Tips and Tricks for Making a Room Look Bigger

There are many reasons to want to make a small room look larger. Perhaps you want to make the most of your studio apartment, or you’re trying to sell your home and make the guest bedroom appear more spacious to entice larger families. A large room conveys openness, warmth, and a sense of welcoming. With a couple of strategic tweaks, you can make a small room do the same while maintaining a cozy feel.

Here are a few tips to make your room appear larger than life!

Strategically Plan Out Color

Color is a powerful tool in interior design. Stay away from medium shades and tones that wash out a room. Sticking to either very light or dark colors will produce contrast and add depth, which creates the illusion of space—and this job is all about illusion. Try a softer color if the room has more natural light. For those spaces lacking sunlight, use darker hues to enhance depth perception.

Painting Tips

After you decide on your perfect room color, you need to have a plan of action for painting the room. Here are a few techniques you can utilize to help trick the eye.

Stick with one color. When different colors are used, the eye automatically stops at the line where one color ends and another begins, creating boundaries in the room. When you use only one color, the space appears continuous.
Incorporate stripes. Horizontal stripes will make a wall appear longer, and vertical stripes will make it seem taller.
Don’t be afraid of white. When considering colors that make a room look bigger, white, in its many shades, is always an optimum choice. Its reflective qualities help open space and make it appear light and airy.

Focus on Proportions

If you have a small space to work with, you’ll want to scale everything down. Use sleek, smaller-scale furniture to keep the room from feeling crowded. This will help you optimize your floor space and traffic flow as well.

Are you the kind of person who lives by a “go big or go home” mantra? Then if, for example, you have a large sofa in a small living room, make that the focal point and limit the use of a lot of additional furniture pieces so as not to clutter the space. Since multiple pieces of large-scale furniture can often overwhelm a small room, you can try a statement piece of wall art as your one large piece instead. It will stand out and make the room feel bigger!

Keep it light and airy by allowing breathing room between the furniture and the walls. Avoid pushing all your furniture right up against the wall and give your pieces space (like end tables, for example) from the wall.

Find Creative Storage Options and Décor

Find creative ways to incorporate storage to make the most of your space. Use multi-functional furniture to kill two birds with one stone; fill the space without overcrowding it and cluttering it with eclectic stockpiles—try an ottoman with storage inside or drawers for under the bed.

Keep accents simplistic and minimal; choose a few pieces of medium to large scale art rather than copious smaller decorations. This will make the room feel full and rounded without crowding the walls. You could also try long curtains on the windows to make the ceilings appear higher.

Utilize Proper Lighting

When possible, always take advantage of a room’s natural light. If your small room lacks sunlight, then your best bet is to use lamps to spread the light evenly throughout the room and highlight the entirety of your space. Mirrors can also be used to create the illusion of openness because they reflect light and other views of the room, leading the eye to perceive more space.

 

6 Renovation Projects for Boosting a Home’s Value Before You Sell

Renovating may be a lot of stress to take on, but it’s worth it when you keep in mind all of the amazing value it can add to your property. From updating your windows to keeping the property safe from flooding, there’s a lot the average homeowner can do to boost the house’s price.

These are some of the most valuable renovation projects you should do before listing your home for sale!

It may seem simple, but people judge a lot on a property from the way its roof looks. First, how old is the roof itself? Beyond that, when’s the last time the gutters were cleaned? If your home is on a property that has a lot of trees on it, it’s a good idea to install gutter guards so that you don’t have to worry about them filling up with leaves while you’re trying to sell the house.

Beyond just appearances, gutter guards also add value to your property since it saves buyers the amount of work they would have had to spend every year cleaning gutters when fall comes around. This saves everyone a lot of work and boosts your property’s value instantly.

Older windows can be a major issue for anyone trying to sell a property. Not only are they unsightly, but they also have problems allowing drafts and insect life into the home. Instead of letting windows ruin your home’s value, consider looking into window replacement inserts so that you can update these.

Seek out windows that can handle whatever weather your area has and that can seal your home’s interior away from any risk of boosting the heating and cooling bills.

Updated windows are a major selling point because buyers know it’ll save them money every month, plus it’s enticing for them to know they won’t have to update their windows again for another twenty to fifty years.

The exterior of your property tells a story to buyers: what story is it telling? Is the driveway stained and dark? Does the brick have horrible staining from years of pollen, or is the siding dirty and gross to look at?

You can rent a power washer for less than a hundred dollars a day and use it to scrub your home’s exterior, from steel siding to concrete paths, without any trouble besides hooking up the water. These are amazing because it gives you the chance to deep-clean your home’s exterior and make it look brand new so that buyers won’t have to think about how old it is when they arrive at the property.

Flooding is something that many are worried about, and currently, 12% of the properties in the USA are at risk. If you want to help your property’s chances and ensure buyers don’t have to worry, there are some steps you can take to protect it from standing water or flooding from rainfall.

One of the best landscape drainage solutions is covered ditches that run through your property and are only noticeable if someone is actively looking for them. These can be covered by pavers to make pleasant walking areas while also directing water away from your home.

You can also build a rain garden, which allows your soil to absorb as much water as possible, and adds a gorgeous look to any property. This can be more expensive to do since you have to buy, plant, and upkeep the plant life, but it’s worth it for all of the value it adds.

The home update that adds the best return on income is updating your garage door. You’ll get every cent you put into the garage door and even more just by editing it: and this also adds curb appeal on top of everything else. While you’re at it, take the time to update your garage into a beautiful work and storage space. Adding vertical storage, a great waterproof garage floor, and updating the lighting in this area can make a garage feel brand new.

Smart homes have been an obsession on the American public’s minds for the last hundred years, so it makes sense that everyone still wants one! The average home for sale should have one key piece of smart technology built into them to be alluring. This is a smart thermostat, which allows homeowners to control their temperature, and, therefore, their heating and cooling bill, regardless of where they are in the world.

Whether this is a home you’ve owned for years and you’re updating it finally to sell, or you’re flipping this property and moving on to another property you want to convert, it’s a great idea to update it with your return on investment in mind. Try a couple of these great options, and your property’s value can skyrocket! All of these projects can really help a property stand out when staging it to sell as well.

First-Time Homebuyer? 10 Essential Tips to Make Your Journey Smooth

Congratulations! You’re About to Buy Your First Home

Buying your first home is one of life’s most exciting milestones—but it’s also a journey full of emotions. You may feel thrilled, nervous, and even a little overwhelmed all at once. At Taylor Morrison, we understand. We’re not just here to build homes; we’re here to guide you every step of the way. To help make your first homebuying experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve put together 10 essential tips that will keep you confident, informed, and in control.

1. Know What You Can Truly Afford

Dreaming big is part of the fun, but it’s important to stay realistic. Before falling in love with a home, pre-qualify for a mortgage to understand exactly what you can borrow. Knowing your budget gives you a clear picture of what’s possible, strengthens your negotiating power, and prevents disappointment down the road. Use a free mortgage calculator to see where your numbers fall—and remember, it’s better to buy within your means than overextend yourself.

2. Check and Improve Your Credit

Your credit score is a major factor in securing a favorable mortgage rate. Even small blemishes can affect the interest rate you’re offered. Fortunately, you’re entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major bureaus. Take time to review your report, fix errors, and pay down outstanding debts. A few proactive steps can make a significant difference in your homebuying power.

3. Understand Your Lending Options

Mortgages come in many flavors. The two main types are fixed-rate (stable monthly payments for the life of the loan) and adjustable-rate (payments fluctuate with market interest rates). Other factors include the loan term and down payment requirements, which vary by program. Do your research before committing. Understanding the loan options available ensures you won’t be surprised by unexpected terms or fees—and it helps you pick the plan that fits your financial goals.

4. Make a Must-Have List

Before you start touring homes, get clear on your priorities. Do you dream of a large backyard, a three-car garage, or a media room? Separate your “must-haves” from your “nice-to-haves.” This simple exercise keeps you focused while comparing properties, and it helps you avoid impulse decisions that might not meet your long-term needs.

5. Study the Neighborhood

It’s not just the home that matters—location is everything. Research community resale values, safety ratings, school quality, and proximity to work, shops, and entertainment. A modestly priced home in a great neighborhood is often a better investment than an expensive home in a less desirable area. Your future happiness depends as much on the surroundings as on the home itself.

6. Keep Track and Score

As you tour homes, use your lists to “score” each property. Assign numerical values to both must-have and nice-to-have features. Take detailed notes about pros and cons, and compare objectively. This method helps you make clear, thoughtful decisions rather than relying solely on first impressions or emotions.

7. Factor in Price, Payments, and Interest Rates

A lower interest rate can sometimes outweigh a slightly higher purchase price. Over time, a few percentage points can translate into thousands of dollars saved. Don’t just focus on the monthly payment—consider the total cost of financing and how it fits into your long-term financial plan.

8. Remember the Hidden Costs

Owning a home comes with more than just the purchase price. Be prepared for closing costs, property taxes, homeowners association fees, insurance, and private mortgage insurance (PMI). Anticipating these expenses upfront helps you budget accurately and prevents surprises after you move in.

9. New vs. Resale: Know the Difference

Buying a previously owned home can be appealing, but it may come with hidden repair costs—like a new roof, plumbing updates, or electrical rewiring—that can add up quickly. A new home, on the other hand, comes with warranties from both the builder and manufacturers, providing peace of mind and potentially saving you thousands in repairs over the first few years.

10. Follow Your Heart

After checking all the practical boxes, don’t forget the emotional side. Will this home make you feel happy and excited every day? Can you picture yourself building memories here? If your answer is yes, then you’ve likely found a home you’ll love for years to come. Emotional connection matters—your home should be a place where you genuinely feel at ease and excited to return.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first home is both thrilling and life-changing. With these tips, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the process, make smart financial decisions, and find a home that fits both your needs and your dreams. At Taylor Morrison, we’re more than builders—we’re partners in your journey. With the right guidance, planning, and mindset, your first home can be the start of a lifetime of memories and happiness.

Philadelphia’s Dudd Haus Spotlights Bold and “Underrepresented” Design Talent

Philadelphia’s Dudd Haus: A Bold New Hub for Underrepresented Design

Philadelphia now has a permanent stage for emerging, avant-garde design with the opening of Dudd Haus, a gallery launched by Chris Held, co-founder of the ongoing design collective Jonald Dudd. Since its inception in 2015 during NYCxDesign, Jonald Dudd has championed experimental and underrepresented voices in design, and Dudd Haus brings that vision into a physical, year-round space in Old City, Philadelphia.

The gallery’s debut exhibition features furniture, lighting, and objects from 25 of the most exciting talents in contemporary design, many of whom have previously appeared in Jonald Dudd’s itinerant shows. Presented on striking red plinths against plush crushed-velvet curtains, the works create a dramatic, immersive experience, with a central walkway guiding visitors through a curated selection of tables, seating, storage, and lighting.

“Dudd Haus is a natural expansion of the collectivism that has grown around Jonald Dudd over many years,” Held explains. “It continues to address industry pressures, but in a sustained, long-term way. Our goal is collaboration, increased visibility, and ultimately a sustainable livelihood for designers through their work.”

The gallery is housed in a historic building with a long, narrow layout. The front area functions as a retail space, offering smaller objects, literature, and merchandise from studios such as Craighill and Fort Standard, while the back showcases the main exhibition. Checkerboard black-and-white tiles cover the floor, and a four-by-four grid of open wooden box shelves displays additional objects and books, creating a layered, gallery-meets-boutique environment.

Permanent fixtures in the gallery were designed by Held’s own studio, Nice Condo, in collaboration with designer Charles Constantine’s studio, Bestcase. Notable pieces in the inaugural show include a carved limestone table by Mike Newins, a scrying black glass mirror, a stainless steel and wired glass screen by Carl Durrow, and other bold, experimental designs that blur the line between functional object and art.

Dudd Haus also bridges the physical and digital worlds: all pieces on display are available for purchase through the gallery’s online store and via 1st Dibs, allowing design enthusiasts worldwide to engage with the collection. Looking ahead, the gallery will participate in Collectible New York (September 4–7, 2025), presenting work from a curated group of 12 designers, including sculptural chairs made from melted plastic, candle holders formed from road construction asphalt, and mortise-and-tenon painted tables.

Jonald Dudd, founded by Held, Lydia Cambron, and Ben Garthus, has always offered an alternative to traditional gallery models, providing representation and advocacy for independent designers outside capital-heavy institutions. Since its first show, Jonald Dudd has showcased over 200 designers whose work challenges conventional industry and cultural norms, creating a platform for experimentation, innovation, and underrepresented voices in contemporary design.

Dudd Haus now extends that mission into a permanent, immersive gallery space—blending bold experimentation, commercial accessibility, and the collaborative ethos that has defined Jonald Dudd from the start.