From whimsical fountains to quiet pools, now’s the time to quench your thirst for the hottest garden water feature around. Ambiance and Reflection This pond adds tranquility, reflection and ambiance to its landscape. A partially above-ground water feature, it was created with stone-and-mortar walls, then finished with a butyl liner. Double Duty This stacked-stone water…
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Read MoreWhatever size plot you’re the proud owner of, you’ll probably need to invest in some kind of storage to safely stash your garden tools and supplies. If space is tight in your little oasis, this can be a challenge, but don’t dismiss the notion — a small but perfectly formed shed like these might be…
Read MoreThis coffee-break escape offers dozens of cleverly placed decks that are worth a peek. 5 & 8 are my favorites – what are yours?… Do you long for a deck to stretch out on but have only a postage-stamp patch of an outdoor area? Never fear, this collection of compact but cleverly designed decks will…
Read MorePlay up your home’s amenities for the season in which you choose to sell. There is a selling myth that you should wait till springtime to sell your home. While spring is the busiest season for real estate sales, people buy homes 365 days a year. If you decide you need to sell your home in the off-peak…
Read MorePrepare to Lay a Paver Path Lay out pegs and string lines along the edges of the path. Dig out the path area to a depth of paver height plus a 2-inch (5-cm) sand bed. Create a Form for the Path Put treated wood edging into the excavated area. Drive in wooden pegs on the…
Read MoreIf you’re looking to sell your home quickly and for full market value, don’t neglect your yard. Good landscaping will show buyers that you pay attention to details and that your home is properly maintained overall. How does landscaping your yard add curb appeal and increase buyer interest? No One Likes Weeds or Brown Grass…
Read MoreWe’re always taught it’s what inside that matters. But when it comes to your house, that doesn’t always hold true. The exterior of your home is arguably just as important as the interior when it comes to looks. After all, it’s the first thing you see when you arrive home, and it conveys a lot…
Read More(Click/Tap image to play video) Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva discusses the options for insulation with host Kevin O’Connor. Steps: Fiberglass insulation is sold by wall thickness and that should be adhered to so the insulation doesn’t get compressed and lose effectiveness. Open cell spray foam has the same R-factor as fiberglass, but…
Read MoreCabinets often take up most of the visual weight in a kitchen. A lot of homeowners paint their cabinets white to make them visually recede, then focus on injecting a little color and personality through smaller surface areas such as the backsplash or countertop material. But if you’re looking for a kitchen with big personality,…
Read MoreUnlike mudrooms, which are transitional areas that tend toward the simply utilitarian, front entryways, or foyers, are opportunities to establish a flow and feeling that continues throughout the rest of the home. Whether you have a soaring ceiling (and budget) or something more modest, you’ll find useful tips in the following front entries to help…
Read MoreWith lengthening days and milder temperatures in many parts of the country, April is a wonderful time to freshen up the home inside and out. To get sparkling windows, a clutter-free garage and more, here are 14 tasks to make the most of the first full month of spring. Test sprinklers and irrigation system. Don’t…
Read MorePaint Your Floors Designing a pattern on the floor is an inexpensive way to tie together the look of your outdoor space. Designer Rachel Greathouse used a diamond pattern with a whitewash to fit the home’s farmhouse chic design. Depending on the pattern and palette, you can end up with a rustic or modern look.…
Read MoreThe dream of a greenhouse is hard to deny, with rows of healthy plants growing happily together indoors. But once you have the structure in place, what’s next? Below is a list of some basics to get you started, as well as some suggestions for other items you may want to add. Luckily, you probably…
Read MoreThe industrial kitchen: It’s a sought-after look full of tough materials that’s not always easy to pull off without going overboard. Whether you’re looking to get just a taste of industrial style with some shiny metal accents and piping or go all-in with durable stainless steel cabinets and countertops, read on to understand the key…
Read MoreA front door is one of the first things people see on a home. It’s something most homeowners use multiple times every day, coming to know all its intricacies and scuffs and flaws. For something that takes up such a small fraction of a home’s exterior surface, the front door makes a great design impact.…
Read MoreIf you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment. That might be because you’ve heard you need to save 20% of the home’s price to put down. Well, that isn’t necessarily the case. Unless specified by your loan type or…
Read MoreLow-curb showers have an easy walk-in entry, provide a barrier to contain water and offer an opportunity to add style. Plus, they’re less expensive than true curbless showers, which require additional construction time and money. Here, designers share details on seven stylish bathrooms that feature a low-curb shower. 1. Seeing Double Designer: Krystal Swank of Mountainwood Construction…
Read MoreThere are probably as many ways to handle cooking and kitchen chores as there are people — is it any wonder the kitchen tends to be a hub for minor (but irritating) household disagreements? Whether you and your partner or housemate have been bickering over dishwashing or garbage duty, here are eight strategies for maintaining…
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