How To Lay a Brick Pathway

Prepare 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 More

4 Reasons Not to Rush the Spring Garden Cleanup

For some of us, warm weather can’t come soon enough. But no matter where we are, snowy or not, the spring itch is fully upon us — and I’m here to urge you to think twice about scratching. Why shouldn’t you clean up the garden just yet? 1. Snow Could Return Depending on where you…

Read More

Stylish 7 Shed Ideas For A Small Backyard

Whatever 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 More

3 Color Palettes to Help Set Your Garden’s Mood

Nothing has more immediate impact on the mood of a garden than color. When it comes to putting together a garden color palette, you can first decide how you want a space to make you feel and then choose the color scheme accordingly. If you want a cheerful and inviting space, choose foliage and blooms…

Read More

How To Choose The Right Insulation

(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 More

5 Lively Kitchen Cabinet Colors

Cabinets 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 More

4 Awesome Kitchens That Will Make You Want Brass

See how this trending finish holds up to a variety of cabinet colors and styles 1. Brass on Blue Designers: Marty Buckenmeyer of Buckenmeyer Architecture (architect) and Charlotte Cooney of Domestic Arts (interior designer) Location: Portland, Oregon Size: 195 square feet (18 square meters); 13 by 15 feet Homeowners’ request. Update a dark 1970s kitchen to better reflect the traditional-style home…

Read More

8 Relaxing Backyard Around The World Decks

This 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 More

5 Fabulous Front Entries

Unlike 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 More

To-Dos: Your April Home Checklist

With 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 More