(Note: there’s a photo gallery at the bottom of this article.) In my last post, I wrote about fake books that get placed in a home to make the owner look well-read, until of course someone tries to pick up... Read More

Dim lighting is yin, except when it’s moving—then it becomes yang. Spinner lamps (or motion lamps) are a great way of using dim moving light to energize a stagnant area.... Read More

Only twice have I ever been called to homes that had battlements. In each case there was much contention going on: lawsuits, etc. That’s because of the symbolism of being in battle. That was the original purpose of battlements—to allow... Read More

There’s a huge amount of ambivalence that goes with getting rid of stuff. I want to get rid of stuff, and then again I don’t. The idea is attractive, but the reality is painful. But dying of COVID is even... Read More

The internet seems to be clogged with people telling each other what to do while they’re stuck at home. Some say “stay productive” while others say “entertain yourself to death.” I tend to take the middle way—some of this, some... Read More