There’s no denying that the turbulent economy has wreaked havoc on publishing, especially for shelter magazines. It’s been hard to see good friends like Domino, Blueprint and Cottage Living close and sadly, we now have another to add to…
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Katy Schamberger
Thanks to a record number of people who are turning 65 in the coming years, Universal Design is becoming the hot topic when it comes to home building and renovating. Simply put, Universal Design means enhancing the accessibility and…
Attic fans are one of those brilliant inventions that you don’t really notice until you don’t have one. Growing up, my dad’s house had an attic fan and it made all the difference when it came to keeping the…
Grilling, dining al fresco, relaxing in a hammock with a good book–it’s no wonder that spending time outdoors is one of the top activities during the summer. And if your home has a leisure-inducing outdoor space, then you know…
The great thing about paint is that it can be applied to almost any surface or object and is one of the easiest ways to launch a full-fledged makeover within your home. When you’re preparing to paint, you probably…
One of our favorite types of project is the weekend project. In just a couple of days, you can feel that rush of productivity and accomplishment after surveying a completed project that improves your home–and maybe even your lifestyle.…
When it comes to painting your home, the walls don’t have to hog all of the attention. Painting a room’s trim can easily make just as big of an impact, especially if you use a dark hue instead of…
There are few things more frustrating than your beautiful, carefully planned and tended landscaping being destroyed by an inquisitive visitor of the animal variety. If you find yourself in this situation, we suggest installing some protective fencing to help…
Last week, I had the pleasure of traveling to Baltimore for DeWALT’s new product launch. I had a basic familiarity of the brand, but it was fascinating to dive more into the company’s history, methodology and what they’re doing…
A few days ago, I spent some time touring a model condominium in downtown Kansas City while on assignment. Not only is the building a towering historic landmark (the tallest residential building in the Midwest, outside of Chicago) but…
This post is brought to you from the miserable land of no A/C. Yep — after arriving home last night from the DeWALT tool launch (more on that soon), my husband confronted me with the bad news: our A/C…
Are you THAT type of landscaper? You know … the one who’s not just satisfied with a tidy, mowed yard, but who takes landscaping to the next level? With a new feature on John Deere’s Facebook page, you now…
As temperatures heat up, now is the perfect time to think about your yard’s irrigation. If you don’t already have a sprinkler system, you may want to consider one, especially if you plan on traveling. By having an automatic…
Now that your home’s landscaping is likely receiving adequate doses of sunlight and water, you may soon find yourself with some overgrown plants on your hands. And if you prefer that your yard not resemble a jungle, we’ve compiled…
We’ve talked on the site before about using natural hydraulic lime to refresh your home’s masonry. If you’re thinking about a paint project within your home’s interior, consider lime wash paint, which evokes a plaster-like feel and is an…
So you’re considering taking the plunge (har, har!) and installing an at-home swimming pool. When it comes to the water, you have two choices: salt water or chlorine. We’ve rounded up a few tips to help you decide what’s…
One of the best ways to spend a long weekend is around a barbecue grill. Sure, we could spend time on the gas v. charcoal debate (*cough* charcoal *cough*), but let’s skip all that and get right to the…
We’re heading into a long weekend, and you know what that means–it’s a perfect time to tackle what’s on your DIY to-do list. Plus, you may find some specials at your area hardware store, which means you’ll save a…
While watching an episode of “Friday Night Lights” last night, I was struck by a scene in which football star Tim Riggins selflessly donates his time to clean and repair his (hot female) neighbor’s rain gutters. OK, so they…
In a couple of weeks, HGTV will premiere a new series: “HGTV’d.” And we love the premise. HGTV hosts will travel around the country (accompanied by a massive HGTV’d 18-wheeler) to surprise unsuspecting viewers with home makeovers! Home makeover…
When it comes to paint, color is the biggest deciding factor on what you’ll get. And with so many hues available, it can be a daunting selection process! Now, thanks to House Beautiful’s new 500+ Favorite Paint Colors app,…
We’re so unbelievably saddened by the horrific photos and video coming out of Joplin, Mo., in the aftermath of yesterday’s damaging tornado. This spring has seemed to produce an especially volatile trend of severe weather, as witnessed by many…
If you have a lot of artwork or framed photos to display, creating an in-home gallery wall is a striking way to exhibit your prized mementos. It’s a relatively easy project, too, and can be budget-friendly depending on the…
One of the cool things about living in a small space is that it tests the bounds of your creativity. You’ll need clever storage solutions, thoughtful furniture arrangements and pieces that can do double-duty to help you maximize every…
When it comes to protecting your home and your family, the exterior is just as important as any interior security features you may have. The best thing about most of these suggestions is that they’re relatively budget-friendly, too, and…
Isn’t everything more enjoyable if you can make it a party? You may have attended (or hosted) a clothing or housewares swap party, but what about planning one with a DIY focus? Gather up anything DIY-related you’re no longer…
Have you ever noticed that talking about gas stoves vs. their electric counterparts can get a little, er, heated? (No pun intended!) It seems people have some pretty adamant opinions as to which is best when it comes to…
You’ve probably heard of the term universal design, especially as it’s applied to helping people age within their homes. Yet universal design isn’t an age-specific term; at its core, universal design is about enhancing accessibility, function and performance within…
C&H readers, you’re probably starting to think I’m obsessed with bookshelves. And you’d be right. After dealing with the odyssey of our salvaged Borders bookcase, I look at all shelving with a newfound appreciation. This latest find? Pure genius.…
Mowing season is upon us! Sure, sometimes yard work is labor-intensive, but there’s nothing like the smell of fresh cut grass. If you haven’t already taken your lawnmower for its first spin of 2011, you just might encounter a…
Whether you’re needing a new backsplash, wall or floor, tiling is often consider a DIY project. And with some experience, tiling can be relatively easy to get the hang of. But if you’re just starting out, there are some…
Painting the outside of your home can be as much fun as trying a new color in your home’s interior. Yet because the weather is such a huge factor when you’re painting outside, you may only have a limited…
We recently heard a horrifying account from a friend about a sudden honeybee infestation in a chimney. She came home to several bees buzzing around her living room, and then realized they were coming in through the chimney! We…
Being able to remotely control your home’s security system is one of the perks of continually evolving technology. But if you need something more comprehensive, consider ADT Pulse, a whole-home automation system that’s customizable to your needs. ADT Pulse…
A sudden heat wave has descended over Kansas City, which means many of us are firing up the air conditioners–for a couple of days, anyway. Before your A/C usage peaks during the summer months, there are a few things…
If you live or work in a large, open space like a loft, one of the biggest obstacles is creating walls and different areas (trust me–I speak from firsthand experience!) And if you’re renting the space, the issue becomes…
The great thing about paint is that it not only adds a fresh look and burst of color to the inside of your home, but it’s ideal for your home’s exterior, too. If you’re interested in changing the look…
At this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, Daltile unveiled several new products, including SlimLite Slate and Quartzite, “a line of innovative, thin and lightweight surfacing products,” according to the company. Available later this spring, SlimLite is designed to…
When you’re creating colors for kitchen surfaces, what better inspiration is there than food? DuPont’s new color collections in Zodiaq quartz surfaces and Corian solid surfaces are inspired by spices and ingredients, respectively. Think of a kitchen infused with…
It’s been an interesting weekend at our household. A few weeks back, we had purchased a large, double-sided bookcase from one of the Borders close-out sales. After we quickly realized our current loft configuration wouldn’t accommodate the shelving behemoth,…
Meal prep, storage, display area–in a kitchen, the counters are where the action happens. And that’s why picking a solid, durable countertop material is so important. Changing the look of your counters can not only alter their performance, but…
My grandma, an avid gardener, has plant beds all around her home. Yet one of my favorite memories is of her window boxes, which were perched on her home’s front windows and spilled over with brightly colored flowers, usually…
For look, finish and durability, hardwoods are hard to beat. But what about using hardwoods in rooms that are more suited to other types of materials, such as the bathroom? Thanks to an increasing availability of wood-look tile, you…
Research shows that homeowners are spending more time in the kitchen, opting for open floor plans that blend living and kitchen space to create a hybrid room that’s ideal for both relaxation and meal preparation. If you’re spending more…
If you have carpeting in your home, you’re probably no stranger to spot treating when faced with unexpected spills and messes. At least once a year, however, it’s a good idea to steam clean your carpets, which will help…
Although carpet still makes up the majority of flooring sales, you can’t deny the popularity–and prevalence–of hardwood floors. The durable material makes it great for a variety of rooms, and with woods available in a wide range of colors…
When it comes to kitchens, storage is one of the most important factors. And because good storage is so important, it’s often one of the primary considerations during a kitchen renovation. In regard to kitchen cabinets and shelving, you…
Happy Earth Day! Although when I was younger, we had a saying — “Every day is Earth day.” Kinda true, right? We talk a lot about going green here at C&H — materials, best practices, energy efficiency — but…
One of our favorite things about spring is how everything suddenly becomes green. Have you noticed that? It seems like one day you’ll notice small buds on the trees, and then a few days later, BAM – green everywhere!…
Feeling a sudden urge to redecorate your bathroom? With the new Toobi Bath Faucet from Kohler, your faucet can get in the redecorating spirit, too, thanks to interchangeable colored liners that “allow the owner to personalize their space in…
Anyone out there watching “Parenthood?” It’s one of our favorites right now, but we especially love that one of the characters, Crosby (played by Dax Shepard) is currently renovating a newly purchased home as a way to win back…
When you hear the term VOC, you probably think of paint, right? Us, too. But the truth is that volatile organic compounds can be found in other substances besides paint. And you want to minimize them because they release…
We’ve all seen them. Maybe you’re out for a leisurely stroll, or a relaxing drive. You decide to check out some of the nearby neighborhoods. And then, without warning … you encounter one of THOSE houses. You know what…
Let’s say you want to use different types of flooring in two rooms, but you have a rather open floor plan and the transition is highly visible. Should you scrap the whole project or stick to one type of…
Your tool collection isn’t just a great thing to have when you’re pursuing your latest DIY project–it’s an investment, and that means regular upkeep of your tools will help them last for decades. I speak from experience, as I…
Adding a fence to your property–or swapping out an old fence for a new one–is not only a good idea for your home’s security, but also adds aesthetic appeal to your yard. If you have pets, adding a fence…
We’re seeing some amazing photos around the Internet of newly renovated outdoor spaces. ‘Tis the season to break out the patio furniture and barbecue grill and spend as many hours outside as possible! But perhaps your outdoor area is…
Warmer weather brings with it a higher risk of severe weather. And after hail, high winds, tornadoes and heavy rains comes another danger: storm repair scams. The Kansas City area recently experienced a heavy bout of severe weather, and…
The iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad paved the way for touch technology, which is becoming increasingly prevalent as more tablets, computers and even TVs hit the market. But what about a new application of touch technology? Say, in the…
Most home inspections typically take place prior to a real estate closing and are a necessary part of the home buying transaction. Because April is Home Inspection Month, we thought we’d share a tip: home inspections aren’t just for…
High-tech alarm systems, motion detectors, motion-activated lights … there are any number of devices and gadgets that will help protect your home from break-ins. But when it comes to home security, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot…
We’ve talked several times here at C&H about living through a large-scale renovation. Whether you flee to a short-term residence or set up temporary rooms, there’s no doubt that remodeling disrupts your lifestyle throughout the duration of the project.…
There’s no denying it–going green is all the rage these days. But when it comes to making your home an environmentally friendly, energy efficient machine, it can be tough to know where to start. Sure, there’s the little things,…
Whether you’re swapping out older carpet for a newer design or going with a different type of flooring, you’ll have to remove the existing carpet. And even if you’re calling in a professional for the installation, you can save…
In this economy (and don’t even get us started on gas prices!), saving money is becoming increasingly important–and besides, who doesn’t love a bargain? Finding discounted tools can be a great way to expand your collection without breaking the…
You probably know all of the common ways to reduce your energy consumption: regularly check for water leaks, keep lights off when not in use, don’t leave unused appliances plugged in, keep your HVAC filters clean. But what about…
Grabbing a warm, toasty towel right after a shower or bath–it’s one of life’s little luxuries, isn’t it? But instead of relocating your dryer to close proximity of your bathroom, try installing a heated towel rack. Aside from making…
Have you guys seen that commercial (for a headache medicine, maybe?) where the husband pressure washes the deck and obliterates all of the outdoor furniture? Too funny! All joking aside, however, pressure washers (also known as power washers) can…
Spray paint can be a wonderful, convenient thing. But the downside? The fumes and residual splatter make it a material better suited for use outdoors. What if you get the urge to spray paint something when it’s windy, or…
A clogged drain–it’s gross, inconvenient and unsightly. Of course, when it comes to unclogging a drain, the process can be even more irritating than the drain itself. So we’ve compiled a few methods you might want to try before…
One of the most effective ways to build green is to use salvaged materials. The great thing about salvage is it can be small (a piece of furniture, perhaps) or, in the case of this house, huge! “An entire…
C&H universe, I’m in desperate need of your help. My dilemma? The gorgeous windows in our loft are without screens. We can’t open them wide enough to get a decent breeze for fear that our two adorable cats will…
Who doesn’t love lists? To-do lists, top 10 lists (especially the David Letterman variety) — they’re informative and entertaining. So we’ve added a new list for your reading pleasure. The U.S. Green Building Council recently released their list of…
Warmer temperatures mean that critters are on the move, both inside your home and outside. Yesterday, one of our Facebook friends posted a plea for mole removal techniques, so after a little research, we have a few options for…
Now that spring is officially here, spring cleaning is definitely in order. You’re probably tackling floors, countertops, bedding and other commonly cleaned areas and items, but what about your home’s water system? It’s a good idea to flush out…
Hanging pot racks are a great invention. If you’re short on storage space, racks can free up the shelving or cabinets that are currently home to your pots and pans, which tend to be some of the bulkiest items…
Flooring, walls, backsplashes–ceramic tile is a popular, versatile material that can be incorporated into a variety of projects. Many styles of ceramic tile are quite affordable, too, making it an ideal choice for the DIY-er on a budget. But…
Stainless steel, bright colors–today’s appliances are certainly as eye-catching as they are functional. And in some cases, certain appliances can serve as a trophy of sorts; a state-of-the-art refrigerator, perhaps, or my personal holy grail: the KitchenAid artisan stand…
The National Association of Home Builders recently released a special report that details several home features that will likely become the norm by 2015. Green features such as low-E windows and engineered wood products are expected to become more…
File this project under “ingenious.” Have some small valuables or cash that you want to conceal? If you have a hollow core interior door, you can use a few tools to create an inconspicuous hiding spot. Guys (and ladies)–this…