Whatever happened to formal dining sets? A generation or two ago, it seemed, no well-outfitted home was complete without a table and chair suite and a coordinating china hutch or sideboard. Then came the rise of shabby chic and cottage style, as well... more »

Wool has a deep, warm, rich look and a long history. This fabric dates back to before history was recorded, when humans discovered that sheepskin would keep them warm when the weather was cold and cool when it was hot, and would absorb moisture without... more »

In many ways the modern Western world began around the 1400s in Florence, Italy, when medieval ways of thinking were pushed aside for major changes in art, architecture and interior design. Mainly affecting the powerful and wealthy (including the church... more »

The cozy fall season has me dreaming of the perfect reading nook. The first thing on my list? A wing chair. It's a great place to nestle in, with the blinders on the side to keep you focused and others at bay. Wing chairs never really leave... more »

When I was little, one of the first household rules I absorbed was never, ever to write on the walls, a rule I broke as soon as I mastered printing in kindergarten. I can still remember the look on my mom's face when she caught me stretched out next to... more »