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Putting the ‘kitsch’ back in kitchen

Kitchens have become so serious. 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.

But kitchens don’t have to be as stressful as an episode of Top Chef. Designers are increasingly turning to retro, whimsical touches like coffee cup wallpaper, bright vintage dishware patterns, and colorful appliances and electronics to bring the fun back into this increasingly streamlined room.

“I think we’re reaching back to simpler times, when America was kind of on track and things were looking up. … It’s something that hits an emotional chord,” says Rosanna Bowles, founder and owner of the Seattle-based Rosanna Inc. tableware line. Continue reading →

10 Bedroom Trends to Try

Three of our favorite designers share what’s hot in bedroom design today (hgtv.com)

By H.Camille Smith (hgtv.com)

As You Like It

Designer Trish Beaudet advises that your bedroom should be an original expression of you. “I believe the master bedroom should be a space you walk into and instantly feel relaxed,” she says. Continue reading →

Housing Expected to Add to GDP for First Time in 7 Years

The 2012 outlook is improving modestly from a disappointing 2011. Economic growth picked up in the fourth quarter of 2011 to 2.8 percent and is expected to come in at 2.3 percent for 2012, up from 1.6 percent growth for all of last year, according to Fannie Mae’s (FNMA/OTC) Economic & Strategic Research Group. However, the year-end growth rate was due largely to a positive swing in business inventory growth, which is not indicative of underlying consumer demand or the overall health of the economy. Nevertheless, consumer spending improved modestly and manufacturing and services activity expanded at a strong pace.

Continue reading →

Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Capital Economics expects the housing crisis to end this year, according to a report released Tuesday. One of the reasons: loosening credit.

The analytics firm notes the average credit score required to attain a mortgage loan is 700. While this is higher than scores required prior to
the crisis, it is constant with requirements one year ago.

Additionally, a Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey found credit requirements in the fourth quarter were consistent with the past three quarters.

However, other market indicators point not just to a stabilization of mortgage lending standards, but also a loosening of credit availability. Continue reading →

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