Sensible living is top of mind these days, but aesthetics don’t have to be sacrificed.

Not long ago, the idea of living well generally meant living large—or, at least, as large as you could afford. The nation’s economic upheaval has changed priorities for many home owners and buyers, who are still focused on living comfortably but perhaps more prudently and efficiently than before. 

Style and design remain important, but so has sustainable living, which has a double meaning during a tough economy. More than ever, we’re conscious of outfitting a home with eco-friendly materials, appliances, and furnishings, but just as clued in to the need to stay within a budget. 

In our third annual House & Home issue, we bring you insights for your clients and prospects about how to make the most of the space they’ve got and how they can make thoughtful improvements that offer the most bang for the buck. Our goal is to show you can live well regardless of the size of your house or your budget.

House & Home: Table of Contents

• 12 Hot Home Ideas

From induction cooking to relaxation retreats, these home-furnishings trends are catching fire.

• HouseLogic Inspires Smarter Choices

NAR’s new consumer Web site is the go-to resource for proactive home owners.

• Living Smaller

After years of upsizing, Americans are enjoying the benefits of more modest living spaces.

• Profitable Home

What to consider before carving out an apartment or mother-in-law suite from an existing home.

• Reuse With Style

Transform a home with these 6 eco-friendly repurposing ideas.

• Curb Appeal: How's That View?

Using a few outdoor design elements, sellers can give their exterior all-around appeal.

---

REALTOR® Magazine’s House & Home feature this month is brought to you by Lowe’s, a REALTOR Benefits® partner with a 60-year heritage in the home improvement industry. With more than 1,700 stores in North America, Lowe’s carries the world’s leading brands, including more than 40,000 in-stock products and hundreds of thousands of products available by special order.