Many people have recessed can lights, sometimes called pot lights, in their home. 

They have been around since the 1950's and are loved for their ability to provide light while staying somewhat inconspicuous.

There are some drawbacks though - they require room in the ceiling (which is not always available) and they are notorious for leaking air (which is not good for energy efficiency).

Luckily, there is now a better alternative to recessed can lights.

Many people in our area are being forced to remodel their homes due to flooding related to hurricane Harvey.

If your home was flooded and you have to replace flooring, doors, cabinets, furniture, and more, make sure to create an overall cohesive design plan for your home before you start purchasing the exact same items that were previously in your home (unless you absolutely love everything that was in your home).

The flood was definitely not a good thing, however this is your opportunity to make your home into a cohesive reflection of your current style and taste.

Here is a step by step guide to order to create an interior design plan, as well as a few professional designer tips & tricks.

photo courtesy of kaboompics.com/photo/3131/album-of-design-material-samples

My parents recently moved over 1,000 miles away.  Sorting and packing everything in their home took months, since they lived in that home for over 40 years.

Their home was professionally decorated around 1990, so some of their home decor from that era was dated and did not make the trip.

Other items in their home were not very high quality and not worth the cost or effort of moving them.

Here is a list of their furniture and decor items purchased nearly 30 years ago that my parents decided to take with them.  Hopefully this list will help you determine what is timeless and a good investment when decorating your home.

 photo courtesy of Didriks flickr.com/photos/dinnerseries/12840936814/

Like most decorative products, there is a wide range of prices for throw pillows.  

You might wonder....... why are throw pillows so expensive?

Sometimes throw pillows cost more because the manufacturer is very proud of their product. 

More often, the price of throw pillows is reflective of the quality of materials and workmanship. 

Depending on the quality you desire for the decor in your home (as well as your budget), you might prefer a $50 throw pillow, or you might opt to upgrade to a $250 throw pillow. 

Here is a list of the typical differences between a $50 throw pillow and a $250 throw pillow.

photo courtesy of kaboompics.com/photo/4216/close-up-of-pillows-on-a-bed

When decorating your home, you should not ignore your light fixtures. 

Light fixtures can make or break a room's design - especially a very visible chandelier that hangs down from the ceiling. 

Whether your home is very dated with old ugly chandeliers, or it is a brand new home with super cheap generic chandeliers selected by the builder, you should consider upgrading your lighting to compliment your decor style.

A new reasonably priced stylish chandelier replacing an ugly, undersized, or basic chandelier in your home can increase the value of your home by 5 to 10 times the cost of the chandelier.

Luckily, there are many chandeliers that are very budget friendly.