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Phyllis Smith goes for the joy even in Sadness

The 74-year-old actor gets emotional about returning to the role of Sadness in the much-anticipated sequel “Inside Out 2.”

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Off the Grid

Six years ago, Jerry Jones had a plan to install a solar panel array on the roof of his Sun City Anthem home. With more than two decades of experience as an electrical and instrumentation supervisor for a power plant in the Midwest, the retiree felt he understood the project’s requirements, and was confident he could do it himself.

10 easy, affordable DIY design ideas under $10

Design doesn’t always have to be expensive to look expensive. If you’re looking for affordable ways to spruce up your pad this winter or jump-start a spring redesign, here are some affordable ideas, all under $10.

Trending styles, ‘smart’ technology spotlighted at industry home shows

I was one of more than 125,000 housing industry professionals who packed the Design &Construction Week shows in Las Vegas last month. I logged more miles than I care to recall during my four-day marathon. Still, I only managed to tour the Las Vegas Furniture Show, the National Association of Home Builders’ Show, and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

Give your rooms a romantic makeover

Your home decor may be beautiful but missing the small touches that make a room truly inviting. A “romantic” room isn’t necessarily about flowers and lace. The key is in picking thoughtful accessories, colors, arrangements and design elements that say the people in the room mean the most. With Valentine’s Day here, now’s the perfect time to warm things up.

Arranging treatments creates windows of opportunity

Dear Gail: We have a bay window in our breakfast nook and want to dress it up with a window treatment. There are two windows in the center that are just 5 inches apart, so we feel we can’t put two valances over the windows but need to make them look as one. We’re open to any design suggestions that you have. — Abby

Tracing the roots of furniture names

Furniture often has unexpected names that honor the maker or a connection to a famous person. A Chippendale or Sheraton chair is named for the designer. Larkin desks are named for the company that gave them away. The Wooten desk was named for the maker, Mr. Wooten. But the Recamier sofa is named for the woman who posed for a portrait on the lopsided bench.

Son’s anger a doorway to complex replacement process

Q: My son got angry and kicked a hole in a door. Now I get to replace it. It is a flat, hollow- interior door with no panels. I’d like to just take the door off the hinges and install a new door, rather than install a more expensive prehung door. How difficult is this?

Wallpaper coming back into vogue

Denise Jordan has seen wallpaper come and seen it go.