Know Which Hues are Easier to Work with

Pick-a-Paint Help: How to Quit Procrastinating on Color Choice. Know which hues are easier to work with. If you've had bum luck choosing paint colors in the past, it could be that you were making things harder on yourself than was necessary. Some colors, like pink, are especially difficult to get just right. Neutral hues like gray, beige and soft browns, as well as pale, silvery blues are quite forgiving.

This room: Coventry Gray

Grow Your Own Oregano and Marjoram

Planting and care: Herb Garden Essentials, Grow Your Own Oregano and Marjoram. Choose a spot in full sun once all the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is fairly warm. The plants aren’t fussy about soil types but do require good drainage. Amend the soil before planting, then space seedlings about 12 inches apart for sweet marjoram and 12 to 18 inches apart for oregano. You can also grow oregano and sweet marjoram in pots at least 6 inches wide.

To keep the plants from getting woody, cut them back to 4 to 6 inches about a month after planting, then again in midsummer and early fall if growing them as perennials. Cut back completely or divide every few years to rejuvenate the plants and fertilize lightly once a year in the spring. 

Pests and diseases generally don’t bother oregano, though there are occasional problems with rots, spider mites and aphids. Sweet marjoram is similarly trouble free, though whiteflies and rust may sometimes cause problems.

Choose An Extra-large Sink

Kitchen Organizing Ideas for Messy Cooks. Choose an extra-large sink. As cooking progresses, dirty dishes mount. An oversize sink can corral them and keep them below eye level. Apron-front and single-bowl models work especially well.

Architectural

Architectural. Add a one-of-a-kind architectural detail to your apron front for a custom look without the price tag of a stylized sink. A molding detail, like the one in this photo, works well in a kitchen with tons of architectural detail.

Go For Lots Of Natural Light

Go for lots of natural light. Your body relies on light as its cue to snap into gear. The more windows you have near your bed, the better. If you live in a secluded setting such as this, you can leave them bare so as not to block a speck of sun; just be sure that your outdoor surroundings are dark enough not to keep you awake at night.

Well, OK, not Really. But it's a Nice thought

Place your alarm clock somewhere pleasant. If I had that view to wake up to, I might look forward to the alarm's going off. (Well, OK, not really. But it's a nice thought.) Place your alarm clock on a windowsill or in front of a favorite piece of art - something that stimulates those half-open eyes.

Moving From the Living Spaces to the Outdoors Now Occurs Via Sliding Glass Doors Set into the Larger Windows

Moving from the living spaces to the outdoors now occurs via sliding glass doors set into the larger windows, rather than by a swinging door. From here we'll step inside the door in the foreground to look at the living room.

Tile "Rugs" Floors Can Also be Arranged to Create a tile Framework in the Center Of a Room that Mimics the Look Of a Rug

Tile "Rugs" Floors can also be arranged to create a tile framework in the center of a room that mimics the look of a rug. This can be achieved with a mosaic tile border, filled with more field tile.

Personally, I don't like tubs that are oversize. I find a tub longer than 5 feet hard to relax in - I prefer my feet to be able to press against the far side so I don't slide down when sitting. But everyone's different, which again is why it's important to sit in a tub before buying it.

Think about the view in your bathroom and how big your bathroom will be. Try to plan your layout so you can look out a window or into your bathroom, instead of looking at a blank back wall.

Tip: Avoid massive spa tubs if your home has a tiny hot-water tank, unless you're ready to replace the tank. Odds are, a small tank won't be able to handle a gigantic tub. 

Color Helps us Chill Out before Sleep

The study surmises that since blue has long been associated with feelings of calmness - water, blue sky etc. - the color helps us chill out before sleep.

In the New Addition

In the new addition, the cool kitchen has matte white cabinetry and stainless steel set against a backdrop of original brick that's been treated with thinned cement.

think About the Space's Overall Purpose

As you start your living room remodel, think about the space's overall purpose. If it's going to have a more formal feel, adding an elegant fireplace mantel might be a worthy investment, while a built-in TV console would work best in a more low-key setting. Once you determine the overall tone, consider what kind of storage would work best. Built-in bookshelves and cabinets are great additions, regardless of formality, while a desk, table or booth ensure there is plenty of space for family game night or homework help. Finally, be sure to bring some personality to the space by including fun decor, such as rugs, artwork, curtains and lighting.

What should I use my living room for?

If you already have a family room for more low-key activities, your living room can act as a more sophisticated setting for hosting and entertaining. To get the look, buy a bar cart, formal furniture like wingback armchairs and chesterfield sofas, and mahogany wood bookshelves and coffee tables. Use the fireplace as your focal point by opting for an eye-catching, sophisticated mantel. On the other hand, if it's your primary living space, it should be used more like a TV room, complete with sofa sectional, media console and gaming spot. In the end, think about your needs; after all, a family with small children will use a playroom more than a formal sitting room.

What kind of built-ins should I add to my living room?

Because this room serves many purposes, be sure to incorporate plenty of shelves, cabinets and drawers to accommodate all your goodies. While more expensive, built-ins are the best way to do this, since they take up less space and are often customized to meet your needs. A built-in entertainment center is great for housing your TV, movies, video games and small electronics, while bookcases keep your books, picture frames and knickknacks in check. A desk, booth or large table can act as a craft station or homework spot, while a window seat can quickly become your go-to reading or nap station.

How do I decorate my living room?

When decorating your space, don't be afraid of bright colors, but don't go overboard either. Stick with neutral sofas, armchairs and ottomans and go bold with accessories - that way, you can easily swap out the small things when a new color scheme is in order. Picture frames, rugs, throw pillows and curtains are all great for adding color, while mirrors, table lamps and ceiling lights can help light flow throughout the space. Hang colorful contemporary artwork on the walls, and even add an accent wall by choosing a trendy new paint color.

Contemporary Living Room

Depending on your home layout, your contemporary living room can serve many different functions. If you have a family room, it is often a formal sitting area or parlor used for reading, relaxing and entertaining guests. If it's the only living space you have, it's also used for watching TV, playing games and spending time with family. Regardless of its purpose, any good space has a comfortable sofa or sectional, a coffee table and a focal point, such as a fireplace or entertainment center (maybe even both!)

It Would be Lovely Nn a Guest Bedroom . . .

This fabric from Charlotte Moss' new collection has a gorgeous, feminine silhouette print. And I love this shade of cornflower blue.  Unabashedly feminine, this floral is bursting with beautiful soft blooms. It would be lovely in a guest bedroom.