A hip Halloween

By KIM COOK For The Associated Press

Goth and glitter. Bones and ornaments dusted with lime, ebony, orange or purple sparkle. Startling images on dishware and textiles.

Oct 18, 2009 | 2:00 am | (0) Comments

Building a builder buddy

By Steve Batie

I have a lot of builder buddies.

Oct 18, 2009 | 12:15 am | (0) Comments

From rental to refuge in 3 easy steps

By WENDY DONAHUE McClatchy Newspapers

CHICAGO — Downsizing from a three-story town house to a high-rise rental, Southern California natives Bob and Kelly Berkus sold most of their furniture and their car before they moved to Chicago this summer for Bob to begin a master’s program at the Kellogg School of Management.

Oct 11, 2009 | 2:00 am | (0) Comments

A week’s worth of stuff to do

By STEVE BATIE

A most remarkable thing happened during my annual end-of-summer vacation week. I finished my list - on Thursday.

Oct 11, 2009 | 12:15 am | (0) Comments

Pop art decor sources

www.frenchbull.com - Ring Platter, $18; Tumbler, $9; Mosaic Plate, $11; Canister Set, $36; Mosaic Runner, $70

Oct 04, 2009 | 2:00 am | (0) Comments

Pop art punch

By KIM COOK For The Associated Press

Texan collector and decorator Andrea Reed grew up in a home filled with Pop Art, but it was the film "Tommy" that really made a lasting impression. In particular, a scene where Tommy's mother (played by Ann-Margret) sings "in an all-white room with a white ball chair. I was forever hooked,"…

Oct 04, 2009 | 2:00 am | (0) Comments

• Related: Pop art decor sources

Some things I believe

By Steve Batie

I believe that you always should buy the tool that costs a little more than you can afford.

Sep 28, 2009 | 12:15 am | (0) Comments

Open the garage to a world of less clutter and more use

By MARY BETH BRECKENRIDGE McClatchy Newspapers

Signs your garage needs organizing: * Your entire wardrobe is gray to disguise the salt marks from squeezing past your car.

Sep 27, 2009 | 2:00 am | (0) Comments

Special things for getting the job done

STEVE BATIE

Over the years I've been called upon to manufacture some very unusual things. I once spent several days designing and creating a large wooden version of a barrel-bolt latch for a garden gate.

Sep 27, 2009 | 2:00 am | (0) Comments