Marina asks, “I decorated a floor vase with one big peacock feather and few spiraled natural wooden strawes painted gold. My friend said those feathers are old-fashioned. I like it. Could you tell me if my friend is right and this arrangement is not modern anymore. Thank you.”

Setting an attractive table doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and with a little creativity, it can create a mood, make your guests feel special, and start conversations.  Here’s how to do it:

How much does brand matter when you’re buying upholstery, case goods, bedding, lighting, and other home décor?  You can buy paints, bed linens, drapery, and bath items branded by Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, and countless others everywhere from discount retail stores to high-end interior design emporiums. There’s no doubt that some brands are appealing for good reason:  uniqueness of design, quality of construction, fashion-forward look, and so on.

Recently I saw a yard sign for an “environmentally friendly painting company” that was apparently doing some work for a homeowner.

How many of you love the Antiques Roadshow program? It’s a fun show – whenever I watch it, I learn something new, and it’s exciting when someone discovers he or she has a true treasure.  We’ve all wondered if we have something priceless squirreled away in a basement, attic, or jewelry box.

If you’re like me, you spent countless hours removing old wallpaper from the walls in your home, sanding down the walls, and painting them. After the 1980’s metallic paper fad passed, it seemed like every designer of any caliber was recommending paint, not paper, for a stylish look. But it looks like we’re coming around to wall coverings again. I’m seeing them everywhere on design blogs and in the print media.