City chic: Incorporate city style into your Main Street home When you look out your window, what do you see: the cool gray steel of high-rise buildings ... or vast, open expanses of green land? You don't have to stick to an interior style that mimics your surroundings; especially if it doesn't suit your taste. Whether you live in a penthouse or a farmhouse, you can create rooms that make you feel as if you're a city-dweller as soon as you step inside.

First time homeowners: Clean house naturally with inexpensive improvements The excitement of making a home your own can dim the first time you open a cabinet door or look in the oven to realize not everyone shares the same commitment to good housekeeping. Tidying up your environment doesn't have to be a tough or expensive task. Moving into a new place is a great time to start fresh.

Put the 'dream' back in your dream home There is an alternative to letting the housing market get you down. Make the space you're in reflect your dreams by doing some targeted renovations to add luxury and utility. A great place to spice things up is in the kitchen.

Can't sell? Wary of being a landlord? Try corporate housing instead The housing market is making it hard for many homeowners to sell. Yet the alternative - becoming a landlord and renting out your house - isn't always appealing. A growing number of savvy homeowners are pursuing a third option, renting out their homes as corporate housing.

Facing tighter budgets, more homeowners are rethinking remodeling With more Americans downsizing their household budgets, larger-scale renovation projects are out and frugal remodeling is in. And when it comes to saving money, experts say home improvement projects that increase energy efficiency are among the best investments to deliver paybacks -- now and in the future.

Bland walls? Fast fix-ups that are perfect for fall When the weather cools and the bright sun of summer fades into autumn's grayer skies, bare bland walls can feel like an ugly mark on your home's decor. Suddenly, those undecorated walls that you were too busy to notice this past summer cry out for color and pizzazz. Here are the hot trends and some easy do-it-yourself decorating tips for fall.

Need a new roof? What you should know about roofing systems Fall is prime time to put a new roof on your home. But before you spring into action, there are a few things you should know. Most importantly, buying new shingles without the rest of the roofing system is like buying a car with no engine.

Updating home pays off whether selling or staying put Whether you are thinking about selling your home or planning to stay put a few more years, some simple updates with an eye on detail can make a big impact both visually and financially.

Arm yourself against the flu With kids, husbands, schools, friends, communities and employers depending on moms for so much, it's more important than ever for moms to get vaccinated against seasonal flu this year.

Break out of your color comfort zone this winter While it might be gray and dreary outside, infusing color into interior decor is one of the quickest ways to create a cozy, inviting living area. And winter is the ideal time to do it.

Have a warmer winter with more money in your wallet What can you do about drafts from the four largest "holes" in your home -- the folding attic stair, the whole house fan, the fireplace and the clothes dryer? Here are some tips and techniques that can quickly, easily and inexpensively seal and insulate these holes.

Modern skylights fill your home with natural light and fresh air When it comes to brightening and freshening your home, it's smart to use natural light and passive ventilation. Unlike earlier plastic bubble skylights that faded and leaked, modern glass skylights are dependable and offer nearly endless options for functional decorating.

Homework essential to successfully buying your first home Are you considering taking the plunge and buying your first home? If so, you're not alone. Across the country, owning a home still represents the American dream for many and the opportunity to buy your first home couldn't be better.

Asphalt shingles add value, beauty and durability to roofs Repairing or replacing the roof is one of the most noticeable improvement projects homeowners can take on. And although the effect of a new roof is stunning, the price tag doesn't have to be. Here is what you need to know.

Debunking common floor care misconceptions Whether it's the dog tracking in mud or the kids carrying in dirt and leaves, there are many ways floors can become dirty and unattractive. Unfortunately, for many people the process they use to clean their wood flooring might be doing more harm than good.

Debunking the myth of the 'leaky' skylight Why is it that homeowners who wouldn't hesitate to cut a hole in the wall where they want a new window think twice about cutting a hole in the roof for a skylight? For many, the answer is simply "fear of springing a leak." Yet the same modern technologies that ensure windows keep water out are at work in modern skylights.

Lower your energy costs with an insulated garage door A leaky, un-insulated garage door may not be an obvious culprit in rising monthly utility bills, but it's worth a second look if you have an attached garage. Replacing an older garage door with a new, energy-efficient model can reduce energy loss through the garage door by up to 71 percent. Here's what every homeowner needs to know.

Skylights: Green lighting and venting alternative for your home Nothing beats Mother Nature's gentle touch for providing comforting natural light and healthful passive ventilation in your home. Modern skylights work with the environment to admit healthful daylight and fresh air, while silently venting stale air.