Home Decor

Does beautiful presentation actually lead to a better-liked gift? Or is it the other way around? Science takes a stab at understanding the psychology of expectations.

By Erick M. Mas

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. 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.

The overlapping rabbet joint that defines true shiplap is the same kind of joint that made seagoing ships watertight.

By Carrie Whitney, Ph.D.

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

By Michelle Konstantinovsky

You might have grown up sleeping in a twin bed but chances are your kid is in a full. Or, maybe you and your spouse have upgraded to a king-size bed. So why are beds getting bigger?

By Alia Hoyt

Once a staple of homes in the 1970s and '80s, waterbeds have gone the way of the dinosaur. What happened to these groovy once-must-have beds?

By John Donovan

You should consider the thread count when buying sheets, but it's not the only thing that matters, say experts.

By Dave Roos

Add color, texture, and style to your room by finding the perfect window treatments.

By Blythe Copeland

There may be hidden, unused space in your home that could solve your need for another bathroom.

By Sarah Fernandez

Let your kids have a say in your home’s décor without losing control of the overall design.

By Sarah Fernandez

Doing your own tiling isn’t very difficult, and will save you a bundle of cash.

By Sarah Fernandez

There may not be much that you and your teen can agree on, but these trends in design will make you both happy.

By Sarah Fernandez

Could scented wax cubes be the right choice for your home?

By Tanya Edwards

It’s easy to create your own home scents with these simple tips.

By Tanya Edwards

Create a fresh natural scent – and look – in your home with cedar.

By Tanya Edwards

Shabby chic is a design style that celebrates the unique beauty in imperfection. It's about blending a light color palate with distressed surfaces or objects that hint at a more genteel past.

By Sara Elliott

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

Would you like to know how to choose a new set of speakers for your bedroom? This article will help you learn how to choose speakers for a bedroom.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors