Here’s our guide to improving, maintaining, and enjoying your house. With information on everything from home technology and reducing energy costs to outdoor living and working from home, these articles will help you care for your house and get the most out of living there.
Walk-in closets are a perennial favorite among home buyers. But older homes and small townhouses and condos may have only small closets — or worse — no closets at all in some rooms. While not ideal, lack of closet space is not an insurmountable obstacle. Once you’ve paired down your wardrobe to a reasonable number… Read more »
If your new home is a blank canvas and you aren’t sure how to decorate, or you have rooms that you don’t like and no idea how to fix them, you may need some help identifying your design style. Before you do anything else, it’s crucial to know what kind of style you prefer. Use… Read more »
Many of us struggle with living rooms that are smaller than we’d like. Do you dream of big style in a tiny space? With a little creativity and some smart choices, your small space can have a much larger feel. Paint. Choose a light color to make your room appear larger. Most designers recommend white… Read more »
If you have a small bathroom, you know it can be a challenge to make it work. Bathroom spaces need to be functional, of course, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also have style. With the right fixtures, smart storage, and a few design tricks, you can create a great-looking bathroom that works for… Read more »
You’re expecting a baby but don’t have a designated room for a nursery? Relax. With a little creativity, flexibility, and our handy list of suggestions, making space for your newest member of the family will be easier than you think. Stick to the essentials. Limit baby’s belongings to what’s really needed and what will get… Read more »
Do-it-yourselfers, empowered by YouTube videos and well-produced cable TV shows, have no doubt saved themselves serious money by tackling home-improvement projects. But some jobs are better left to the professionals. A good rule of thumb: If you don’t own most of the necessary equipment or you need a permit to do the work, you should… Read more »
If you’re looking for a new way to arrange your home, the solution may lie in an ancient Chinese system called feng shui. Let’s learn the basics along with some easy tips for implementation in your home. Feng shui philosophy. Feng shui, which translates to “wind and water,” is a method designed to achieve harmony… Read more »
Skipping the gym in favor of home workouts is a viable option for getting in shape during the coronavirus outbreak– with or without equipment and a dedicated space. All it takes is a green light from your doctor, a well-rounded routine, and some dedication to taking care of your body. Here a five tips for… Read more »
Thinking about adding a new garden, patio, or water feature to your home? Whatever you have in mind, a good landscape design project can enhance your home’s appeal, offer you more space to enjoy, and even increase your home’s value. But before you get started, ask yourself these questions. How will the space be used?… Read more »
Backyard fences are a popular choice these days, particularly if you’ve got small children or pets that wander. But before you put up the first panel or pound in the first fence post, drive through your neighborhood to see what’s customary and check with town or neighborhood authorities to see if there are rules governing… Read more »
There are wine drinkers and then there are wine lovers, for whom the drink stirs passion. If you fall into the latter category, perhaps you’ve considered adding a wine cellar or dedicated wine refrigerator. Do you need it? Most wines today have already aged about two years from making to purchase and therefore are meant… Read more »
If you’re lucky enough to have an unfinished basement in your home, have you ever considered converting that space into a bonus living area? With some diligent clutter busting and clever design work, you could add a whole new dimension to your home. The possibilities. If you have an existing basement, would you make it… Read more »
What could be more idyllic than sitting before a crackling fireplace, your children happily playing at your feet. You may not give much thought to it, but the chimney stands as a silent sentry, making it all happen. Anatomy of a Fireplace A fireplace consists of a firebox where the wood or gas is burned;… Read more »
Ask homeowners what builds value in their homes and they likely will name things like kitchen upgrades, a new deck or other hard assets. What may not come to mind as readily is the value of having great neighbors. Yet having a harmonious neighborhood pays off in personal satisfaction and ultimately can be a selling… Read more »
Outdoor cooking has become a multi-billion dollar business in the United States. Here are the hottest trends fresh off the grill. It started so simply. In the era of black and white TV, dear old dad hovered over the charcoal grill, torching burgers and hot dogs. Much later came larger cart-style grills burning either charcoal… Read more »
American homeowners love their outdoor spaces. At the end of a day’s work, or on the weekend with friends, relaxing on a gorgeous backyard patio or deck is one of life’s great rewards. So let’s do it in style. Plan for good times. Before you turn the first shovel of dirt for a patio or… Read more »
The right outdoor lighting can bring an almost magical transformation to a house and landscaping at night. Here are some of the ways outdoor lighting can shine a light on a home’s best features. Function first. At the most basic level, outdoor lighting covers the key points of access to the property. Driveway, front walk,… Read more »
If you’ve always envisioned yourself the proud owner of a backyard pool, what will it take to make that dream a reality? Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process. Considerations. Building a pool brings benefits and costs. Family fun, hours of relaxation and the beauty of its stone landscaping or decking are among the benefits…. Read more »
You buy a house to literally put “a roof over your head,” so having a trustworthy roof is vital. What are the key components to a roof and how do you keep it in good condition? Layer upon layer. From the ground, only the outermost layer of the roof is visible. That outer layer, made… Read more »
Similar to smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors are an essential warning device in every home — perhaps even more so. While sleeping residents might be awakened by the smell of smoke and take action, carbon monoxide is odorless and can disable and kill without warning. Odorless and invisible. Carbon monoxide is produced whenever a fuel… Read more »
