It's almost criminal — leaving rooms in your home underutilized. While navigating the obstacle course of life, there are a host of reasonable factors that lead to this common home-functionality transgression. Now is the ideal moment to repurpose what you have and reinvent such spaces.
A desirable feature of yesteryear, the formal dining room is now often deemed obsolete by many homeowners, who allow it to morph into an underused or wasted space. A contributing factor is the evolution of the kitchen into a multi-functional communal area. Fortunately, the size and central location of this former principal gathering room typically allow for plenty of practical new purposes.
Similarly, extra bedrooms are always useful – until they aren't. These rooms typically boast prime real estate within a dwelling, yet unless you frequently host overnight guests, they easily befall the sin of neglect. If it's become rare for you to have stay...
It's almost criminal — leaving rooms in your home underutilized. While navigating the obstacle course of life, there are a host of reasonable factors that lead to this common home-functionality transgression. Now is the ideal moment to repurpose what you have and reinvent such spaces.
A desirable feature of yesteryear, the formal dining room is now often deemed obsolete by many homeowners, who allow it to morph into an underused or wasted space. A contributing factor is the evolution of the kitchen into a multi-functional communal area. Fortunately, the size and central location of this former principal gathering room typically allow for plenty of practical new purposes.
Similarly, extra bedrooms are always useful – until they aren't. These rooms typically boast prime real estate within a dwelling, yet unless you frequently host overnight guests, they easily befall the sin of neglect. If it's become rare for you to have stay...
Summer is all about creating spaces that feel fresh, open, and full of energy—and in 2026, homeowners are leaning into design trends that maximize both color and light. From airy interiors to cheerful accents, these seasonal updates help homes feel brighter, more welcoming, and perfectly suited for summer living.
One of the biggest trends this season is the use of light-reflecting color palettes. Warm whites, soft sands, pale sage greens, and muted sky blues are replacing darker tones and helping interiors feel larger and more open. These shades work especially well in living rooms and kitchens where natural light can bounce throughout the space.
At the same time, homeowners are embracing strategic pops of color to add personality without overwhelming a room. Sunny yellows, terracotta accents, and ocean-inspired blues are showing up in throw pillows, artwork, accent chairs, and decorative accessories. These smaller updates instantly energize a...
Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips. Create the Ultimate "Flex" Room Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters.
Create the Ultimate "Flex" Room
Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who's there for the holidays to your nephew who's in town to tour college campuses. If you expect to holiday children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. Keep this in mind when decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral c...
Explore the latest trends for the Spokane County residential real estate market in our comprehensive monthly report.