This spring, I had a chance to spend some quality time with an energy-efficiency consultant, who also happens to be my brother-in-law. But that’s neither here nor there. Anyway, I was able to pick his expert mind about what average homeowners can do … read more

Light, be it natural or artificial, impacts productivity, safety, moods, as well as the sense of aesthetics. You can design a beautiful home or landscaped yard but if it is not properly illuminated, it may all be for not. The following is an … read more

According to the color experts at pantone, Radiant Orchid is uplifting and bold without being overpowering, re-energizing almost any color palette and providing a unifying element for diverse spaces. They recommend sprucing up interior spaces by incorporating … read more

Trendy has gotten a bad rap of late. My design clients and readers of my blog (www.SanctuaryAndStyle.com) often tell me that they can think for themselves. “I know what I like and I don’t need to follow trends,” they declare. Does that sound … read more

Pretty colors and fancy trim aside, a well-designed room exudes a subtle beauty. The essence of that beauty is in the placement of cabinetry, fixtures and furnishings. People derive a sense of comfort and purpose when they can walk into a room and … read more

Gardeners can still get their plant fix during the winter months. It’s a great time to explore the world of indoor houseplants. It’s also a time to purchase a few usually outdoor culinary plants to brighten up a sunny windowsill or kitchen counter. … read more

The buzz phrase in landscape design these days is outdoor living — creating garden “rooms” that effectively extend living space beyond the home. The Clarks have mastered this concept in the redesign of their yard, a project started a decade ago. This is … read more

Spring is the season of renewal and fresh beginnings so it makes sense that this would be a perfect time to tackle those parts of your home that are chaotic, so you can create some serenity for yourself in your surroundings. It can … read more

Jerry and Dolly Coss have lived in their Silverdale home since 1997, undertaking a few remodels to update various areas. And while they’ve already remodeled their kitchen once, last year they decided to gut it out and start over. “I like to entertain … read more