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Interior Designer Elaine Griffin's Decorating Secrets

Monday, February 22, 2010 - 3:40 PM

by Yolanda Sangweni

"A beautiful home welcomes and makes you happy," says interior designer, Elaine Griffin.
The Harlem-based decorator, who's also known as "the makeover maven" describes her first book "Design Rules: The Insider's Guide to Becoming Your Own Decorator" as a girlfriend's guide to decorating. She spoke to ESSENCE.com about how any one can figure out their decorating taste and shares her favorite tips for decorating on a budget. Also check out how Elaine transforms simple spaces into decorated havens.

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Best Coffee Table Books For Your Home

Tuesday, January 19, 2010 - 10:00 AM

by Yolanda Sangweni

As any home decor junkie will tell you, carefully curated books around the home are a great conversation piece and can transform any coffee table from drab to fab. Check out our picks of coffee table books that can enhance your living room.

From inspirational oversized photographic tomes on Michael Jackson to the iconoclastic style of Kanye West and Louis Armstrong, you'll flip over, literally.

Check out our home decor finds inspired by Rihanna.

Here's how Mary J. Blige inspired the decorati in us.

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Mary J. Blige: Sophisticated Neutral Home Inspiration

Monday, January 11, 2010 - 12:00 PM

by Yolanda Sangweni

Ever since she debuted with "Real Love"--taking baseball caps from hood to highbrow--Mary J. Blige has consistently kept us intrigued with her bold and unapologetic style.

Recently MJB arrived at the People's Choice Awards red carpet in a taupe Gucci one-shouldered embellished dress paired with dramatic smoky eyes and equally scene-stealing diamond earrings. We so loved her outfit we set out to find home accessories that could compliment her curvy 50's-inspired silhouette and neutral color palette.

Find out how Rihanna's old Hollywood glam style inspired us to create home decor looks.

Beyonce's outfit at the American Music Awards had us seeing red, home decor that is.

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Beyonce: Dramatic Red Home Inspiration

Monday, January 4, 2010 - 12:00 PM

When it came to her fashion game this past year, Beyonce was willing to have a lot more fun, and even take up her hemline a couple of inches. From risky rouges to magnificent magentas, have a look at how her sexy scarlet dress inspired us to imagine home accessories to fit her mood.

These rosy riffs on home décor are thoroughly fun and fem. You'll love how a little pop of red can help you kick up the drama at home.

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Rihanna: Old Hollywood Home Decor Inspiration

Monday, December 14, 2009 - 5:30 PM

by Yolanda Sangweni

When it comes to Rihanna's style, high drama is in the air this season. The songstress' bold interpretation of Chanel at Paris Fashion Week a few months ago - the pearls, dear, the pearls - inspired us to imagine home accessories that could channel her modern take on old world style.

Take a look at how this fashion maven's look can inspire some ideas for your home. We've selected high-end and affordable pieces to give your space a shot of charm from a bygone era.

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7 Ways to Upgrade Your Closet

Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 7:00 AM

by Yolanda Sangweni

You know that crazy morning rush when you're trying to find an outfit but your closet looks like an episode of Hoarders. It takes discipline to stay clutter-free and resist those oh-so-handy dry cleaner wire hangers. Yet, according to closet connoisseur, Taryn Smith, a beautifully edited closet not only keeps your clothes looking their best, it encourages you to conquer clutter. Here are her seven tips for upgrading your closet like a pro.

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Spa At Home: 7 Ways to Recharge on the Cheap

Monday, November 9, 2009 - 7:00 AM

by Yolanda Sangweni

The economy has us all cutting corners, but there's no reason you can't recharge and renew on the cheap. Here are seven great ways to get that spa-like feeling at home.

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Baby on Board: Cori's Ready to Nest

Monday, November 2, 2009 - 12:42 PM

At eight months pregnant, mom-to-be Cori Murray is ready to nest - but not in her tiny studio apartment.

See how she plans to get ready and share your story »

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Get Your Closet in Order For Fall

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - 2:01 PM

It's that time! Before you stock up on autumn's new trends, take a moment to get your closet in order. Organization guru BillyHendrix shares her tips.

Get Tips To Clean Your Closet »

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The Perfect Game Night For Adults

Friday, September 25, 2009 - 5:33 PM

by Bridgette Bartlett and Charreah Jackson

As the temperatures drop and you tighten your budget for fall, it's time to take the party inside! We dialed up our friends The Get 'Em Girls, who share tips for the perfect game night for the grown and sexy.

Get tips for a sexy game night »

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