That’s one of the joys of home ownership – constant maintenance. Don’t look so glum. These small projects that will prolong the life and beauty of your home can be fun. At the very least they can be rewarding,…
Monthly Archives:
September 2010
As green building practices continue to influence builders and contractors, many commercial buildings are now striving for LEED certification in order to designate a project’s sustainability. Residential certification is growing more slowly, however, as homeowners try to determine if…
Despite a steep decline in home prices, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) reports that many homeowners are still choosing to invest money in their homes, especially for projects “that promote greater energy efficiency and accessibility throughout the home,”…
Building a home and community as an art project is now happening at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA. This is a very unique project that we had to share with you. Not sure we quite get…
Fall is beginning its chilled, colorful sweep across the country. And even though gardening may be moving to the bottom on your list of priorities, this is actually the prime time of year to focus on how you want…
Salvaged building materials are a booming business. And sometimes the price of those “antique” or “professionally finished” pieces can make you choke. Why not refinish your own salvaged pieces. With a little elbow grease and a sharp eye for…
We have a tool racing competition here in America but across the pond the Brits have taken tool racing one step further by creating actual tool powered vehicles that can reach speeds of up to 75 mph! These vehicles…
Oh, the joy of picking paint colors. If you’re like me, it’s a loooong process. I tend to over think some of the small details, and I’m always dazzled by the huge array of colors that await in the…
Doesn’t look like Peter Wong will wear the All American Handyman crown for long as HGTV is already putting out a casting call for the second production of All American Handyman. Do you have what it takes to become…
Congratulations to Peter Wong who has won the title of All American Handyman on HGTV. We’ve been watching this show closely and although we may be critical at times we feel it’s going to catch on and each episode…
Paint is renowned for its ability to transform a room or object with just a couple of coats. But are there things in your house — wood trim, for example — that shouldn’t be painted? One of my favorite…
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, start your project by creating a plumbing diagram. This valuable map will ensure your fixtures and plumbing will be in the right place, especially in relation to your home’s existing water supply. You’ll…
One of the best things about getting married? The gifts — er, I mean, love and commitment! Let’s face it – registering for household goods and appliances is a definite upside of marriage. And as my impending nuptials draw…
Home Depot shared a one-day fall sale with us and we’re passing along the news to you. They’ve got tools, lighting, tile, paint, stoves and more all from 20-50% off. Today only. Huge Autumn Savings. Online only – while…
Sure, you can pick up some low-VOC, environmentally friendly paint. But have you ever thought about your painting tools and supplies? Those brushes, rollers, tarps and cleaning solutions can add to some real mess for the planet if you…
The cooler weather of fall is the perfect time to stain your deck. There may not be the same motivation without the sunny summer days to look forward to, but without that scorching heat a staining project can actually…
We tend to use the term barbecuing and grilling and interchangeably but the Economist sets us straight. In reality, most people these days grill rather than barbecue–and the difference between the two could not be greater. Grilling takes minutes…
After designer Elizabeth Kelly of Studio Print Works bought an old farmhouse, she became enamored with the crumbling wallpaper left behind in a boy’s room. She saved several pieces and approached Studio Print Works to recreate the images, resulting…
You can caulk your windows and doors year-round and sure, it’s only mid-September and winter’s chill and gloom seems months away, right? Sadly enough, the cold weather will be here before we know it! And one of the best…
One of best events we’ve attended in Los Angeles was produced by Blog Out Loud. We had an opportunity to hear from a number of prominent bloggers, most notably Gregory Han of Apartment Therapy & Unplggd. We also met…
We’ve rounded up the best new products and materials from the 2010 Remodeling Show. Some are available now but many will be hitting shelves in 2011 so ask for them by name. You can also check out our list…
You can go behind the scenes on the HGTV Dream Home Giveaway on HGTV Pro. Check out photos and video of the home that is currently being built near Stowe, Vermont. They are calling it “rustic meets modern”. They’ve…
Talk about painting with a purpose. The Colour Project is beginning a color movement across the world. Their site states that “Grey is out. Gloom is gone. It’s time to live our life in colour.” This amazing project is…
We wall want to save big during a renovation and because we feature reader tips, tricks, projects and inspiration as often as possible, it’s no surprise that I love taking a voyeuristic peek into someone else’s home to follow…
This New House on the DIY Network could be called This Green House as they are showing a ton of green building materials and product. We finally caught up with about 3 episodes that had been sitting on our…
If your kitchen is the heart of the home, your pantry is like the main valve that keeps it all flowing smoothly. Does that thing have a name? (Can’t you tell that science was never my strong suit?) What…
Living in a 1,250-square-foot home, I’m pretty used to small spaces. With the four people, five cats, and one chubby Chihuahua that live here, I’m always trying to figure out ways to make our house feel open and spacious…
It’s been a few weeks since I checked in with my fellow Kansas Citians over at Dwelling:3918, and what do you know? One post detailing their stone exterior repairs and a Google search later, and I now have a…
One of the great things about the International Builders Show and the Remodeling Show are the small guys who have an opportunity to share their inventions with the world and hopefully get picked up for distribution. Marvin Windows shared…
For me, painting is hard. The prep work is a pain and by the time I’m done, my arms ache and all I can see are the spots I need to fix. I think a solution to this problem…
Solar landscape lighting is convenient and beautiful when it works. When the lights don’t work, it can be maddening. Fortunately these systems are fairly simple and generally easy to fix. With a little know-how and some quick tests, you…
Improbable building materials? Building kits to create the one- or two-roomed house of your dreams? Unconventional building materials and kit homes are becoming increasingly popular, especially as homeowners embrace sustainability and, in some cases, downsizing. Thanks to a heads-up…
Once upon a time I wrote a post about countertop paint, made for laminate surfaces like you find in kitchens and bathrooms. I dreamed of someday utilizing it in my kitchen and reporting back, but between bigger projects and…
Not all of us are brave enough to do it, but many people are tackling DIY plumbing jobs in their home. Somewhat complicated and sometimes involving high-pressure situations (like get that leak fixed NOW), plumbing projects are a challenge.…
HGTV’s All American Handyman made three cuts last week and now have their top five competitors, one of which will wear the crown of All-American Handyman. We caught up with the last Handyman voted off the show, Andrew Kowalyshyn.…
Oh, the white kitchen! How it seems to just lift the room and allow a homeowner to take a breathe of calmness when entering it’s calm surround. White is, to date, one of the most popular choices in cabinetry…
We love treehouses at C&H: in fact, the more luxurious or exotic, the better! So when I first spotted these new designs on Casa Sugar about German company Baumraum, I was excited. Craftsmen at the company include architects to…
The big day has finally arrived. You’ve decluttered, sorted and arranged your goods. The alarm goes off at the crack of dawn to awaken you for your final preparations. An “early bird” is waiting in the driveway even though…
The 2010 Remodeling Show is kicking off today in Baltimore and if you can’t be there in person you can follow these exhibitors on Twitter. We’ve also listed a few of our friends who will be there to share…
Black paint isn’t only limited to gothic-inspired decor or teens that need to rebel (though if you do have a rebellious decorative teen, here’s some good advice.) In fact, black walls done right can add high drama and elegance…
Are you looking for a product that’s recycled with a capital “R?” The recycled paper countertops from ShetkaStone will deliver. For the kitchen, bath, laundry room and even in the boardroom, this counter (or tabletop) is impressive. Similar to…
Living in New York City is amazing but unless you’ve got the big bucks you’re typically relegated to less than desirable apartments. But if you win this Urban Oasis from HGTV you can live like a King or Queen.…
The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity recently announced the national expansion of Partners in Sustainable Building (PSB), a five-year $30 million green building initiative that will help incorporate sustainable building practices in 5,000 green homes nationwide. More…
Paint can last for years if the top of the can has not been opened. Many times paint will outlast the life of a can if it has been rusted. You also need to be careful if you shake…
After seeing the tragic fire in San Bruno, CA this evening we first prayed for the families and people involved but also hope they have updated their fire insurance policies. Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover losses from fire…
Tomorrow is the final race (Richmond) of the regular NASCAR season before the Chase for the Cup begins. We thought we’d have a little fun and lineup some of the big guy sponsors in the home improvement world and…
Green building has become overwhelmingly popular, as consumers and contractors alike seek out environmentally friendly products and practices in the pursuit of sustainability. But just how pervasive is green building? Franklyn Carter of NPR.org writes that “green building now…
A relaxing and lovely weekend with my family at mid-Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks was nearly cut short on Sunday evening thanks to three horrible words: Full septic tank. Apparently, a botched appraisal led to an incorrect assertion of…
We recently had the good fortune to spend a few hours with Andrew Wagner the new editor-in-chief of ReadyMade magazine (formerly of Dwell and American Craft). He’s actually been on the job for a few months now and we’ve…
If you’re seeking a top-notch cordless drill for a reduced price, check out the Craftsman C3 19.2V cordless drill (model 11910). It’s been replaced this fall by a newer model but can still be found for a ridiculously lower…
Well, I’ve always wanted an underground lair. Luckily, I’ve found one that looks more pastoral than evil and gloomy. Made of concrete and earth, this Swiss estate is a cluster of grass-blanketed houses encircling a pretty little lake. According…
For living in an ancient house with plaster walls, I have an unnatural desire to wallpaper my very uneven vertical spaces. I’ve looked at different ways to make wallpaper happen, yet another solution that keeps popping up through my…
Whole house water filters have become necessary for some homeowners due to tap water that just isn’t on par with what the utility companies promise. Tap water that is clean, doesn’t smell and is drinkable is what we expect…
The Eames House is one of the hidden gems of Los Angeles and located just off the PCH in Pacific Palisades, California. Completed in 1949, some believe the Eames House has yet to be equaled in modern architecture. The…
Tryouts are over and HGTV has selected 20 finalists to be their new show All American Handyman. 20 Americans from across the country have nailed the chance to be crowned the “handiest of them all” in the new HGTV…
If you’re staying home this holiday weekend and tackling some paint projects you’re in luck. A few retailers and paint manufacturers are offering some Labor Day deals and discounts on paint. Behr is offering $5 off 1 gallon and…
In 2008 author and architect Sarah Susanka published The Not So Big House: A Blueprint for the Way We Really Live and this year her follow up Not So Big Remodeling: Tailoring Your Home for the Way You Really…
Now that September has arrived, we’re officially kicking off paint month here at C&H! We’ll be bringing you the latest paint tips, tricks and news, as well as sharing some of our favorite resources to make sure your paint…
There are bound to be some home improvement projects that won’t fit into your skill set. They may not even fit into your best friend or neighbor’s skill set. And that means you’ll need to hire somebody else. This…
I share about 600 square feet and very little storage with my boyfriend. It’s no wonder that I am on a constant quest for squeezing the most out of our small space. This Old House did a great revamp…
What better way to celebrate Labor Day than by laboring on a few of your own DIY projects? Sure, the weekend is typically spent saying a three-day farewell to summer, but with an extra day off, you’ll have time…
While we were in New Orleans participating in the Fifty for Five event, we took an opportunity to explore the Reuse District in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. Scattered around abandoned shipyards and warehouses you’ll find numerous salvage…
Who knew our President was such a designophile? The Oval Office has undergone an extreme makeover. Some of the updates include new carpeting, wallpaper and sofas. However, the resolute desk and painting of Washington over the fireplace stayed put.…