Today is a perfect day to look at houses. The snow is pretty much gone, and it’s going to be a warm 50+ degree weekend. One area of interest is the Walten Woods region of Harborcreek — just a ride out to this private community along the lake is worth the trip. Here’s a link to my cover story about a Howard Hanna listing.  Other links to home stories are listed below.

This week’s House to Home focuses on making small spaces seem bigger. As apartments get smaller, we have some great ideas on how to make them more livable right here. Using windowsills as seating and finding a good hideaway bed can make your small space a wonderful home.

In a “before and after” article, one designer shows how removing a wall in an older home converted two smaller spaces into one more workable room that makes entertaining a lot more fun. Check out “Reclaim unused space for living area.”

Our lead article tells you how to easily give your Christmas tree new life as a winter home for the birds. Read more in this great story by Sue Scholz in today’s House to Home. Check out all the home design stories by clicking on the links below:

Scarves splash color onto pillows

Ladder safety tips

Give bedroom an uncluttered look
Reclaim unused space for living area
Restore order in bedrooms
Realtors share good news at luncheon

Pam Parker is the editor of Lake Erie LifeStyle, Her Times and House to Home at the Erie Times-News in Erie, Pa. She is the mom of three, stepmom to three and step-grandmom to one.