Home Improvement

By David Wilkening, Contributing Writer REGION - The housing situation in Boston and most of Massachusetts these days is best described as “sizzling.” Big demand...

rom colorful glass pieces giving off sparkle to lamps and mirrors that play with the light, adding glamour to a room is easy and something people are seeking, said interior designer Jan Showers.

Goodbye, Paris. Hello, London! While the French capital’s been dear to home decorators for several years, we’re seeing the look of London more and more in the newest furnishings and accessories.

The imagery and decor elements draw baby boomers back to what might feel like simpler, more innocent days. Think vintage-style advertising and artwork.

Attending the New York International Gift Fair is a little like watching television with a teenager: Lots of eye-catching visuals whiz by as the channels keep changing.

Replacing the doors and covering the cabinets’ remaining exposed parts with a matching veneer can be done for about half the cost of buying new, said Kit Selzer, senior remodeling and projects editor at Better Homes and Gardens. The process is called refacing.

Other “faux” features to consider include ceiling decals that look like parts of elaborate chandeliers, cabinetry embellishments and painted wainscoting.

All that granite, dark wood and stainless steel. The heart of the home these days is more like a sleek and severe shrine to haute cuisine.

For New York color consultant Debra Kling, emerald green’s boldness means it should be used only as an accent. “Emerald might be one of those polarizing colors like purple — you either love it or hate,” she said.

Buying furniture is an expensive endeavor, but living on a tight budget doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your sense of style. It can be an opportunity to be creative. For those with small bedrooms, having too much furniture can make the room appear cluttered and even smaller. Fortunately, you can do without bulky items, such as a nightstand, dresser or armoire, and replace them with organizers to make the room appear more spacious.