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Give a boring dresser a quick new look by sticking your favorite vintage-style poster right on the front. This design idea can be completed in an afternoon and the results are amazing. One of my favorite things about this project is that you can truly alter a piece of furniture to your personal style and taste.

Q: I have a house built in 1969 with a brick fireplace that we put a gas decorative insert in and changed the decorative fireplace door. There are now large gaps between the masonry work, brick and the door. This is not an insert -- just a decorative log.

Shutters as a window covering are a great choice. Wood shutters are a wonderful way to add elegance and warmth to your home. They look nice and require no maintenance. They afford privacy and also open to let the sun shine in. They even offer insulation. Some contend that wood shutters add to the value of the home as they add an architectural strength. Let's explore.

Dear Helaine and Joe:

I would like to have some information about this cabinet. It stands 33-1/4 inches tall and the top dimensions are 19-3/8 by 33-3/8 inches. It has one shelf inside. One of the photographs I have included shows the sun streaming on the piece so you can see the colors in the design. What is the age and value?

Thank you,

C.M., Syracuse, N.Y.

In a winter funk? It's easy to shake. Help someone else cross something off their list.

Evidence from scientists in fields as varied as neuroscience, evolutionary psychology and behavioral economics is mounting: altruistic acts are not only a fundamental fabric of our human communities, but are also a sure-fire route to happiness and health.

Q: I'm a loyal reader and could use a little help with my bathroom-remodel planning. Everyone I speak with tells me that the "natural" look is in for bathrooms. I have some good ideas for the toilet, tub and shower, but need a little help with my lavatory sink. Can you please give me new ideas for a bathroom sink that will go with my natural theme? Holly, Pennsylvania

Katarina and Tom love the character and charm of their 100-year-old house, but they admit that adapting the century home to modern-day living was a bit of a challenge. Back when the house was built, one common living room was all anyone ever needed.

Sources:

www.bennettgalleries.com

www.centuryfurniture.com

www.jonathanadler.com

www.hickorychair.com

www.lillypulitzerhome.com

www.porteliot.com

www.port68.com

www.tobifairley.com

www.worlds-away.com

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.)

HIGH POINT, N.C. - Greece's economy may be struggling, but one of its iconic motifs is unlocking a treasure trove of design possibilities.

Is your bedroom suffering from decorating neglect? Try these easy steps for turning it into the restful retreat you deserve.