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For first-time buyers, the American dream can wait

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Buying a home has long been regarded one of the hallmarks of entering adulthood, something to achieve sooner rather than later. For many of today's young adults, however, that is no longer the case. Whether by necessity or choice, they are delaying making that first home purchase, and that is changing how they think about how home ownership fits into their life.

The time is right for home renovations

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Homeowners are pulling out the stops on home renovation. Increased confidence in the economy, rising home prices, a shortage of affordable housing, and a desire to stay put are combining to create near-record levels of renovation and remodeling activity. For new home buyers and those who plan to remain in their current home, kitchen and bathroom renovation projects top the list.

How can we make sustainable design an unconscious effort?

Susan Mulholland Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Sustainability is a word that is used a lot these days. Our built environment is constantly being evaluated for how sustainable it is. Architects and interior designers who are regularly practicing the principles of sustainability will tell you it isn't about the placard on the wall, the number of LEED points they can get or how many LEED platinum buildings they design. They do it because it is ethically the right thing to do.

Create an amazing backyard by integrating a deck into landscaping

Faye Williams Construction & Building Materials

When it comes to backyards, the possibilities are endless. The popularity of simple, boxy deck and landscape designs is transitioning to a desire to create something unique and modern. From multilevel decks to decks shaped like leaves, deck builders and homeowners are imagining amazing designs and figuring out how to make them come to life.

Interior design employment soars

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

If it seemed like firms were frantically hiring designers last year, that's because they were. Employers added a whopping 6,040 interior designers to their rolls in the 12-month period from May 2014 to May 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

10 marvels of American architecture

Dave G. Houser Recreation & Leisure

For many of us, architecture is one of the most exciting aspects of travel. We enjoy seeing how cities convey space and how designers have played with styles and shapes to create the surroundings where we live and do our business.

Is the honeymoon over with smart homes?

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Hailed as the technology of the future, smart devices connected through an Internet of Things and controlled via apps on a smartphone or tablet were going to revolutionize the way we live. Or so we have been led to believe. At present, the future looks less rosy. In recent months, consumers have become somewhat disenchanted with smart devices and are shying away from the smart home scenario. The industry has a ways to go to win consumers' confidence.

Dear design school graduate ...

Leslie LaskinReese Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Congratulations! You designed your way out of college with all of those sleepless nights and huge pots of coffee. I bet you know every show on television after midnight. Now that you're ready to create the next greatest building interior, here are a few tips from the trenches (well at least the trench that I work from).

The house of the future: What dreams are made of

Adolfo Benedito Engineering

When I was just a child and I stuffed myself with films from the '60s and '70s, I recall something that used to attract my attention. I had an obsession with the sceneries, backgrounds, furniture, spaces — so kitsch and pop art — mixed with booming influences, such as Andy Warhol's art.

Designing kitchens for healthy eating

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Consumers are increasingly concerned about their health, and that includes ensuring their homes are healthy, too. As a designer, you know how to create spaces and select products and finishes that will provide your clients with a safer and healthier living environment. But do you know you can also encourage them to adopt more healthy eating habits? The design choices you make in a kitchen can make a difference.

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