We’ve already talked briefly about cork floors here at C&H. They’re an especially good option for your kitchen because they provide a softer, more shock absorbent surface that’s ideal if you find yourself standing for long periods of time.…
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Design
The NightWatcher is an outdoor security lighting system that separates itself from the pack of other security lighting systems because it not only turns on when it sense motion, but it will also track an intruders motion within it’s…
In the market for new stuff? There’s usually an ideal time to buy larger items like cars, electronics and appliances. During the first part of the year, be on the lookout for deals on outdoor items such as furniture…
After attending last week’s SURFACES flooring show in Las Vegas, we’ve got floors on the brain! One of the surprising facts we learned while at the show is despite flooring’s cost (it’s likely one of the most expensive purchases…
This inexpensive and easy to do project that can create a dramatic centerpiece to your table or outdoor area. It’s also a great conversation piece as no two will be the same and the oak wine barrel staves will…
Snow shovels should be included in a list of mandatory emergency equipment for your car if you live in an area prone to snow storms. Don’t lug around your home shovel as it’s too big and unwieldy to use…
With winter still in full force across most of the country, many of us are looking for more efficient, less arduous ways to dig ourselves out from the piles of white Mother Nature has gifted us than your traditional…
When we bought our house in 2007, we did it fully intending to renovate it from top to bottom. We looked at the modestly-sized home for its bones, and were sold on the fact that most of the major…
Is it a flying saucer? It certainly could pass for one if elevated and at a distance. The Moen Envi fixed rain showerhead is a beautiful design that instantly becomes the centerpiece of any bath. The showerhead is huge…
Today we had a unique opportunity to tour the This Old House Los Angeles House Project. It’s the first house project that This Old House has taken on in LA. Hard to believe since they’ve been at it for…
We just reviewed the Dremel Multi-Max oscillating tool and fortunately we also had a full-set of Bosch oscillating multi-tool attachments to test it with as the Dremel was scarce on included attachments. Bosch has their own line of 12V…
We’re super fans of oscillating tools and when we had the opportunity to review the Dremel Multi-Max we jumped at the chance. Hits: Variable speed and power Misses: Not enough attachments included Uses: Cutting, Sanding, Grinding As with the…
So you’re ready to start that big renovation project — a new kitchen, an updated bathroom, or maybe even an entire house! Before you install the new, you’ve got to take care of the old. In the past, the…
If you’re looking for a keyless-entry solution for your home or office but are concerned about electrical failures locking you in or out, we have quite the gadget for you. Korean designer Jaeseok Han has masterfully married the basic…
Paint is an incredibly versatile medium, but you can also change the look (and functionality) of a wall without it. Common household items can do double-duty, so if you’re looking to update a room, consider these ideas. * Adhesive…
Because cold winter months prompt increased heat usage, it’s no surprise that home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning tend to spike during the season. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and United States Fire Administration have issued a home…
One of the most brilliant modern day conveniences is radiant heat flooring. The demand for this feature is becoming stronger each year and not only are people installing it in kitchens but its becoming more popular in common areas…
Whether it’s a closet-like powder room or a pint-sized full bath, dealing with a small bathroom can be a headache when it comes to design and functionality. If you’ve been suffering from small bathroom-itis, fear not. We’ve got some…
If you’re looking for something bold to help you reinvent a room this year, try thinking beyond your basic solutions with paint. For 2011, wallpaper is where it’s at — and not just for accent walls, either. Here are…
While we’re busy waiting for flying cars and self-cleaning refrigerators, the masterminds at Apple may already be transforming home security. The tech behemoth was granted more than 550 patents in 2010, and although specific products haven’t yet been announced,…
At the Builders Show this year, Sherwin Williams debuted some new interior colors but in a more innovative way than just sharing a bunch of swatches and samples. They’ve curated a lookbook that contains four palettes of up to…
Here at C&H, we’re big fans of reading. And that means we’re always on the lookout for great bookshelf projects. Adding built-in bookshelves to your home is an ideal way to increase your storage/display capacity. And those one-of-a-kind architectural…
We’ve previously talked about what you should consider before getting a guard dog for your home. But were you aware that there’s a camp of thought that uses the illusion of dog ownership as a home burglary deterrent? The…
As you probably already know, we have an unbridled love affair here at Charles & Hudson with spray paint. So imagine our glee when we found this project at ECABonline.com, in which Elizabeth DIYed a vintage, leaded-glass window pane…
During the colder months, it’s hard to envision lazy summer days spent outside, lounging on outdoor furniture with a book (or your latest DIY to-do list.) We’ll help chase away the winter blues with a suggestion on an outdoor…
The devil really is in the details. A lot of DIYers (us included) get caught up in the big projects: new tile, a kitchen demo, painting, installing hardwood floors, etc. Yet if your hands are itching for a project…
Universal design continues to influence product design and this years Builders Show was no different. We saw a number of great products but one of our favorites was the Elevance Bathtub from Kohler. Unlike other universal design bathtubs the…
Word on the street is that Stanley Black & Decker is selling Delta Machinery to an undisclosed buyer and for an undisclosed amount. Delta Machinery is still listed on the Black & Decker website so the sale isn’t complete…
In a climate like Western Washington people are often wondering how to find house painters who can deal with wet wood and surfaces. Seattle is one of the wettest areas in the country you need to make sure your…
The 2011 Builders Show was held in Orlando Florida this year and although it is still much smaller than it has been in years past it was about the same size as the show in Las Vegas last year…
At the Builders Show we asked all of the elevator pitchmen to give us their best elevator pitch, some declined but these guys stepped up to the plate and we’ll let you decide who won the Battle of the…
The great thing about a kitchen is, like other rooms in the house, you can make a dramatic new impact with just a couple of changes. Painting or refinishing cabinets is one such project. Heck, even swapping out the…
This post comes to you courtesy of the “warm fuzzies” department. Habitat for Humanity, one of the more recognized philanthropic organizations in the world, has long been known for its ongoing contribution to the homebuilding industry and those in…
Stiletto Tools continues to innovate and the Stiletto Trimbone Hammer is their latest masterpiece. It’s Stiletto Tools first trim hammer and it’s DNA is straight from their iconic titanium Tibone hammer. The Stiletto Trimbone has quite a few new…
A new year — it’s a ripe time for trend forecasts as experts look to the coming months to predict what consumers want. And the paint industry is no exception. As posted by the Paint and Coatings Industry, the…
The bathroom is, arguably, one of the most important rooms in the home–and certainly the most personal. Whether your bathroom style is modern, classic, minimalist or spa-like, selecting the ideal fixtures, components and decor can go a long way…
Brick, like wood trim and other architectural details, is one of those materials that draws strongly opposed crowds when it comes to painting … or preserving. If your brick isn’t in prime condition or you’re eager for a new…
In sociology, there’s a school of thought that defines urban areas into circular zones. There’s the center-most, financial center of a city, then outwards from the center (much like rings on a tree) the zones are defined by the…
When working with electricity, caution is imperative. It’s ideal to turn off the power source at the breaker box, if applicable, so you can ensure that no lingering electricity can harm you during a project. Two factors to consider…
As your tool collection grows, you may find yourself with too many tools–and not enough space in which to store them. Sure, a tool box or tool cabinet is a great way to keep your collection organized, but if…
We’re still at that point in early January when the new year seems to stretch ahead, a blank canvas waiting to be filled with our enviable endeavors. Maybe you’ve made some DIY resolutions and are planning a major renovation…
They say that your home is your sanctuary, so it only makes sense that your space reflect your interests, tastes and, in the case of at-home saunas, your leisure preferences. What may sound like a frivolous addition to some…
Keeping a chainsaw sharp is typically not a top priority when it comes to tool maintenance since most of us only use our chainsaw on the rare occasion that we need to trim large branches or clear fallen debris.…
Sears Kenmore will introduce a trio of new products at CES this year. These products are winners of the 2011 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards as well as a Best of Innovations honoree in the Major Home Appliances category.…
Back in the fall we shared with you the first Passive House in Ohio. Recently, after news that the house had been successfully completed and sold, we were able to sit down with Green Generations’ President Andrew Kline to…
Baseboard moldings are one of those thoughtful touches that polish a room and add just enough architectural aesthetic to make things interesting. Yet depending on your home, you may find yourself with small baseboard moldings that only protrude an…
No longer a dream, transparent concrete is for real and is now being used as a building material. The Italian firm, Italcementi Group, unveiled their product which was built into the World Expo building in Shanghai. There are approximately…
We’ve said it once, we’ll say it again: every successful renovation starts with a healthy dose of planning. Whether you prefer the structured approach of a workbook or something a little more free, making sketches and taking notes are…
Some words of wisdom about fixed prices from a contractor abroad for work order changes. I was recently asked to quote for and subsequently do a fairly small job – cosmetically tidying up a basement – building a wall…
These were the most popular articles on Charles & Hudson in 2010. Take a look! Rough Cut Woodworking with Tommy Mac 3D Virtual Room Planning Tools Tips to DIY While Pregnant 5 Ways to Make Shade DIY Concrete Countertops…
We welcomed 2011 with family, friends and a trip to the Nevada desert and a night in Las Vegas. We’re sharing our travel tips and a few photos from the weekend. Las Vegas Travel Tips 1. To avoid the…
The recent tragic deaths of five Florida teenagers is a stark reminder of how dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning can be and how important the need for carbon monoxide monitors is. The colorless, odorless gas can be emitted from a…
2010 has been a whirlwind at Charles & Hudson. We kicked off the year at the Builder’s Show and also attended the National Hardware Show and Greenbuild Expo. But our favorite events of the year were presented by retailers…
A hot, steamy shower on a cold morning — it’s one of life’s little pleasures, right? Yet there is a downside to the at-home indulgence. Excess moisture created by the steam can wreak havoc on your bathroom, warping wood…
Beyond the magnificent temples and shrines of Kyoto, Japan, you’ll find the headquarters of Kyoto Tools (KTC). They are the premier tool company in Japan and their quality is world renown. KTC was founded in 1950 by three craftsman…
If you have a fireplace, you’re probably used to saving stacks of old newspaper to use as kindling. With a couple of days and a handful of materials, you can also transform newspaper into a fireplace log that can…
Now that Christmas has come and gone, you might have a shiny new electronics gadget — and an old one that’s in need of disposal. Instead of tossing it in the trash, consider one of several recycling options. The…
Wishing you all good cheer this holiday season…
We recently returned from a few days in Japan visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and few towns in between. As steeped in tradition Japan is, they are also very progressive on some fronts and one of them is recycling. There must…
You have your plans all set for your next DIY project — tools borrowed, paint purchased, time set aside — and tragedy strikes. You hurt yourself, and not in a way that some hydrogen peroxide and a Band-Aid can…
Automatic floodlights are one of the best investments for home security as they’re active 24/7 and cost very little to install and maintain. Home Depot offers a few options in the PAR38 standard floodlight size from Halogens, CFL’s and…
Yep, you read that right — for just over $1,200, a hand-powered table saw can be yours! The Jointmaker Pro v2, created by Bridge City Toolworks, “is a hybrid device, a hand saw that employs custom Japanese saw blades…
One of the greatest things about DIY projects in your homes is that rooms are a blank canvas. Sure, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind, such as budget, skill, time, etc., but when faced with redoing…
Believe it or not, the kitchen is one of the safest places in which to store valuables while you’re away from home. According to a post by Lifehacker, the kitchen is often overlooked in favor of other rooms such…
A coat of paint here, a new faucet there — minor home improvement projects are relatively easy to tackle. But what about the big stuff? Maybe you want to install hardwood floors, or replace/update your kitchen cabinets, or re-tile…
We’ve arrived at one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. While you’re off enjoying a healthy dose of holiday merriment, take heed of some of our favorite home security tips to give you the peace of mind…
Although the troubled economy has curtailed many homeowners’ major renovation projects, that doesn’t mean remodeling work has come to a complete halt. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry released the results of a poll sent to top builders…
Just as vintage clothes can inject a dose of retro glamour into your wardrobe, vintage home furnishings, appliances and other items add a dose of timeless appeal to your interior. In the kitchen, vintage metal cabinets can be a…
Motion detectors are a popular choice for homeowners seeking additional security. They can be installed in a number of places, including throughout the exterior of your home to active floodlights. And thanks to improved technology, many motion detectors are…
If you have a multi-level house, chances are you’ll encounter the most common type of ceiling issue: drywall damage courtesy of water leaks. This problem has a number of causes, including water from an upstairs bathroom that overflows and…
Need a new furnace? Now is definitely the time to buy. An energy tax credit that gives a credit worth up to $1,500 for upgrading to an energy-efficient furnace expires on Dec. 31. Other energy-saving equipment is also eligible…
The new year is nearly upon us, and that means trend forecasts are being released on an almost daily basis. If you’re planning to update your kitchen in 2011, you may want to consider some of these current trends…
Yearning for seclusion? Don’t mind relocating to western Montana? Then we’ve got a deal for you! A piece of land once owned by Ted Kaczynski (better known as the Unabomber) is available for $69,500, a real steal since the…
Even if you aren’t doing the job yourself, you should take steps to prepare your home and household before a major renovation begins. Once contractors start running around your home and the demo starts, it’s often too late to…
Although we discussed how to prepare for an ice storm at the end of last week, an event in Kansas City this weekend reminded us that you simply can’t plan for freak accidents. After surpassing the 50-degree mark on…
Earlier this week, we tested the stain-fighting powers of The Home Depot’s Platinum Plus carpet. Next up? Martha Stewart Living carpet, available in 36 designs and four constructions. Martha Stewart’s products are known for being classy yet functional, and…
Given the endless amounts of CD-ROMs in the world today there is probably no reason ever to actually buy a set of coasters again. But the shinny discs have a couple of problems. First, these tend to stick to…
During the busy holiday season, you’re more than likely to find yourself entertaining at some point. But rather than struggling with some of the various side effects of playing host or hostess, we have some quirky tips on ways…
Pantone just revealed their Color of The Year for 2011 — Honeysuckle Pink. Per their press release: “While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday…
We recently discovered that there are few things more fun that getting to purposefully dump a bunch of liquids on an unsuspecting carpet sample. Home Depot sent us a couple of carpet swatches, each of which boasts stain-fighting technology,…