Home-decorating television shows and shelter magazines have many Americans dreaming about inviting an expert interior designer into their homes.

With the housing recovery gaining steam, Americans have more incentives to paint up, touch up and otherwise redecorate their homes. But there’s no need to spend willy-nilly.

During a recent home remodel, Diane Wright decided the stairway leading to her garage needed some perking up.

Love fashion but can’t exactly jet off to runway shows in New York or Milan? You can see a fashion show right here at home when The East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) hosts its parade of 150 outfits created by 53 first- and second-year fashion students.

On Thursday, April 4 the new Phoenix Premium Outlets will open with 90 stores ready to offer discounts of 25 to 65 percent off retail prices.

As the new year begins, bringing new colors into our homes can help refresh and recalibrate our spirits. This spring, blues may be just the tonic we need.

January means resolutions. My guess is that at least one of your resolutions falls under the category of being happier in some area of your life. If so, you might want to take a look at Gretchen Rubin’s new book, “Happier at Home” (2012). Her previous book, “The Happiness Project,” was No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list for months. Although I hadn’t read that one, I bought her next book as the “perfect” gift for someone. Before I wrapped it I skimmed it a little further than in the bookstore. Soon I was reading each page and knew I had to have my own copy. This is a valuable and inspirational reference for any individual, family or home — the kind of book you might not read at one sitting or from beginning to end, but snippets on a daily or weekly basis. With a highlighter.

Getting a family organized requires more than a few well-chosen New Year’s resolutions. Increasingly, homeowners are carving out a physical space — anything from a single kitchen cabinet to an entire spare room — that can function as a family information center and workstation.

There are stores full of exquisite bedding. But fancy sheets, duvets and mattresses can sometimes fall short of our wish lists, in style, price, comfort or all three.

If you’ve got your decor looking just about right but want that extra “wow” factor, consider painting interior doors.

My mouth is watering, and there’s not a thing I can do about it.

Prickly Pair boutique in Ahwatukee Foothills has mastered the art of diversifying.

Prickly Pair boutique in Ahwatukee Foothills has mastered the art of diversifying.

Traditional potato latkes are a widely loved staple of the yearly Hanukkah feast. And what’s not to love about hamburger-sized hash browns topped with sour cream?

Gift giving feels good, and can feel even better if you know your purchase is helping those less fortunate. Luckily, a number of home décor retailers partner with charitable organizations; many do so year-round, with additional initiatives during the holiday season.

I always get excited for the holiday season, it’s my favorite time of year. It inspires me to refresh my home with holiday sparkle. This magical transformation can be done easily, quickly and inexpensively.

Tri-Lite Builders, established in 1982, is one of the Valley’s preeminent, full-service, design/build remodeling companies. Tri-Lite provides design and remodel services for residential spaces, including kitchen remodeling and bathroom remodeling, whole house renovations, second story additions, media rooms and more.

Sweater-y cable knits, textural weaves, rich faux furs ... this fall, throws are showing up in all the retailers’ collections.

A simple ring or bracelet could help give freedom to a girl trapped in the world of human trafficking and child rape.

The décor may just be creepy during the day but at night the Elovitz home in Ahwatukee Foothills is an absolute terror.

Leaves are changing and pumpkins are appearing on doorsteps around the country. As vibrant shades of orange fill the outdoors, they’re also becoming increasingly popular inside.

Relax with family and friends in the comfort of an outdoor living space. Add character to your outdoor furniture by replacing worn out cushions or create a casual look by arranging cushions of various colors around a fire pit or fireplace. Receive a storage bag to protect your new cushions with a purchase of $250 or more. Limit one per household.