We’ve talked before about the “man cave” as the ultimate dude space for guys and their buddies to do man things together. But we’d like to propose the flip side to that coin — specifically, the mom cave. In…
One our favorite events on the home design and remodeling tradeshow circuit is the National Hardware Show. Next week it kicks off in Vegas and organizers say this should be one of the biggest shows to date. They describe…
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…
If you’re a true Matthew Gray Gubler fan you’ll know one of his favorite movies is Home Alone. Do you think he should buy this house and create his own house of horrors? We’re sure he could top what…
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…
Now that spring has (hypothetically in some areas) sprung, you might find yourself looking about your abode wanting to spruce things up a bit. The same old decor can feel boring and depressing after a long winter for sure,…
We’re the first to admit that we have a small obsession with wallpapered ceilings. From the seemingly impossible task of hanging the paper, to the cool effects you can create, to the quick-fix change it can add to a…
As a Housing major and a Design Studies minor, I was intimidated by the job market. I knew that Interior Design majors would have more to offer than I would. My job search started in November and I realized…
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…
We go through a lot of doormats at our house. Between the weather, outside animals, and the occassional vandal, doormats seem to be something we are always putting on the supplies list. This means we often settle for the…
Porter-Cable is now offering a small angle metal grinder that also functions as a metal cutter. Other applications include cleaning and finishing surfaces and tuckpointing. Features The grinder has a powerful 6 amp motor that specs at 11,000 RPM.…
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,…
If you’re a fan of the DeWALT brand of power tools, we’ve got big news for you. DeWALT hand tools are now available and they haven’t just released a tape measure and wrench but they’ve identified more than 100…
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…
As the popularity of impact drivers grows, so does the demand for products that fit a need and help solve a problem. Welcome the DeWALT Impact Clutch accessory holder. This DeWALT exclusive product is the first of its kind…
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) was great this year! Beyond seeing some unique products from the top manufacturers in the country, we spoke to a lot of designers and bloggers who provided us with some real insight…
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…
Unless you’ve been hiding out in a bomb shelter in fear of Cold War nuclear attacks, you’d know the biggest possibly-irrational fear in the post-modern world is the zombie apocalypse. From TV shows to survival guides to the actual…
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…
The biggest three days in the kitchen and bath universe have started at the convention center in Las Vegas with the kickoff of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show which is known as KBIS. All the big brands are…
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…
For a multitude of reasons, not everyone can plant a traditional garden. Maybe you live in an apartment or condo where green space is sparse and not really yours to dig up. Perhaps your soil is inhospitable to anything…
We’re headed to Las Vegas for the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) which is the largest kitchen and bath trade show in the country. There are enough sinks, cabinets and appliances to make your head spin. You can…
This year our intern, Lauren Chorpening of Iowa State University, had a unique opportunity to visit the Meredith office of ReadyMade in Des Moines, Iowa which isn’t far from her campus in Ames. She received a guide behind-the-scenes tour…
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…
The seated mowers you see at your home center with two handles facing each other are zero-turn lawn mowers. The popularity of zero-turn mowers continues to rise as homeowners become more educated to how they function and how to…
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…
We stumbled upon this little interesting little tidbit stemming from this year’s CES and thought we’d share with you: how’d you like a pet robot dinosaur as your home security? Back in 2002, Japanese robotics company TMSUK developed the…
The FBI has cataloged the areas of entry that burglars will target into a home. Take these statistics and protect your home accordingly. 81 percent of residential intrusions occur through the first floor. 34 percent of burglars entered through…
It’s the season to start thinking about your lawn and getting it back into shape for summer. It’s possible that weeds have taken root and infiltrated much of your yard. If you’re not high on chemicals and toxic weed…
As you very well may already know, April 22nd is Earth Day, and this year more companies than ever are joining in the effort to help green our planet. One of the most interesting concepts we’ve seen is the…
It’s great to see new ventures in shelter publishing and when established print publisher Meredith announced they were joining up with digital magazine Lonny to create Trad Home, the design world took notice. After two splashy launch parties in…
We recently had the pleasure of attending a wedding party at Sandy Valley Ranch located 45 minutes from Las Vegas. You can play cowboy for a day like City Slickers but we really enjoy visiting all the animals. They’ve…
We ordered our MACE pepper spray gun last month and finally got around to testing it. Included in the package is the gun, one canister of pepper spray, and one canister of water loaded for testing. The gun feels…
The spring season brings on a transition for many people. More families move in the spring than any other season and in May, many college students move from their school time residences to back home. Packing up everything you…
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…
Our intern this year, Lauren, is a design student at Iowa State University and she’s done a tremendous job working with us to improve and grow all facets of Charles & Hudson. Lauren lives in student housing (dorms) like…
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…
People often think home security systems are only useful when they’re not at home — say, going on vacation or even just the day-to-day of going to work, driving the kids around, eating out and the like. But home…
We’ve all been through the same process — you want to change the color of a room, but you’re not sure which shade to pick, or how it will look in daylight versus at night. You don’t want to…
While walking the Passive House in February, we couldn’t help but notice the decor choices made for the ultimate eco-friendly home. From the flooring choices to furniture, accessories, color schemes, and textures, we were taken with how incredibly discerning…
We received a request last week to take a look at a new product in work safety and we’re glad we did. We feel these Combo Glasses that combine sight and hearing protection in one product will hopefully become…
Home security camera systems don’t have to be outside your budget. For $300 you can pick up this system from Logitech that is easy to setup and provides many of the features you’d find on a security system many…
Wood butcher block countertops have become a popular choice in kitchen countertops. They give any kitchen a rustic farmhouse look but can also be gussied up with the right hardware to be modern and hip. The problem with any…
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…
Here in the Ohio contingent of Charles & Hudson, we’re looking at rehabbing both our front and back yards — because in a former life they were actually small urban farms instead of lush green space. While we’re all…
Spring has officially arrived and it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll care for your lawn. Should you stick with your loud and dirty gas-powered mower or would you considered a cleaner alternative? This weeks Giveaway is a…
Stud sensors are a bit of modern day magic that don’t cost much and make a world of difference in time and accuracy. Gone are the days of counting inches from studs on center or tapping against walls to…
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’re launching a new series profiling the workshops of our friends, families, readers and other home improvement and tool bloggers. We’re hoping these profiles of Winning Workshops inspire some ideas for you to apply to your own workspace as…
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…
Remember the stackable and sturdy sawhorse project we built a few months ago? We painted them gold and entered it into the ReadyMade 100 contest. We just got word a couple days ago that our project was selected as…
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…
Theresa and Mark Clement of the popular Do-It-Yourself radio show and website, MyFixItUpLife, see a lot of each other. Partners as a married couple and in business they work with each other on many more levels and with many…
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…
A fireplace is the focal point of a living room, so it’s important to have something that doesn’t make you recoil every time it catches your eye. My friends Heather and Neil had this unfortunate reaction when they moved…
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…
We haven’t used a phone book in years but obviously some people still do as we receive them on our doorstep every six months or so. It’s one of the largest wastes of paper if you don’t recycle them…