If only mixing up a kitchen color palette were as easy as mixing batter. Here’s help for choosing wall, cabinet, island and backsplash hues

Vibrant reds, bold oranges and electric greens all have their place in the kitchen today — it’s just a matter of finding the right tone and using it correctly. Are you ready to get cooking with color? Take a look at some of Houzz’s best kitchen color guides, complete with suggested paint picks and color palettes, and start sampling some fresh new hues on your kitchen cabinets, island and backsplash.

Before you lay down a lot of cash, sit down with this advice for getting a wallpaper you’ll love for years

It can add texture, color, pattern or a painterly scene — even more so than paint, wallpaper can change the entire look of a room. But given the cost and the need for professional installation (a must), wallpaper can seem like a risky commitment. If you’ve been wanting to add wallpaper to your space but keep shying away, these 10 tips should help ease some of the fear factor. Armed with good information, you can find the right wallpaper for you.

Help your home renovation go smoothly and stay on budget with this wise advice from a pro

Whether you work with a general contractor or act as one on your own project, getting a glimpse into the mind of a contractor can give you a new perspective into remodeling projects around your home.

I’ve learned a lot working as a contractor, and some of those lessons can help homeowners too. What you do is just as important as what you don’t do, and sometimes a homeowner’s instinct can negatively affect a home renovation project.

How do you know if you’re helping or hurting your project? Read on to find out and to see what can help simplify your home remodel.

Turn that dusty storage space into a bright, relaxing bathroom by working with your attic’s quirky spaces

Many of us don’t have room to add a luxurious four-piece master bathroom to our homes, unless we sacrifice a spare bedroom or carve into our closet space. (Heaven forbid!) But some savvy designers and homeowners have found a smart solution: an attic renovation. A deep soaking tub tucked under an eave or a pair of pedestal sinks may just fit perfectly. Take cues from these stunning examples of beautiful bathrooms that are all found in this often-overlooked storage space.

Tuck your home office, wine collection or even your entire kitchen behind closed doors for all of the function and none of the clutter

Everybody loves a good closet, a place where you can shut a door to conceal clutter in one fell swoop. In that spirit, forward-thinking designers and homeowners have learned the advantage of tucking all kinds of living spaces — home offices, laundry facilities, media rooms and even kitchens — behind closed doors, keeping them out of sight (and mind) until needed.

This design technique requires you to use space in the best way possible (for instance, a stacked washer-dryer combo or a wine collection niche in the dining room). Here are some intriguing examples to inspire you in your own home.