Decorating Styles and Techniques

The Brits standardized what it means for an item to be sterling silver way back in the 14th century. But how can you tell if something is sterling or not?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

The Chinese have been making porcelain as far back as perhaps the first century. What is porcelain, exactly, and why did it take hundreds of years for the process to be duplicated anywhere else?

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Milk paint is made of, well, milk. It's also easy to mix, super fast drying, eco-friendly and requires no sanding and priming before use.

By Wendy Bowman

Farmhouse style is an eclectic mix of traditional charm and quirky character that lends a cozy, warm feel to any space where comfort is key.

By Alia Hoyt

Subway tiles were created specifically for use in the New York City subway system, but consumers love them too, as they add a touch of retro urban sophistication to almost any home.

By Alia Hoyt

The glue, the scraping, the mess, the hours of torture and pain. If the idea of using wallpaper anywhere in your home conjures up images of sheer agony, then temporary, removable paper was made for you.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

Wainscoting might conjure up images of stodgy oak paneling. But forget that. This design element has stood the test of time because it can seamlessly blend into just about every style and decor.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D. & Yara Simón

Ubiquitous in the 1970s, the papasan chair has a colorful history.

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

Why is it that when we set out to update a room sometimes it just doesn't quite hit the mark? Yes, we can be proud of the new window treatments and the couch has some smart new pillows, but it still has a time-worn feel

By Doug Wilson

If you know how to preserve your flowers, they can last well into the winter months. Learn about how to preserve flowers in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Did you ever wonder how to tarnish copper to give a copper urn an antique look? This article shows you how to tarnish copper.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Sewing is a hard craft to manage if you're stuck in the corner of a room or can only spread out on the dining room table. If you have your own sewing room, you can put everything in its place and create to your heart's content.

By Emilie Sennebogen

If you work at home, then you probably already know how valuable a dedicated office is. But if you want a room for only reading and writing, then you have to get rid of even more distractions. We'll show you how.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Whether photography is a hobby, a passion, or a career, it's pretty easy to create your own dark room. This advice can have you developing your own memories in no time.

By Emilie Sennebogen

Room soundproofing might not be on your HOA rules, but what if your neighbor's drumming is taking a toll on your last nerve? Here's how to soundproof a room without and make everyone happy.

By Sara Elliott & Talon Homer

Working from home can be an awesome thing with many conveniences. But if you're toddler is constantly barging in or your spouse asks a million questions, then it's time for you to move into your own office -- with your own door.

By Sara Elliott

If you have a spare bedroom that's sitting empty just screaming for a purpose, why not turn it into an exercise room? That way, you get the convenience of a gym without the people to watch you sweat!

By Sara Elliott

Have you always wanted your own home theater but never thought you had the space to set one up? Well, you may have to downsize from your dream screen, but an unused spare bedroom is a great choice for your movie-watching mecca.

By Sara Elliott

You want to give your friend a housewarming gift and thought it would be nice to build a key holder. Learn how to build a key holder in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You want to help your daughter in her new home by making her some pillowcases. Learn here how to make a pillowcase.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The movers have left, and now you have to figure out how to arrange all the furniture. Learn how to arrange furniture from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

It's natural to feel the need to spruce up your home every once in a while. If your living spaces look drab and your checkbook looks bleak, don't worry -- we've got some inexpensive tips for you.

By Heather Kolich

When people run out of room in a small space, most just give up or start tossing out their beloved treasures. But before you get rid of your favorite piece, think about how you can go up instead of out.

By Sara Elliott

Unlike traditional home construction, "prefab" (short for prefabricated) homes are built in factories as individual modules, then delivered in several parts and assembled on-site. The term infers a modern aesthetic and higher quality of design.

So, you may not have a McMansion with three living rooms and 12 bathrooms, but you can still make the most of your small space. By choosing the right furniture in the right layout with the right lighting, your space can ooze charm and style.

By Sara Elliott