home

Q: I'm a builder and I never miss a chance to read your column. With the slowdown in construction, I've been doing research on new building trends so I can be ahead of the curve once I get back into action. What do you see for the future as far as new trends that builders may want to include in new home construction? - Don, Kentucky

I receive many e-mails offering useful and interesting ideas on what can be done to improve home interiors. Here are some bits and pieces of information that might be of interest to you.

Q: My son recently purchased a modular home and was told there were no problems with it. Within two weeks, the water heater stopped working and it needs to be replaced. He's now heating water on the stove to take a bath. Do modular homes use those newer heaters that don't have tanks? My son works hard just to make ends meet and doesn't have the money to hire a plumber.

I love gorgeous garland. I adore shimmering, showy Christmas-tree ornaments. And I've never met a set of holiday dishes that hasn't set my heart on fire. But if I had to pick the single-most-amazing holiday decorating tool that you can use to transform your home for the season, my vote would go to the humble, versatile, never-fail wreath.

Vintage holiday style and decorations are back in fashion this season for home decor. It is once again hip to pay tribute to holidays past. Soft hues of pinks and peaches mixed with pastel blues and warm lime greens are being paired with traditional cranberry and forest green. Gold and silver metallic tinsel are also being used to complete a color palette that is warm and inviting.

There's nothing worse than being stranded -- except being stranded in bad winter weather. Colder months are tougher on cars, and a little preventive care now will go a long way toward keeping your car running smoothly in the face of snow, sleet and freezing temperatures. We know it can be tempting to skip a service if your car is running OK.

Cold, sterile stainless steel has been a playful medium in the hands of designers since its official premiere around 1913, when British scientist Harry Brearley proved that the low-carbon iron-chromium alloy did not corrode like regular steel. This was in Sheffield, England, long known for its knives, and the new rust-free steel quickly became popular for cutlery.

HIGH POINT, N.C. - It's the little things that count in life.

HIGH POINT, N.C. - SpongeBob SquarePants, the undersea cartoon character, has surfaced with a line of furniture for the guppy set.

DEAR JOE AND HELAINE: The two enclosed pictures are of a dish measuring 8 inches wide and 11 inches long. There are no marks or identification on the bottom. It still has the original twisted-wire handle. It was given to my mother by her gentleman friend in 1915. Any information or value would be greatly appreciated. -- M.W.B., Abington, Va.