Bring big style to a small outdoor space

Design magazines and home decorating catalogs tend to feature sprawling backyards with big wooden decks and room for everything from decorative fountains to artificial ponds. But few of us have that much to work with.

Airy elegance: Outdoor decor comes into its own

The selection has never been greater or more stylish for outdoor furniture. There’s all-weather wicker, modern mesh and other open weaves. Teak in all shades from honey to warm grays, metal in sleek stainless steel and rustic wrought-iron looks in a range of painted hues.

Part 2 of 3: Remodeling your kitchen affordably

Now might be the best time ever to remodel your kitchen. A recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders says new home starts decreased sharply in the fourth quarter of 2007, but remodeling decreased only slightly.