A close-up of a staged dining room featuring cool wood tones and a reclaimed wood server in similar cool tones. Staging: Claudia Jacobs Designs. Photo Credit: Steve Belner, Photovisions.

Mixing Wood Tones

Hi Claudia,

I would love your professional advice. I’m in the process of decorating my dining room. We just purchased new chairs and will be repainting our dining room table a bit darker to give it a fresh look. I just can’t decide on the sideboard. Should I get one that matches the table or a different color? – Suzy, Monroe, NY Read more

Hall by door, hall is hardwood and room next o the hall is carpet

Question on Flooring

Hi Claudia,

I enjoy reading your home articles in The Times Herald Record. Thank you for the many helpful tips you provide to inspire people to love their homes. I have laminate flooring in my home that is about 10 years old, in great condition and I still love it. The problem is I have an open floor plan. The kitchen is a stone type of pattern and the main hall and dining room is a red oak butterscotch. The living room is carpeted which is worn out. I wish it was laminate. I have been told that it is too difficult to match old laminate, so I have to find another carpet. I am wondering if you know of another choice for me. I am attaching 5 photos for you to see what I described. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. – Mary M., Highland

Reclaimed Wood Adds Texture and Warmth to Walls

A few years ago I featured Stikwood in this newspaper column after seeing the product at the Architectural Digest Home and Design Show. In a high-tech world, people are craving more natural elements inside. Stikwood makes the high-design trend of bringing the outside in more accessible. Read more