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Interior Design

Safety key in bathroom design

by Rita St. Clair / Design Line

Tuesday November 25, 2008, 11:55 AM

Photo Courtesy of Emeraldlight/CorbisThis bathroom shows how "universal design" -- i.e., design that caters to the needs of the aged and disabled -- need not look like something out of a nursing home.

So much consideration is given to the look of a room that it's easy to forget about another, even more important aspect of interior design: safety.

A question such as the one I'll be answering today offers a welcome opportunity to focus on the function of a setting, particularly as it pertains to preventing injuries.

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No easy recipe for cooking up a new kitchen

by Christine Brun / Small Spaces

Wednesday November 19, 2008, 4:07 PM

Photo Courtesy of Michele Lee WilsonPedals on the floor control water flow for the faucet in this vegetable sink, allowing cooks to work with both hands free.

In these days of trying to cut back and conserve, it might be tempting to think you can remodel your kitchen by yourself. Before you give it a try, let me extend some advice that comes from years of experience.

Be aware that if you walk into a kitchen-and-bath showroom that primarily sells cabinets, there will most likely be a nominal fee for the staff designer to generate even a preliminary layout on your behalf. Generally, that fee is applied to the purchase of cabinetry. But if the relationship does not turn into a sale for the company, you will probably be charged for the design work.

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Avoid making piecemeal decisions

by Rita St. Clair / Design Line

Wednesday November 19, 2008, 3:54 PM

Photo Courtesy of The Images Publishing GroupA modern, well designed kitchen from the book "100 Great Extensions and Renovations."

"Good design" may seem an ordinary, straightforward term. It has a specific historical meaning, however, that closely associates it with modern-style interiors.

Back in the 1950s, "good design" was intended to be synonymous with the modern look that was becoming the international high style of that era. Although interior designers still use the term today, it's no longer limited to a particular kind of setting.

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Get your home holiday ready in less than a weekend

by Staten Island Advance

Wednesday November 19, 2008, 3:48 PM

You've confirmed your guest list, started shopping for gifts and planned the big holiday feast. What's left on your to-do list? Sprucing up the house before the holidays get in full swing.

Experts from Rohm and Haas's Paint Quality Institute offer a few fast fixes to get the home holiday-ready in less than a weekend:

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A refreshing change

by Andrea Boyarsky / Staten Island Advance

Wednesday November 12, 2008, 5:27 PM

Photo courtesy of Home GoodsThrow pillows are an easy, inexpensive way, to bring autumnal colors into your Thanksgiving decorating scheme.

Just because your wallet may suffer this holiday season, that doesn't mean your home has to.

There are quick and inexpensive ways to refresh tired decor despite a shrinking budget: From moving furniture and switching accessories around, to picking up a paintbrush, investing in an area rug or buying a few throw pillows.

Here are a few ideas:

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