As Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs points out, “[Built-ins are great] when you really want to elevate the look, feel, and functionality of a space, especially when you want to create a space your kids can really grow into for years and years. You have so much control to design to the specific needs of the room and your children.” But what else should built-in lovers consider before committing to this look (because it is a commitment)?...

If you would like to use feng shui to set up your backyard, you’ll want to think about the significance and placement of different elements in your outdoor space. Here is a simple guide to walk you through some common backyard items, and how to think about them and set them up from a feng shui perspective. Outdoor Seating and Furniture Outdoor seating and furniture creates an area for your family and friends to come together....

Follow these tips and you’ll find making dinner and searching for the exact ingredient you need is endlessly easier. Take Inventory The first step to organizing your pantry is to make a list of everything you have and put all of your pantry items in groups. Write down the spices, grains, pastas, and cans you have, and save it all on your phone as a note. This will eliminate unnecessary duplicate buys and help you narrow in on exactly what you actually have in your pantry when you need it....

But with a world of colors to choose from, it can be daunting to narrow down your top picks—especially since we generally don’t repaint our exterior doors all too often. Michelle Bray, co-owner of Five Star Painting of the Philadelphia Suburbs, says “Your front door is not an entrance into your home, it’s the entrance into your home. Think of it as a gateway, not just for guests but as a reflection and continuation of your individual style that you hopefully created or intend to create inside your home....

Money can often be tight, but you want something that looks nice and you need it to be functional as well. If you have the place to yourself, you will furnish it differently than if you plan to share with roommates. And whichever route you end up taking, it is always best to clear with your landlord whether you can change the paint or hang pictures or mirrors on the wall....