To describe the recent real estate market as shaky is a vast understatement. Yet, despite the economic rollercoaster, the simple truth is that people are still moving and are still seeking homes. Although it’s certainly a sellers’ market out…
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Katy Schamberger
A home’s entryway can be an incredibly flexible space — and depending on your home, the size and shape can vary widely. Yet whether you have a nook or a sizable space, we’ve got some tips and tricks for…
Yes, we said it — the dreaded s-word! As snow begins to fall in parts of the country, it’s time to think about stocking up on winter supplies and that most dreaded of chores — shoveling snow! Shoveling snow…
Here at Charles & Hudson, we’re all about conserving energy — and saving money, too! Depending on your home’s heating source, bills can skyrocket during the winter months, especially if you live in parts of the country that feel…
There are a myriad ways to select paint colors. Fashion, fabric, furniture, other textiles, magazines, movies — the sources of inspiration are seemingly endless. And here’s another idea to chew on (pun intended!); paint colors inspired by your favorite…
They’ve been nearly inescapable the last couple of weeks, unless you’re (lucky enough to be) living under a rock. Commercials touting the latest holiday retail deals are filling airwaves and print media with declarations of stunning bargains, one of…
You’ve got a dilemma. Maybe you live in an urban environment and are starved for lush landscaping. Or you live in an arid climate in which grass is minimized to require less water. Or you really, really love the…
Because so many people spend Thanksgiving Day cooking large amounts of food, it may not come as a surprise that the Red Cross reports that the holiday sees more than double the number of home cooking fires than a…
We don’t want to completely bypass Thanksgiving to get to Christmas, but many people opt to break out the holiday decorations the weekend after Turkey Day. And if you have Christmas lights hanging on a tree, elsewhere in your…
A pile of trash stacked on the curbside. Seems rather innocent, doesn’t it? Yet you may want to monitor what’s in the trash before you haul it outside. Now is the time of year for gifts, and often, that…
We talk a lot about energy conservation, yet water conservation is just as important for both homeowners and commercial building owners. Besides making good environmental sense, monitoring your water consumption is an easy way to reap savings on your…
We often think about donating non-perishable food, gently used clothing and other household items to help those in need. But what about tools? Thanks to an organization called Tools For Self-Reliance, you can donate your gently used tools. Each…
OK, we know — the iPhone as an actual home improvement tool? It’s a bit of a stretch. But with so many DIY-focused apps on the market, handy devices like the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad can increasingly service…
That wonderful day of eating and giving thanks is a mere week away! You’re probably busy planning your menu (and devising your grocery store plan of attack), but if you have any spare time, consider one (or several) of…
For most of us, one of the hardest parts of a large-scale renovation is dealing with the mess, confusion and chaos created by the project. Take the kitchen, for example, which is often the center of the home. If…
We trust your clocks are now one hour behind (the extra sleep is glorious, the early darkness is not!) Daylight Saving Time is also the ideal time of year to swap out the batteries in your smoke detectors —…
Going green has never been so stylish thanks to Hover Houses, created by Glen Irani Architects. The third in the series (pictured above), built on the Venice Canals in Los Angeles, continues a trend of “maximizing outdoor living environments…
Oh, the holidays — such a magical time of year! And unfortunately, the latter half of November and December generally see a rise in home burglaries as a result of more people traveling out of town and the temptation…
You have a dilemma, and I have an answer. You were so inspired during Charles & Hudson’s Paint Month celebration that you went on a painting spree, expertly coating your walls for a fresh, colorful new look. And now…
I love a good list. It keeps me organized and focused, and I savor the sense of accomplishment when I can draw a big line through a completed item. Thanks to Kiplinger’s newly released fall and winter home maintenance…
Yes, I said it — the dreaded “w” word! I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but freezing temperatures, snow and ice will be here before you know it (for a lot of the country, anyway.) Before…
What’s a good, messy renovation project without music? In the spirit of all things DIY, we’ve compiled a suggested soundtrack to get you through even the toughest of home projects. Warning: May cause spontaneous singing and dancing instead of…
One of the best ways to increase your home’s curb appeal (and give it a whole new look) is by painting the exterior. And if you’re looking for a paint that can withstand tough temperatures and the elements, NeverFade…
Although granite countertops continue to be the most popular choice in the kitchen, marble is also a great option if you seek an all-natural stone option. One of the biggest deterrents to using marble as a countertop material is…
So you’re planning for a renovation — congratulations! You’re probably up to your neck in sketches, plans, samples, swatches and other necessary materials. But before you proceed with the actual work, make sure you accomplish this crucial first step:…
A DIYer without tools is like an artist without a paintbrush; a writer without a pencil; a blogger without a computer — well, you get my drift. The importance of tools to home improvement projects is undeniable, but the…
Oh, what a happy day it was when I stumbled across Amy Devers’ new “Hands On” column for ReadyMade magazine. As she guided a couple of Brooklynites on hanging art and pictures on a seemingly impervious concrete wall, I…
What better way to celebrate the crisp weather of fall — especially those delightfully chilly evenings — than with a backyard fire pit? And thanks to a DIY version featured in this month’s Fresh Home magazine, you can be…
You already know that, just a few years ago, I was woefully ignorant when it came to lighting. I existed solely on pre-installed overhead lights, relishing a soft, ambient glow only when the Christmas tree was lit. I’ve now…
I’ve always loved things that glow in the dark. As a kid, my ceiling was peppered with stick-on stars and planets, transforming my room into a veritable planetarium. And now, I’ve got a small glow in the dark skull…
Like it or not, the holidays will be here before we know it! If you prefer to channel your inner Clark Griswold with an over-the-top holiday lighting display (or simply want to troubleshoot your existing electrical devices), the new…
Painted stripes have a transformative power. Wide, colorful stripes add a bit of whimsy to a room, while narrow, more muted lines exude a certain sophistication. Yet when it comes to actually painting stripes, the precision work can often…
Has your drill seen better days? This month, take your well-worn tool to your nearest Home Depot location for recycling (battery, too). The recycling event runs through October 27, during which Home Depot recycles drills using an environmentally safe…
Mary Ellen Carroll’s new conceptual art installation, “Prototype 180,” sounds simple enough: she’s flipping a house 180 degrees. Yet as is the case with most conceptual art installations, a seemingly simple project or concept is so much more complex…
During this morning’s perusal of ApartmentTherapy, I stumbled across a fantastic idea: combining gleaming white subway tile with dark grout to create a vivid yet polished contrast. I love the way the grout makes the tiles pop — this…
If you live in a home built before World War II, chances are that you have plaster walls. If you’re considering painting your walls a new color, or simply refreshing the existing hue, here are some tips to help…
That’s right — now, your furnace can whistle while it works! Or, rather, doesn’t work, as the furnace filter whistle emits noise when your furnace filter is 50 percent clogged. Knowing when to change your furnace filter can go…
The brilliant minds at Lifehacker are back with their “Best Things To Buy” list, and this month, kitchen appliances are one of the featured items. Much like clothing and other stores swap out seasonal merchandise, appliance stores are trying…
This year’s most popular environmentally friendly project? Window replacements, according to a study published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. The study surveyed service professionals in the top 50 markets as ranked by the U.S. Census…
The majority of homeowners use a forced-air system to provide heating and cooling. Yet more and more are turning to radiant heat for several reasons, including its superior heating power, energy efficiency and, in the long-term, reduced energy costs.…
I can’t get enough of unconventional materials used in a DIY project, or even ordinary objects used in extraordinary ways. My latest inspiration? Flooring created from pennies. What a brilliant way to use something that is really kinda worthless.…
If you’re DIYing on a budget, it’s all about making thoughtful decisions that will enhance a room without leaving you penniless. Making a few lighting changes, especially if you find yourself in a small space, can go a long…
Installing smoke alarms throughout your home — and keeping them in proper working condition — is one of the most important things you can do to protect your family and pets. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly…
I can’t believe how fast 2010 is flying by, but October is here — and at Charles & Hudson, that means the spotlight centers on all things green building. Green building, an all-encompassing terms that includes both environmentally friendly…
This weekend kicks off Kansas City’s annual Parade of Homes, a two-week tour that features 199 homes throughout the metropolitan area. Homes tours such as the Parade of Homes are generally geared toward prospective buyers, but can also be…
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,”…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…