Just like 'Downton' : Historical patterns for interior design enjoying a resurgence courtesy of popular PBS series

The British period drama TV series, created by Julian Fellowes, is set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the post-Edwardian era around 1912.

Wallpaper Patterns at Barker Mansion in Michigan City

The patterns and designs of recreated wallpaper that adorn the 38-rooms of Barker Mansion in Michigan City share the same era of elegance of the early 1900s as the estate decor of the popular PBS series "Downton Abbey."

Rustic Interior Decor of DC's Country Junction in Lowell

A rustic jail motif, including rusty bars and "wanted posters" anchors the side-stage space of the main dance floor of DC's Country Junction in Lowell.

The Saloon Area of DC's Country Junction in Lowell

The bar area of DC's Country Junction in Lowell is clearly identified since the venue is licensed as a "family entertainment venue."

Into the Country: DC's Country Junction in Lowell celebrating more than 35 years

It began as a structure intended as horse stables and indoor and outdoor riding arena.

Ask a designer: How do you use purple?

Home furnishing catalogs and décor magazines tell us that purple is all the rage, and top designers have been filling clients' homes with everything from purple wallpaper and furniture to purple lampshades and throw pillows.

A clean and organized desk

Living large in a small space

Small may be in when it comes to homes, but that doesn't mean it's easy to decorate.

How do you use purple?

Home furnishing catalogs and decor magazines tell us that purple is all the rage, and top designers have been filling clients' homes with everything from purple wallpaper and furniture to purple lampshades and throw pillows.

Ask a designer: How do you use purple?

Home furnishing catalogs and décor magazines tell us that purple is all the rage, and top designers have been filling clients' homes with everything from purple wallpaper and furniture to purple lampshades and throw pillows.

Smart holiday decor lasts year-round

You love it when your house is decked out in its holiday finest, reflecting all the good cheer and festive spirit inside. At least, you love it until Dec. 26. Then you can't stand to look at another candy cane plate.

Smart holiday decor lasts year-round

You love it when your house is decked out in its holiday finest, reflecting all the good cheer and festive spirit inside. At least, you love it until Dec. 26.

Super easy crafts

Centerpiece on table

'This Old House' contest winners save old home's soul

Achieving dreams takes effort and patience. Achieving dream houses takes effort, patience, intestinal fortitude, humor and a masochistic tendency.

A Q&A with design mogul Vern Yip

Q & A with Vern Yip, of Atlanta and New York:

Aging curbs ability to multitask

Decor lighting

interior luxury kitchen estate home

A taste of the tropics for dreary winter days

With frigid temperatures and seemingly never ending snow storms, now is the perfect time to add a little tropical flair to your home. After all, if we can't be somewhere warm, we can at least try to relieve our winter angst with a touch of the jungle – by buying a colorful bromeliad or two.

AT HOME: Picking the perfect pillow not a fluff job

I'm thinking, as I knead my throbbing temples into pie dough, of how so many things that look easy aren't, like ice skating or making lasagna (those layers!), or, more specifically, picking throw pillows.