If you dress your windows in outdated styles, it can hinder your home’s overall style. Want more design inspiration? “[These styles] can dramatically change the overall feeling in a room’s livability and softness.” KatarzynaBialasiewicz / Getty Images “Avoid overly ornate valances, which can feel dated and heavy,” says interior designer Danielle Chiprut. “They can feel at odds with today’s preference for light, airy interiors.” “This approach balances elegance with modern sensibilities....

Consider this your official excuse to take on a home refresh. “They often lack the longevity and soul that a well-designed home deserves,” Umansky says. Instead, she recommends shopping for accents that truly speak to youand will continue to do so over time. PC Photography / Getty Images “Its all about creating a layered, curated look that feels personal and polished.” Want more design inspiration? Looking for a floor covering that’s a bit more current?...

Westend61 / Getty Images Is it time for agood decluttering session? Whether its holding onto small items just in case or not tackling each room methodically. It is best to have the end goal in mind before starting. Westend61 / Getty Images Experts say there are a few key approachesthat can make all the difference. Here are six decluttering mistakes to avoid to make your next seasonal cleaning session a success....

Below, our experts dispel six myths that you’ve likely heard time and time again. Get ready to have your perspective altered for good! If white and beige are your go-to answers, you may want to rethink your outlook. Kristen Prahl / Getty Images After all, she notes, what’s more important is that your home reflectsyou. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? “Minimalism is more of a mindset than anything else,” she says....

Light carpet in the living room? A white couch with kids and pets? Some lessons have to be learned to be truly understood. Rockledge Design + Architecture Most of the time, design regrets have to do with form versus functionality. According to interior designerAndy Weier, each regret can be considered a valuable lesson learned. Are you interested to see what the pros would do differently? Tony Anderson / Getty Images...

Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash Our homes are ever-evolving spaces. Sometimes, ideas that once felt fresh and cool no longer hold their appeal. If done well, they can create spectacular spaces that are slightly edgy and unique. Lotus Design N Print / Unsplash “The result was a space that felt cramped and gloomy rather than cozy.” Now, she alwaystests paint samplesin various lighting situations and encourages homeowners and designers to do the same....

In this case, function and livability outweigh funky form, she says. Want more design inspiration? Bobbled detail is on everything ceramic from lamp bases to salad bowls, he says. Vostok / Getty Images It’s cute we know, but they’re everywhere. But Harbinger notes that this one fizzled out pretty quickly, mainly due to its cost and maintenance requirements. Its more well-suited to large-scale and commercial applications, she says. Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images...

“The days of your grandmothers trim are back,” the designer says. Want more design inspiration? She notes that back kitchens also provide plenty of space for a chef to take up residence when hosting. Design byStudio Peake/ Photo by Alexander James Mendenhall is noticing plenty of curved sofas in today’s homes. Studio Peake Whittney Parkinson Alvin Wayne Erin Williamson Design Design bySiren Betty/ Photo byWade Hall Design bySiren Betty/ Photo byGarrett Sweet

“For soft seating, go with a sunbrella-bang out fabric that is thick and water resistant.” Be sure that you have enough outdoor seating on hand to accommodate guests. If you’re short on space, you will want to opt for multifunctional pieces. @cottageandsea/ Instagram “Lightweight chairs that stack can come in handy for when you have larger groups,” she adds. “That way, they don’t eat up too much storage space,” Justice says....

Wire-brushed and matte-finished oak are especially popular finishes, Biscan says. The look adds natural warmth, texture, and comfort to any design. Modern stone looks, like limestone and travertine, create a foundation for quiet luxury, she says. Desiree Burns Interiors The key is to tone things down to a more neutral palette, using either marble or tone-on-tone patterns. But if checkerboard still feels too bold, herringbone is a classic that simply cant be beaten....

Design:Susie Novak Interiors/ Photography: R. Brad Knipstein A great interior designer can make style seem effortless. It’s really important! We even layer rugs to fill out the room. Design:Susie Novak Interiors/ Photography: R. Brad Knipstein The quality is key and is a subtle sensory experience. I never want my clients' spaces to feel like carbon copies of other homes I’ve designed. This was actually the wisdom of one of my design professors in school....

Flush valves are usually 2-inch or 3-inch in size. Different manufacturers offer various designs, meaning flush valves are not universal. This is why it’s essential to know the pop in you have before replacing your toilets flush valve. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Read on below to learn about the different types of toilet flush valves. Tower Flush Valve The tower flush valve is a variation of the flapper valve....

Here, discover six popular driveway materials to choose the perfect option for your home. Asphalt surfaces consist of a mixture of sand, aggregate, and a tar-like liquid, sometimes called bitumen. Concrete driveways look great when they’re new. The Spruce / Sarah Crowley It can be applied simply by dumping it on a flattened area and raking it into a smooth layer. The process is time-consuming but not difficult.Gravel drivewayscan quickly develop potholes, but repairs are quite easy....