In the spirit of the upcoming political debates, we kick off a series of conversations on hotly contested design topics

We asked kitchen designers to tell us the most common budget-busters they see

Using photos, video and email, San Francisco designer Jacqueline Palmer created a stylish living room for a New York City entrepreneur

Learn how to balance your budget and set priorities to get the home features you want with the least compromise

See where it makes sense to invest in durable essentials and focal pieces, and where to economize on other things

Frame your bed with a piece of art that takes over where the headboard leaves off

Win the battle of the dueling focal points with a thoughtful fireplace arrangement that puts attention right where you want it

Overcome one of design’s top obstacles with tips and tricks from these living rooms uploaded recently to Houzz

Get the handsomeness of a pastoral estate even in an urban studio using color, artwork and accessories

From dramatic, artistic designs to small but unexpected details, these ideas for fireplaces are superhot