It’s important to us that we contribute to our time to help homeowners in need. We had a great experience last year volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, so when we received the invitation from Sears to participate in Fifty…
Monthly Archives:
August 2010
C&H readers, we’re getting to be good friends. And if you haven’t already noticed, I have a thing for shelves. Especially bookshelves. Maybe it’s because I’m still lacking in storage space throughout my loft, or maybe it’s because I’ve…
As you plan your next DIY or renovation project, consider enhancing your space with an architectural detail that adds maximum visual impact without breaking your DIY budget. Better Homes & Gardens has a great round-up of architectural additions, complete…
Calling all kitchen fans! If you’re in New York from Sept. 15, 2010 to March 14, 2011, a stop at the Museum of Modern Art is a must. A new exhibit, “Counter Space: Design And The Modern Kitchen,” “explores…
After any sort of demolition, whether it’s a towering skyscraper or a residential bathroom, recycling previously used materials in a new project is always an ideal method to create a more sustainable structure while decreasing excess waste. Yet in…
We’re here in New Orleans courtesy of Sears. They’ve invited Charles & Hudson to volunteer and participate in the Fifty for Five event (sponsored by Sears) on the 5th anniversary of hurricane Katrina and it’s been an amazing experience.…
If you’re eager to get a head start on next year’s home improvement and decorating projects, you may want to consult Behr Paint’s 2011 Color and Design Trends forecast. According to the company, “The versatility of paint is the…
Cork is cool, no doubt about it. This tree is actually planted not to be cut down, but to be kept healthy for decades, providing a harvest of valuable bark for the building industry. Cork tree farms are found…
Everyone has a passion. For New Yorker Edward Rhett Butler, who opts to go by his middle name, his love of hardware has fueled not only a long-running personal hobby, but also a successful 20-year company. In a New…
Folks that live the trailer lifestyle know all about how to maximize a small space, and the manufacturers of these trailers have got small space design engineering down to a science. To be clear we’re not talking about RV’s…
If the weather is as beautiful where you are as it is in Kansas City (right now, anyway!), then you, like me, may have a hard time thinking about furnaces, heating and winter weather! Yet frigid temperatures will be…
There comes a point where your kitchen will just look tired. Trust me – you’ll know when that is. But the good news is that a full kitchen remodel is not entirely necessary. Look to your kitchen cabinets first.…
Removing paint from brick is tough and as I gaze at my loft’s exposed brick wall, I find it hard to believe that anyone would want to disguise the natural beauty of the material with paint. Yet if you…
This is our biggest Giveaway to date and we’re running it through labor day so you’ve got plenty of time to enter as well as tell all your friends and family (we’ll tell you why later). Crestview Doors is…
VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) are carbon based compounds that readily vaporize into the air and as they enter the air they produce ozone which causes indoor air pollution and can lead to many nasty health issues including nausea, headaches,…
These days, staying up-to-date with technology and new materials can be quite a challenge. Even in the kitchen, builders and homeowners have a wealth of options when selecting countertops, flooring, faucets and appliances. The newest trend to watch? Carbon…
If your home is short on space, a Murphy bed can be a great way to maximize minimal square footage while ensuring you get a good night’s sleep. And as is the case with a variety of DIY tasks,…
One of the most common ways to incorporate green building practices into a project is to adapt or reuse existing materials or entire structures. Although toxicity or structural integrity can sometimes be an issue, experts generally agree that reusing…
USG’s Ultralight Drywall promises to be a revolutionary product for the remodeling/building industry. At 30% lighter than standard 1/2″ drywall, their Sheetrock Ultralight Drywall panels have overnight lessened the burden for contractors and installers around the world. What’s amazing…
Ah, the kitchen sink–such a wonderful vessel. It can double as a miniature bathtub, dish storage and receptacle for all things dirty, grimy and soapy. There’s no doubt about it: the kitchen sink is an important part of any…
Summer is far from over. But as the sun sets a little earlier each day, bonfires are starting to take center stage on the schedule. You don’t need to head for the beach or campground to host a bonfire.…
If you love searching for coupons, deals and discounts then you’ll love Groupon even more. By signing up you could receive coupons for deals from Ace Hardware and many other home improvement retailers. We recently discovered Groupon which has…
DeWALT tools have built a reputation for being tough on the jobsite but they’ve also become very popular among the DIY and remodeling crowd. Easily available at all major retailers, DeWALT has recently expanded their power tool lineup to…
Blog cabin seems to be one of the most popular shows on the DIY Network and we receive a lot of inquiries from our community looking for more information about the show. Here’s the premise of Blog Cabin according…
With the tagline “Art that’s designed to be used,” Danze Fixtures and Faucetsprides itself on creating artful, creative faucet designs that don’t compromise convenience or functionality. According to the company, “Homeowners have come to expect a lot from their…
Do you have a masonry restoration project and are looking for a unique exterior or interior finish for your home that’s naturally beautiful? Put aside that wood siding or hand-cut stone and opt for the smooth finish of Natural…
Boosting your homes value is important to us all and we all know that DIY projects require a fair amount of planning: budget, specifics, tools, decor, etc. Yet it’s also worthwhile to plan farther out and decide when–or if–you…
Last week we spent a day at Delta Faucet headquarters as they shared their latest designs and the innovative technology behind their products. At the end of the day they presented us with a complimentary Delta Raincan Showerhead and…
We’ve been invited to participate in Fifty for Five in New Orleans this year and we literally can’t wait to tie-on our tool belt and start working. Rebuilding Together made a pledge to rehabilitate 1,000 homes in the Gulf…
Although I’m sure many of us dream of having a huge, open, airy kitchen in which we can cook culinary masterpieces and comfortably seat a small army of friends and family, sometimes the practical–and budgetary–realities say otherwise. When DIY…
When you’re installing new windows, Low-Emissivity (or Low-E for short) styles are almost standard. They will cost you somewhere around 10 to 15% more than traditional windows, but you can count on shaving 30 to 50% off your energy…
Basements are such marvelous rooms because they invite a range of mixed reactions. They can be creepy, functional, unfinished, transformed–really, the sky’s the limit when it comes to a basement (well, that and your budget!) If you’re considering a…
Bespoke is a term not generally used in the US but it’s gaining in popularity as Americans are always looking for new ways to infuse a sense of class and exclusiveness into a product.…
Why do people paint over wallpaper? We’d guess they’re just plain lazy because no one in their right mind who cares about the presentation of their wall would ever choose to paint over wallpaper, but we can agree that…
The Home Depot website has all kinds of nooks and crannies to explore while looking for information and helpful hints, including a blog. This post, which I found through “liking” them on Facebook, has OODLES of quick and cheap…
Ipe wood decking came on the scene quickly and it seemed the whole world went wild. Once consumers get a feel for it, the hype didn’t let up and now demand for Ipe wood decking is fierce. A fairly…
Craftsman continues to expand and improve their power tool line-up by offering durable and affordable tools that anyone can use. We’ll continue to update this page with all of our Craftsman power tool reviews so if you’re a Craftsman…
A quick way to change the look of your bathroom is by installing new faucets in your lavatory (or sink.) Faucets, much like any other home product, come in a wide range of styles and prices, from economic varieties…
Bed bugs are becoming more of a nuisance in New York City and elsewhere around the country. You can be your own bed bug exterminator if you’ve already confirmed that you have bed bugs (bites, seeing bugs or droppings).…
Your neighbors are the best source of home security possible and organizing them helps everyone out. Neighborhood Watch programs are the best place to start and they’ve got some great ideas for how to build your own neighborhood watch…
Gracious Home was a New York institution long before Home Depot and Bed, Bath and Beyond arrived. In fact they were established in 1963 originally as a hardware store. Last week they filed for bankruptcy and time will tell…
Fans of Mad Men hollywood interiors can now bid on pieces from the set and its all going for a great cause. This charity auction on eBay benefits the City of Hope cancer hospital. Leading the list of auction…
With almost two kids, five cats, a dog, and a husband, I often forget things, like what day it is, or my name. (It’s Tabatha.) So when we were working on trying to organize our lives before our first…
You know that saying “…everything but the kitchen sink?” I’ve always wondered why the sink had to be left out, seeing as it’s arguably the most important part of a kitchen, and maybe even the entire house! Maybe I’m…
The thing about shelter blogs is that one begets another begets another. I don’t know how I originally stumbled up on Knock-Off Wood, or how long ago, but it’s high time you all knew about it. The blog is…
In continuing a discussion about things I’d like to have in my dream home (including a secret room), an in-ground swimming pool tops the list. I’ve loved to swim and be near the water since I was a kid,…
Although most of the activities and presentations throughout Delta Faucet’s 2010 Media Day revolved around products and installation, the event also included sporadic discussions of current and upcoming trends. Being a fashion- and decor-minded person, I enjoyed hearing about…
The kitchen is often the heart and soul of any home, so it’s no surprise that kitchen renovations are the most popular home improvement projects. Yet because a kitchen needs a high degree of functionality as well as design…
I came across a great DIY bathroom project from the brilliant minds at Better Homes and Gardens. Instead of purchasing a new vanity, consider converting an existing dresser into the perfect sink space, complete with plenty of drawers! The…
Yes, being around faucets all day can be fun (at least for one day) as the folks at Delta Faucet Co. proved to myself, assistant editor Katy Ryan and roughly 15 other new media outlets covering home improvement and…
During the dog days of summer, one of the last things you want to do on a regular basis is tend to your lawn. Yet if your yard is truly out of control, here’s an idea from the Wall…
Annual color forecasts are often a barometer by which home decor, design and other companies introduce trends and products. Have you noticed an increase in turquoise this year? That’s because it was named the Pantone color of the year…
Crown molding is totally impressive. The look of a room can be completely transformed with just this one addition. But is crown molding a possibility on rooms boasting a cathedral ceiling? And if so, is it even worth the…
When my husband and I purchased our home, a major selling factor was the kitchen. It had been added onto our 110+ year old house within our lifetimes, was spacious, had lots of storage, and was definitely large enough…
If you, like me, are on a constant mission to surround yourself with pretty things, then Cynthia Rowley’s new tool collection should definitely be on your radar. Basic home improvement supplies, including hammers, pliers and screwdrivers, become a little…
I have a kitchen conundrum. Storage space is minimal in my loft, especially in the kitchen area. One of the things I really need? A spice rack. I’ve been searching for wall-mounted varieties to add to my wedding registry,…
Thoughtful window treatments are a basic way to add style and panache to a room. Consider a valance at the top of the window that will coordinate with your fabrics–and the room’s color scheme–while adding a finished polish to…
We’ve been invited to attend Delta Faucet’s media event so this week we’re traveling to Indianapolis to check out the latest from the Delta Faucet Company and receive a thorough rundown of new products from Delta Faucet which also…
Is there anything more refreshing than jumping into your own green swimming pool? No, not a pool filled with algae. That would be gross. A green swimming pool is one that has minimal effects on the environment and actually…
It’s hard to turn on the oven when it’s sweltering inside and out. I’ve been eating lots of take-out and sandwiches because I can’t bear to roast in my apartment. As the hottest month of the summer heats up,…
Our Giveaway this week is courtesy of Craftsman and it’s a hot one! You must be on Twitter to be eligible and believe us, this giveaway is worth the two seconds it takes to sign-up. We will also notify…
In probably some of the oddest home reno show news I’ve come across in quite some time, severalsources are stating that Robert Van Winkle, aka early 90’s rap star Vanilla Ice, is set to host his own 10-episode show…
One of the most impressive tools we saw at the recent DeWALT 12V MAX product launch was their 1/4″ Screwdriver Kit. This cordless powerhouse feels durable enough for the jobsite but would also fit great in the hand of…
If you’re hauling plywood or drywall in the back of your pickup or open trailer, it’s best if the materials stay dry and out of the elements. This can be a problem living in the Pacific Northwest or somewhere…
Whether you want to spruce up a chair or breathe new life into a couch, DIY upholstering is a great weekend project that can easily add impact to a room without draining your wallet on a new piece of…
Isn’t it a pain (sometimes literally) when reaching above for dishes or glasses? You may also find yourself stretching up and working your fingers out just to barely nudge at the cake plate waaaaay up high? What about the…
File this one under “What will they think of next?” You’ve heard about using reclaimed wood for floors, but how about accessories? Ting London, the brainchild of designer Inghua Ting, has launched a line of floor tiles made from…
Searching for the perfect refrigerator is a bit like a quest for the holy grail. What brand? How large? Do you want a fridge and freezer side-by-side, or do you prefer a drawer freezer at the bottom of the…
It’s confession time, C&H readers. When I imagine the house of my dreams, there are several must-have features on that list: a claw-footed bathtub, a library with floor-to-ceiling shelves (and a purple velvet chaise, but that’s another story!) AND,…
Sometimes a renovated kitchen doesn’t have to mean breaking down walls and relocating to a different spot in the house. When I spotted this kitchen reno on CasaSugar I thought it was a great example of smart, small changes…
Recently, my husband and I embarked on an epic adventure in our home renovation. We — actually he and a friend, because I’m nine months pregnant and can barely bend at the waist — completely DIY’ed a hardwood floor…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve lived in homes with double-basin sinks. Although I sometimes find myself cramped for space, I’ve developed inherent habits that instruct me to use the left side for rinsing/washing/pre-dishwasher purgatory and the…
August is Kitchen Remodel Month here at Charles & Hudson, which means we’re focusing on what is arguably the heart of any home. Research compiled by the National Kitchen and Bath Association indicates that kitchen renovations account for the…
Whether you opt for light or dark, new or reclaimed, installing hardwood floors in all or a portion of your home is a surefire way to introduce a completely new aesthetic–and test your DIY prowess. It may seem daunting,…
It’s essential. We all need to store our stuff, from books to clothing, kitchen paraphernalia and, of course, our tools. Building a dedicated and organized storage system in each room will help you to de-clutter your life. But before…
I don’t know about you, but as a kid, I spent the majority of my time in a sandbox. My favorite park in my hometown had a huge sandpit complete with child-sized, handle-operated “backhoes” with which we could dig…
Whenever I am visiting my family at home, my mother has the same complaint about her house: the wood floors. She’d love to refinish them but with an elderly dog, other projects to tackle and a limited budget, it’s…
Contemporary design is hot, no doubt about it. And many modern designs are slim, subtle and sustainable. But when I looked at this award-winning design from Kristin Laass and Norman Ebelt, I began to wonder. Does having a sustainable…
Debbie Glassberg, a Kansas City resident and toy designer, has been the talk of the town since construction began on her modern, eco-friendly home made entirely of steel shipping containers. The building process began in early 2009 after the…
Thanks to a tip from one of my favorite local blogs, I found myself with a new must-read site. Dwelling:3918 tells the story of one Kansas City family’s quest to completely renovate a 122-year-old stone home in their scenic…