One should expect a crystal chandelier like this Neiman Marcus Sterling Chandelier ($1255) to shine like the top of the Chrysler building after you've purchased it, but even beauty queens need a good rinse every once in a while. Since you've invested so much in it, it's important to care for your crystal chandelier in the correct way. Think of it like child-rearing! To learn how to bring back your crystal chandelier's original sparkle, read more

In a recent Home Library post, I reviewed Ed Roth's book Stencil101, which gave simple instructions for adding stencil fun to your home. I decided to try out his swallow stencil in my entry. First, I used painter's tape to tape down the stencil flat against the wall. Then I carefully blotted white paint over the stencil with a nearly dry brush.

To see how it came out, read more

Aging isn't an easy thing to do. For antiques, the phrase "things get better with age" is nearly always true when it comes to aesthetics and market value. But sometimes they do need a little love to get their groove back. When it comes to a chest or bureau with sticky drawers that no longer slide open and closed easily, did you know that the antiaging remedy is as simple and household-ready as a candlestick? Just pull out the chest drawers and grab a piece of wax or an old candlestick that's down to its last legs. Rub the wax along the tracks where the grooves of the drawers will run. Now, put each drawer back, and they should slide in smoothly.