Time for a Trim, But Can You Hack the DIY?
Crown molding is the latest craze in high impact, low investment renos. It adds texture to your walls and the appearance of height by drawing the eye upward. It can also be the first major step in turning an architecturally boring room into an interesting and stimulating space. But should you install it yourself?
Is Your House Boring?
Are you the proud owner of a boring crackerbox condo? Do you have a functional house that needs something extra? Fortunately, it’s possible to make your good but lousy investment look great too without too much fuss. Better than a paint job, more permanent than a new bedroom suite and packing a solid:” I love what you’ve done to this place!” punch here’s one little trick that often gets overlooked:
Gardening - A Labor of Love…Or Just Labor?
Gardening for many is a labor of love. All those hours spent weeding, pruning, watering, and fertilizing is worth it when your first spring bulb flowers, or your vegetable garden is ripe for the picking. Some don’t consider gardening work, but therapy - a way to relax and escape for a few hours a week. For others, however, gardening as another chore added to their already busy lives. If only there was a way to save some of those labor hours, but still reap the benefits of a healthy garden.
The Perfect Lawn
Imagine the perfect lawn. One that never has to be mowed, watered, fertilized or weeded. No you’re not dreaming. Ask anyone with an artificial lawn, and they’ll tell you it is very much a reality. These simulated lawns feel and look like grass and always look green, but without the work. It doesn’t matter if your lawn is subjected to heavy traffic, shade, or pets, it always looks great.
New Market Trends to Floor You
After all these years of having hardwood floors that are mid brown and easy to clean, the word is that new, pale floors will be sweeping the market. These lighter floors have been popular in Europe and are just being introduced over here in North America.
How Your Home is Killing You
Carbon monoxide is a well-known household threat, as are lead paint and toxic household cleaners. But one lesser known killer can cause the deaths of over a hundred times more people than carbon monoxide poisoning can. This toxin is present in varying degrees in homes all across America, and can quietly slip through the cracks in your foundation and into your basement. Like most artful poisons, it has no odor, taste, or color, and causes no noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. You can get lung cancer from it at a rate that is second only to cigarette smoking. There are estimates that approximately 20,000 people die annually from this unknown threat, and what’s worse is the fact that it comes from a naturally occurring event that can’t be stopped. All homeowners can do is try to prevent and/or slow down its progress before it claims any more lives.
The Emergence of Spring Brings Termite Trouble
What does the month of March mean to you? For most people it means Easter, or the promise of nice weather. For anyone who has suffered a termite infestation, they know that between the months of March and May, termites begin to congregate and search for homes to start new colonies.
The Science of Buying Bath Towels
There is nothing more luxurious after a relaxing bath or a hot shower than to wrap yourself in a large, plush bath towel. Not a cheapie version, but a soft, velvety towel with some weight to it. Buying really nice towels is a bit of science. You have to know what to look for, where to purchase them and how to display them once you’ve got them. Here are some tips to help you with your next towel purchase.
Build Your Own Outdoor Shower
It’s common for beach front homes to come equipped with outdoor showers. They’re extremely handy for a quick rinse of salt and sand before entering the house. Maybe you have a scenic property and simply want to enjoy a garden shower al fresco. If you’ve ever thought of adding an outdoor shower to your home, it can be a fun project. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you begin.
Easy Fixes for Common House Problems
Here are some practical tips inspired by the gang at ThisOldHouse.com to fix up some of the most common house ailments.
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