Whatever the story, a home that holds your heart deserves to be remembered in a truly timeless way.

At Portraithy, we transform your favorite photo of a home, estate, or ranch into a beautiful oil painting of house. More than just art, it’s a way to preserve the spirit of a place that shaped your life — and to gift that memory to someone else you love.

A House Is Just Walls — Until You Fill It with Life

What makes a home special isn’t its size, style, or zip code. It’s the memories it holds. The smell of fresh cookies in grandma’s kitchen. The porch where everyone gathered on summer nights. The ranch gate you passed through every weekend growing up.

When you look at that photo of a house, it all comes rushing back — the stories, the people, the feelings. Now imagine seeing that place brought to life with rich oil paints and the warmth of a human touch.

A custom house portrait is more than decoration. It’s a celebration of belonging. Of home, in the truest sense.

A Meaningful Gift That Says “I Remember”

Looking for a deeply personal gift for a parent, grandparent, sibling, or lifelong friend? A custom painting of their home — or a family vacation cabin, first apartment, or farm — is an unforgettable gesture.

Perfect for birthdays, housewarmings, anniversaries, retirements, or holidays, it’s the kind of present that brings quiet smiles, happy tears, and heartfelt stories. One that honors not just a building, but everything that happened inside.

We’ve seen these portraits gifted to parents as a tribute to the family home they built, to newlyweds for their first home together, or to friends who moved away from a city or country they loved. It’s a gift that lasts a lifetime — and means more with every passing year.

Designed Just for You, Painted by Hand

Every painting at Portraithy is created with care and craftsmanship by professional artists using real oil paint on canvas — not printed filters or AI. This means no two paintings are alike, and every one tells its own story.

You’ll send us a photo (or several!) of the home you want to capture. Whether it’s a quaint country house, a historic estate, a family ranch, or a simple home filled with heart, we’ll bring it to life brushstroke by brushstroke.

Want to change the background to springtime or autumn leaves? Remove a car from the driveway? Add flowers, lights, or even combine elements from different pictures? Just let us know. Every detail is customizable.

How It Works — Simple and Personal

1. Choose the Perfect Photo
   Select the image that best reflects the home you love — or send us several and we’ll help create a vision.
2. Customize Your Painting
   Pick the canvas size, style, and add any personal touches you’d like. Our artists can work from old photos, real estate listings, phone pics — anything that captures the structure clearly.
3. Your Portrait Comes to Life
   One of our professional painters will create your piece entirely by hand. We’ll send you a preview and allow for revisions before finalizing, to ensure every detail feels just right.
4. Receive and Cherish
   We carefully package and ship your oil portrait to your home — ready to hang, gift, or treasure forever.

The Art of Preserving What Matters

Whether you’re commemorating a family farmhouse, surprising your parents with a painting of their first home, or remembering a place that’s no longer standing but forever in your heart — a custom oil portrait is a beautiful way to hold on to that connection.

Many of our customers display their house portraits as a focal point in their living room or hallway. Others keep it in their study, their cottage, or give it as an heirloom to the next generation. Wherever it hangs, it sparks stories, smiles, and nostalgia.

Because some places aren’t just where we lived — they’re where we became who we are.

Let Us Paint Your Story

A custom house portrait is more than a painting. It’s a love letter to the spaces that raised us, held us, and watched us grow. It’s a reminder that home is not just a place, but a feeling — and some feelings deserve to last forever.

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The most important thing to keep in mind is that it all comes down to your personal preference. Remember, you are selecting something that speaks to your personality—something that, in essence, is an extension of who you are. When viewed in this light, there is no right or wrong way to select a tapestry. So, it should come as no surprise that choosing the perfect piece will likely involve a lot of heart and soul. However, if you are new to tapestries, here are a few tips to help guide your shopping experience.

Exploring the Different Types of Tapestries

First, let’s consider some of the options available. Some people prefer the classic forms of tapestry art—those with a historical twist. You can find beautiful wall hangings that emulate the Medieval, Renaissance, Neo-Classical, and Baroque periods, among many others.

Asian tapestries are also very popular, offering rich color schemes that are both complex and incredibly distinctive. What draws many people to these weavings is the meticulous amount of detail and the emotions they convey.

These traditional tapestries often focus on timeless, universal themes such as love, human nature, death, and tragedy. This may explain why they have such a strong appeal. This type of art connects us to the past and offers a window into the evolution of human nature. We often relate to the characters depicted in these scenes because the themes are so universal.

Some tapestries are more contemporary in style, giving your home a modern edge. Many contemporary pieces feature surreal landscapes, abstract scenes, or still-life illustrations, showcasing colorful floral patterns or elegant arrangements of wines, vines, and fruits. Other modern tapestries may depict nature, animals, wildlife, or nautical themes, with maritime dramatizations.

If you are a fan of classic paintings, you may even be able to find some of your favorite artists reproduced in tapestry form. Tapestries have featured works from renowned artists such as Thomas Kinkade, Vincent Van Gogh, and Leonardo da Vinci.

The beauty of choosing a tapestry is that you can define what it means to you. In many cases, you may find tapestries that incorporate a combination of these artistic elements.

As for the cost, owning a tapestry is not necessarily as expensive as one might think. While many tapestries sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the market is vast, and there are affordable options available. You can find a wide selection of tapestries ranging from $50 to $200. Compared to the cost of original art prints, the value of wall tapestries can be immeasurable. These reasonable prices have made it easier for the average person to acquire beautiful art.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a tapestry is the size of the piece. Tapestries come in various sizes, so it’s essential to think about the size of your home and the room where the tapestry will be displayed. For example, if you have a large room that feels distant or cold, you may want to purchase multiple smaller tapestries to create a cozier atmosphere. Conversely, if you have a small room, you might opt for a tapestry that conveys a sense of openness, such as a vast landscape or ocean scene.

Tapestries can range in size from as small as 13 by 18 inches to as large as 27 by 36 inches, which is roughly the size of a standard poster. If you have a large wall in a spacious room, larger tapestries will work well. Some tapestries also come in narrow, banner-like sizes, which are perfect for long hallways. The choice depends on the style of your living space. Some tapestries can make your space feel larger than it is, while others may have the opposite effect.

When selecting a tapestry, you’ll also want to consider the other furnishings in your home. What type of furniture do you have? Is it ultra-modern, or do you have a lot of antiques? What kind of color scheme have you developed for your home? Choose tapestries that complement your overall décor theme.

Finally, consider the lighting when selecting a tapestry. Do you have light fixtures that match your furniture? Do you use table lamps, recessed lighting, or a combination of both? If you’re aiming for a modern feel, chrome lighting fixtures can accentuate more abstract tapestry pieces. You’ll want plenty of light to enjoy the color schemes of your tapestries, but you also want to avoid too much light, which can distract from the art itself.

In light of all the considerations, the key takeaway when choosing a tapestry is to find something that has personal meaning to you. Think of the tapestry as an extension of your personality and individuality, and consider the other factors we’ve discussed as influences on your final decision.

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Not everyone lives in tranquil suburbia. You might have neighbors who shout or play loud music, or perhaps you live below a family whose footsteps echo through your ceiling. Maybe you’re near a busy road, constantly hearing sirens and honking horns, or close to an airport or train station, where the roar of planes or trains has lost its charm and become a nuisance.

Your home should be a refuge from the outside world—a place to relax and unwind. If external noises infiltrate your space, your home may stop feeling like a sanctuary. Instead of battling noisy neighbors or trying to control traffic, consider soundproofing your home. This practical solution not only blocks external noise but can also contain sounds within your home. For instance, if you have a high-end entertainment system, soundproofing ensures the audio fills your living room without disturbing the kitchen, dining room, or bedroom.

Whether you want to enjoy your TV, music, or simply your own thoughts, this guide will help you soundproof your home effectively.

Understanding Sound and Soundproofing

To soundproof effectively, it’s helpful to understand how sound works. Sound travels until it encounters resistance, such as a wall, and may bounce back as reverberation (like an echo). The farther sound travels, the weaker its waves become, resulting in a quieter sound.

Soundproofing relies on three techniques:

• Spacing: Increasing the distance between rooms or areas forces sound to travel farther, reducing its volume.
• Resistance: Heavy barriers, like thick walls, stop sound. For example, a marble wall can separate a noisy room from a quiet one.
• Absorption: Soft materials, such as carpets or curtains, absorb sound, preventing it from traveling or reverberating back into the room.

By using spacing, barriers, and absorption, you can create a quieter home environment.

Practical Soundproofing Solutions

Here are actionable ways to soundproof your home:

Windows

Windows are critical for soundproofing. Double-paned windows are highly effective at blocking noise. If your windows are thin or insufficient, hang heavy curtains or drapes to reduce sound penetration. Window plugs can seal gaps completely, but they also block light, so thick framing and drapes may be a better option if you want natural light.

Walls

If you hear conversations from other rooms or outside, your walls may be too thin. Standard drywall is a poor sound barrier. To improve soundproofing, add extra layers of drywall or incorporate fiber insulation inside the walls. For a simpler solution, install paintable wall coverings to dampen sound.

Floors and Ceilings

Noise traveling between floors, such as footsteps from upstairs or children playing downstairs, can be disruptive. To address this “vertical” noise, add carpet underlay to upper-level flooring to muffle footsteps. Alternatively, install insulation in the ceiling of the lower level to reduce sound transmission.

Furnishings

Furniture and soft furnishings naturally reduce noise. The more padded your carpets, rugs, and furniture, the quieter your home will be. Thick rugs and upholstered furniture absorb sound, creating a more peaceful environment.

Final Thoughts

Soundproofing doesn’t always require extensive renovations. Simple changes, like adding rugs or curtains, can make a noticeable difference. However, if you live in a particularly noisy area, investing in comprehensive soundproofing—such as insulated walls or double-paned windows—may be worthwhile. While these upgrades can be costly, they are often more affordable than relocating. By soundproofing your home, you can reclaim your space as a peaceful retreat.

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As a consumer, being well-informed is key, especially when purchasing a stove. Shopping for a stove can be surprisingly complex, whether you’re deciding on the type, choosing a trusted brand, or selecting a retailer. A stove is a significant investment for your home, and the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly. This guide offers tips to help you find the ideal stove for your needs and budget.

The Evolution of Stoves

Stoves have a long history, dating back to 207 BC when clay stoves were used in Asia. By the 18th century, Europeans began using enclosed wood-burning stoves for cooking. While wood fires were traditional, they were inefficient and created smoky environments. Over time, metal stoves, like the Franklin Stove invented by Benjamin Franklin, improved smoke management, though they were primarily for heating. By the 19th century, gas stoves became common, followed by electric stoves in the 20th century, paving the way for modern designs.

Choosing the Right Type of Stove

The first decision is the type of stove: gas, electric, or dual-fuel (which combines gas burners with an electric oven). Both gas and electric stoves are reliable choices. Gas stoves are favored by chefs for their precise control, ideal for meticulous cooks. However, if your home lacks a gas line, a gas stove may not be practical. Electric stoves are versatile and widely compatible. Dual-fuel stoves, while more expensive, offer flexibility to switch between gas and electric, making them a great option if you lack a strong preference.

Key Considerations for Your Purchase

Once you’ve chosen the type of stove, research the market. Before visiting stores, explore consumer reports in magazines or online to compare brands. Consider your specific needs:

• Do you have children and need safety features to protect them from heat?
• Are you aiming to conserve energy to keep utility bills low?
• Are you an aspiring chef, or do you simply need a stove for family meals?
• Does the stove’s color and style match your kitchen’s aesthetic? (Note: non-standard colors like stainless steel or black may cost more.)

Practical Details

Logistics are critical when buying a stove. Measure the installation space, including height, width, and depth, especially if replacing an existing stove. Ease of cleaning is another key factor. Can you easily dishwash the grates or scrub the oven’s interior? Choose a stove that’s durable yet simple to maintain, with accessible parts for cleaning. Some high-tech stoves offer advanced features, but ensure these extras don’t mask poor construction quality.

Final Steps

After selecting a stove, consider additional factors:

• Delivery: When will the stove arrive?
• Installation: Who will install it, and what are the costs?
• Warranty: Does the stove come with a warranty for hassle-free replacements if issues arise?

Ultimately, understanding how stoves work and knowing your preferences empowers you as a buyer. By researching thoroughly, you’ll avoid being swayed by flashy ads or persuasive salespeople. Shopping for a stove may feel daunting, but taking the time to evaluate your options will ensure you choose a reliable, high-quality appliance that serves your home for years to come.

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Establishing a budget

If budget is of no concern to you–lucky you! You are free to search for the perfect furniture pieces from sources that include bespoke craftsmen, antique stores and high-end furniture retailers. However, most of us need to establish a home furnishings budget and find items that fit within that budget; but where do we begin?

Many designers and experts in the design field recommend spending a percentage of the purchase price or value of your home on furnishings and that figure ranges from 10% all the way up to 50%. As you can see there is no agreed upon percentage to guide you. A higher end home would indicate the ability to spend more on furniture but the reverse may be true, you may have spent the bulk of your money on the purchase and you do not have a lot of extra change for furniture. On the other hand, a less expensive home is usually smaller in size thereby requiring fewer furniture pieces and a percentage of the purchase price, no matter how low, may be too much. As you can see, this method is probably not the best guideline. It is better for you to establish your needs first and then determine a dollar figure you can afford.

What furniture pieces will I need?

Your furniture needs will be determined by not only the size of your home but also by your lifestyle and the size of your family. To begin, ask yourself these questions:

• How many rooms require furniture? This would include number of bedrooms, living spaces, dining areas and any “extras” like a media room, loft area, mudroom etc.
• What furniture pieces does each room need? Try to envision what tasks will be performed in each room and furnish accordingly. For example, a bedroom obviously needs a bed(s) but is clothing storage built-in or are dressers necessary? Is there a sitting area that will require chairs and/or a sofa; does the dining room need a sideboard; does the kitchen have a breakfast bar that needs barstools; is space for the TV built-in or is a media unit required? Many of today’s newer homes have niches or built-in shelving that eliminates the need to purchase dresser drawers, TV unit and/or bookshelves.
• Don’t overlook additional furnishings and accessories like floor and window coverings, light fixtures and lamps and, if budget allows, be sure to include artwork.

When should I splurge and when should I economize?

Even though you are working within a budget, there are times when it makes sense to splurge on specific items. For example:

• Upholstered furniture. Sofas and chairs are expensive and receive most of the wear and tear of daily life. For this reason it is wise to purchase the best your budget will allow and even splurge just a bit on these items. You will avoid having to replace that couch every couple of years or have it looking shabby and worn before its time. A good quality sofa frame will hold up for years and can be reupholstered as your tastes or needs change.
• Rugs. Think about the amount of traffic your area rugs receive. With proper care and maintenance, a “splurge” rug, like quality upholstered furniture, will last for many years and move from house to house with you.

Just as there are instances when a splurge is a good idea, there are also times when it makes sense to economize and save money on certain items, leaving room in the budget for those splurges. Consider saving on:

• Occasional tables. An inexpensive end table or coffee table, especially in a room that receives few visitors, is a good way to save money.
• Lamps. An affordable lamp shines just as brightly as an expensive lamp so go ahead and save some money when purchasing your table and floor lamps. This is also a good way to introduce a trendy color or shape that can be replaced when you grow tired of the color or it becomes outdated, as all trends will do at some point.
• Bookcases and storage units. Big box stores like Ikea and Target offer a wide selection of bookshelves and other storage units at very affordable prices.
• Artwork. While we may admire the beauty of an original piece of art or sculpture, there is no room for these items in the average household budget. However, there are very affordable prints and even original pieces of art that can be found on ebay or Etsy.
• Don’t overlook the value of thrift stores, flea markets and online resale spots like Craigslist. With just a little elbow grease and creativity you can stretch your budget and even those of us who lack artistic talents can turn a piece of trash into an affordable treasure for our homes.

Furnishing and decorating a home is a process that can take many years so sit back and enjoy the process. Your budget will help keep you on track with your purchases and also help you avoid expensive purchasing mistakes. Before you know it you will have a beautiful and comfortable home you can be proud of.

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Fast-forward a few years, and the lack of closet space and the addition of a kid or two has you packing things you use every day into plastic tubs and storing them in the garage, which is too small for your SUV. Then, you know it’s time for some renovations. The trick, however, is surviving a home renovation with the marriage intact.

Surviving the Chaos of Home Renovations

The best term to describe what will happen to your home during a renovation is “environmental chaos.” If you aren’t one of the lucky ones who can move out for the duration of the construction, you will be forced to withstand pots and pans in the bathroom and your clothes strewn about every nook and cranny in the home. Of course, nothing will move fast enough, and chances are you’ll cut some corners, opting to do some things yourselves to save money.

Not only are you stressed about spending such an exuberant amount of money, but you will also find that your spouse is not nearly as handy as you once thought. Living in the chaos can cause even the most level-headed man or woman to completely lose their cool, making them feel like a wild animal that has been caged. But what do you do? Once you start, you cannot just stop midway through (at least not on purpose) and decide to put everything back the way it was. There are a few things that can help you survive.

Before you start, make some plans. Decide what you need, not just today, but for the next ten years or so. Remember, your kids will be bigger, and the needs of your family will be much different than they are right now. Then, get estimates—lots of them—from reputable contractors. Start with licensed contractors that your friends or colleagues have used and recommend, and resist choosing one based on cost alone. Construction can leave lots of hidden costs. Make sure each of your estimates is completely itemized so you know exactly what you’re getting into. The best thing is to decide together so that neither of you can blame the other when you’re in the middle of surviving the home renovation.

Once your decision has been made, be realistic about what you choose to do yourself. Sure, everyone wants to save money, and you may have laid some tile or mudded drywall before. This, however, doesn’t mean that you are an expert, nor does it mean that you have the extra time to get it done. Be realistic about your timeline. Also, consider that adding a grand to a loan so that a painter can get everything painted properly, evenly, and timely isn’t going to be the end of the world! Instead, cut corners in other aspects.

Before you begin, give yourself a few weeks to prepare. If the bulk of the living space is going to be affected, try to make heads or tails of what you are going to do with all the stuff that needs to be moved. Remember, you need to be able to make a cup of coffee or heat up some soup—plan accordingly. This might mean that the microwave is in your bedroom for a while. Once you organize your stuff, try to prepare your mind. The hardest part of surviving a home renovation is wrapping your mind around the chaos around you. This may sound silly, but literally prepare your mental state to handle the situation. You can say affirmations such as, “I will not go insane; this is only temporary,” or use visual imagery to imagine the end result of your suffering. As long as you and the kids can find your clothes and utilize your home for the necessities in life while the renovation is going on, stepping over some sheetrock or toolboxes definitely isn’t the end of the world.

While construction is going on, try to make sure that you can continually oversee the progress. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and try to lay off nagging your spouse to do more and more. In due time, it will get done. The two of you should probably make a deal beforehand that you will stay on task and finish the house before starting any more projects. At the same time, don’t be afraid to take a weekend off every now and again and do something enjoyable that is AWAY from the home. This way, you’ll be able to recharge your batteries and enjoy yourself for a bit away from the stress and tension that presents itself in the home.

Chances are, you and your spouse will be at odds about a lot of things. From deciding what needs to be done to who does it and how much to spend, the easiest way to bypass these petty arguments is for each spouse to be in charge of something. For instance, if the wife is partial to the bathroom and kitchen and the husband seems most interested in the living room, allow each to have their way in those areas of the home.

The last step in surviving a home renovation is to be ready for change. Planning a renovation project is one thing, but having it turn out exactly as planned is another. It is very rare for everything to go without a hitch at some point. You don’t have to hold your breath the whole time, waiting for the bottom to fall out, but remain in a solution-based mood that will have you flexible and looking for ways to fix things. When all else fails, and you cannot look at your spouse or your home without feeling like a cookie about to crumble, remember that it will be over before you know it. This is just a small, temporary time in your life, and the means will definitely be worth the end.

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The idea for the light bulb was originally conceived by Humphrey Davy in 1806. Although his invention was far from practical, he provided the impetus for the modern light bulb when he publicly demonstrated a crude device called the arc lamp. Davy’s lamp worked by creating an intense electric spark between two charcoal rods, which were connected to a battery he invented. The light produced by Davy’s lamp was extremely bright – similar to the light from a welding torch. Needless to say, Davy’s arc lamp provided much more light than was practical for use in homes, and the degree of power needed to illuminate the lamp drained the battery quickly.

The Development of the Light Bulb

Although Davy’s lamp was impractical for personal home use, it eventually found a number of useful applications as electric generators were developed to sustain the lamp. The electric arc lamps became valuable for lighting streets, lighthouses, and public meeting places where significant light sources were needed.

Throughout the 19th century, several inventors sought ways to harness light in smaller packages. British inventor Frederick DeMoleyns came up with the idea of enclosing the light source in a glass casing (i.e., a “bulb”). DeMoleyns’ invention isolated the burners – made of carbon and platinum – from the oxygen in the atmosphere, allowing the burners to last much longer without catching fire. An American inventor, J.W. Starr, further developed this technique and received a patent of his own in 1845.

In 1860, a British scientist named Joseph Swan also recognized the potential to improve incandescent lighting. He received a patent for a light bulb that used a carbon filament. However, even Swan’s much-improved version of the existing technologies was impractical. The carbon filament burned out too quickly, and these early light bulbs lacked the longevity we rely on today.

Edison and his team continued to improve the light bulb by searching for more effective materials to use in the filaments, ones that also had high electrical resistance – an essential feature to prevent the burning materials from getting too hot. The goal was to find a balance: a material hot enough to produce light, but not so hot that it would burn out too quickly. After extensive experimentation, Edison and his staff finally settled on carbonized bamboo as the filament material, and this became the innovation that set the standard for practical light bulbs.

So, while Edison did not exactly invent the light bulb, he perfected it in such a way that it could be used on a massive scale. The invention of the light bulb was truly the result of collaborative efforts by multiple scientists over many years.

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With the way many Australians utilize their outdoor areas, you might mistake them for extensions of the indoors, often designed with indoor design principles. Many homes feature a second cooking area outdoors, fully equipped with gas cooking appliances, food and drink preparation spaces, and refrigeration. The flow between these spaces is so seamless that there is effectively no boundary, merging them into a single living area. Design trends in Australia include the use of natural timbers, bamboo, and sustainable materials, all of which are highly popular for furniture and decking. Depending on the region, large indigenous tropical plants can also be a feature, displayed using interior design principles but with a distinct sense of scale.

Trending Outdoor Design Elements

This season, vibrant, durable fabrics that withstand the intense Australian sun are being used for luxurious loungers, sofas, outdoor dining sets, and smaller pieces like scatter cushions and chair seat cushions. These are excellent ways to add color and pattern that beautifully contrast with nature’s hues. Bright yellows, kelly greens, and sea blues are the colors of the season—the bolder, the better. My personal favorite is the Bondi range from Warwick Fabric, with standout colors in stripes, geometrics, and bright block patterns that evoke the vibrant energy of summer.

Another strong trend this season is external lighting with a Moroccan twist, such as chrome lanterns. These can be hung from balconies, staked in the ground, or clustered on a dining table, creating a wonderful ambiance for outdoor dining at night.

To achieve a seamless indoor-to-outdoor flow, consider these design principles:

• Use as much glass as your home and budget allow. Bi-fold doors that fully open to the outdoors are ideal, but sliding doors are a budget-friendly alternative. The goal is to maximize open access.
• Keep doors and windows free of treatments. Avoiding blinds or curtains maintains a constant connection with the outdoors. If privacy is a concern, use discreet options like roller blinds or sliding panel blinds that remain hidden when open.
• Choose flooring that flows between indoor and outdoor areas for an instant connection. Floorboards transitioning to timber decking is the easiest way to achieve this.
• Connect your interiors to the outdoors through design. Incorporate colors and materials found in nature, such as indoor plants, timbers, and decorative items in natural hues, to create a cohesive energy flow.
• Plan for protection from the elements with roof extensions, awnings, or sun shields. This ensures comfort, not just from rain but also for sun safety.

Planting is also key to effective outdoor design. Wall gardens are increasingly popular for those with limited space, using native plants and hardy succulents vertically to mimic the effect of a larger garden without sacrificing seating area. Asian-style gardens remain on trend, incorporating Feng Shui principles to create balance and symmetry through planting, sculptural placement, and water features.

Finally, artwork isn’t limited to interiors. External wall art and sculptures are more popular than ever. Many Australian artists create weather-resistant pieces, from colorful abstract works painted on durable acrylic to brass sculptures that evolve over time, adding depth and interest. One such artist is Mary Rafter, who produces stunning original artworks for outdoor spaces. You can choose from her ready-made pieces or commission a custom work by providing a color palette or a meaningful piece of inspiration.

Don’t overlook your outdoor spaces—they offer an opportunity to expand your living area by creating an inviting entertaining space right in your backyard. In warmer climates, this can also significantly increase your property’s value.

If you have a garden or balcony you’re proud of, please share your story with us.

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Finding a Decorator

• One of the easiest ways to find a good decorator is by asking a friend whose home you’ve always admired. Hopefully, your friend will be honest with you about the decorator’s ability to understand their needs and stay within budget.
• Many decorators belong to professional organizations that offer a referral service. Most of us are familiar with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Their website is www.asid.org. However, there are several other organizations that might prove helpful. The Decorators Alliance of North America (DANA) is a relatively new organization offering a nationwide referral service. Another option is the Certified Interior Decorators International (CID). By visiting their website at www.cidinternational.org and clicking on the “find an interior decorator” button, you can locate a decorator who serves your area.
• There’s nothing wrong with using the old-fashioned Yellow Pages. Many decorators advertise in this way, and it won’t cost you anything to call and speak with them. This is a good way to immediately gauge their attitude and approach—something you can’t do with an email.

Try to choose three or four decorators to interview. Most will gladly come to your home and offer a short, complimentary consultation. This gives you the opportunity to meet them and ask some questions. But what questions should you ask? Read on.

Interviewing a Decorator

• When the decorator visits your home, they’ll most likely bring a portfolio of past work. This could be in the form of a photo album, a brochure, or even a laptop linked to their website. Take a look at the photos and ask questions about the job. Was the decorator responsible for everything in the photo, from paint to furniture, or just a particular item? If you notice that all the rooms have the same design style or color, you might want to question the decorator. They could specialize in a style that doesn’t suit your needs. However, a good decorator will help you identify your style and create it, no matter what their specialty is.
• It’s important to ask about fees. Does the decorator charge by the hour? If so, what’s the hourly rate, and how many hours do they expect the job to take? Do they apply a markup to purchases they make for you, or do they pass their savings on to you? Depending on the size of the project, some decorators charge a one-time fee that covers a set number of hours. This arrangement can be useful if you’re looking for someone to create a plan, but you’ll be doing the shopping, painting, furniture arranging, and other aspects of the job yourself. Be sure to inquire about the billing process—whether it’s a monthly bill due at the end of each month or if a deposit is required with the balance due upon completion. The most important thing is to be absolutely clear about what you’re getting for your money. You don’t want any surprises when the bill arrives!
• A responsible decorator will have a list of references. While most of these references will likely be happy clients—after all, who would use a dissatisfied client as a reference?—a phone conversation with past clients can offer insight into how the decorator handled the job. Ask about their punctuality and ability to meet deadlines. Be sure to ask about any subcontractors used, such as painters, plumbers, wallpaper hangers, etc. No matter how friendly, punctual, and neat your decorator may be, if the tradespeople they work with are not, you may be unhappy with the results. Find out how well the decorator listened to and understood the client’s needs. Don’t hesitate to ask about anything that wasn’t satisfactory. Finally, ask if the client would hire the decorator again. If the answer is “no,” ask why. The reason could be something small and insignificant, but it could also be something important.
• While it may seem obvious, make sure to ask the decorator if they have time for you. Sometimes, a professional will take on a job without fully understanding your time frame. Be sure they know when you’d like the job to be completed.
• Don’t overlook the value of common sense or intuition. If you don’t “click” with the decorator, the process of decorating your home may not be pleasant. They’ll be involved in your life for several months, so it’s essential to choose someone with whom you feel comfortable sharing your home.
• As a final step, once you’ve chosen a decorator, it’s a good idea to check with your local Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints or unresolved issues they may be dealing with.

Hiring an interior decorator offers many benefits. You’ll hopefully avoid making costly mistakes. If you choose a paint color you don’t like, you can always repaint. But if you purchase an expensive piece of furniture that doesn’t fit through your front door, you’re stuck—literally. With their knowledge and expertise, a good decorator will help you find just the right armoire for your living room or that perfect blue for your powder room. All of this will result in a home you can enjoy and be proud of for years to come.

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Many conscientious consumers opt for extended warranties when purchasing household appliances like DVD players, dishwashers, or microwaves. They seek assurance that their investment won’t lead to unexpected costs if the appliance breaks down after the limited warranty expires. This seems like sound reasoning, but are extended warranties truly a good idea? According to sources like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and various consumer reports, they often aren’t.

In some cases, an extended warranty may be reasonably priced and compensate for a limited warranty with minimal coverage or a short duration, making it worthwhile. However, more often, they’re a waste of money. This might seem counterintuitive—why wouldn’t a warranty be useful? Before purchasing an extended warranty, ask yourself: What are the odds this appliance will break down in a few years, and what will replacement or repair costs be at that time? Many overlook that while an appliance may malfunction later, its price will likely decrease over time. An extended warranty is only worth considering if the predicted cost of replacement or repairs significantly exceeds the warranty’s cost and there’s a substantial chance the appliance will fail.

Evaluating the Value of Extended Warranties

You might think buying an extended warranty is a financially prudent choice, but a closer look at the math can change your perspective. Warranties are essential for expensive appliances like clothes dryers, but be wary when a salesperson pushes an additional extended warranty. Retailers and third-party companies, not manufacturers, often offer these warranties because they profit more from them than from replacement products or repairs. In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, where prices drop rapidly due to innovation and inflation, a computer costs far less now than it did a year ago. Even if you use an extended warranty for a minor repair, the repair cost often matches the warranty’s price. Given that the need for such a repair isn’t guaranteed—and may even be unlikely—spending extra upfront can seem unnecessary.

Extended warranties can cost hundreds of dollars, yet if your well-built DVD player is likely to be replaced by a cheaper model in the future, is the warranty worth it? Studies suggest that 90% of extended warranties go unused, and even when they are used, the cost of repairs or replacements often aligns closely with the warranty’s price.

There’s still a time and place for extended warranties. The peace of mind that your appliance can be fixed or replaced at no cost, even after the limited warranty expires, can be valuable. If the limited warranty is inadequate, an extended warranty may be worth considering. However, ensure its coverage and duration justify the cost. Many warranties have fine print that’s easy to miss but can lead to surprises, such as certain repairs not being covered as expected.

The takeaway? Do some math and think critically before buying an extended warranty. It might be a wise investment in specific cases, but often, the money is better saved in your bank account or spent on other products or services.

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