When we moved into our first house a month before the holidays, we were overjoyed to later receive gracious amounts of basic (and not-so-basic) tools and accessories from our famliy to help with our renovation plans. And while those…
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Colder months typically bring increased concerns about energy costs, which can vary widely depending on your heating source. The good news? There are two small things you can do to help prevent energy leaks, meaning you’ll rack up noticeable…
We here at Charles & Hudson are always looking for ways to be as green as possible in our everyday choices, as well as be as economical as possible too. So when it was time to replace our old…
Last week, I had the great fortune of traveling to New York City for the debut of Lowe’s expanded Kobalt Tools line. Although the home improvement giant has offered Kobalt tools for years (Kobalt started in 1998 as a…
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks around here, but we’re finally ready to pull the cover off our new project, Built by Kids! We launched the site on Labor Day and the next day my wife Laura went…
During a rainy Saturday morning last weekend, my husband and I found ourselves at the hardware store to stock up on picture- and art-hanging supplies, as well as a masonry bit and, the motherlode of all finds – a…
File this one under “simply amazing.” Artist Jonathan Brechignac has undertaken an incredibly ambitious project. He’s spent more than a year creating carpet for his home using a Biro pencil. That’s right — a pencil! I learned about the…
While perusing our local Home Depot for some fall project items, we found ourselves eyeballing the countertop selection. We’re not really in the market for a new countertop, but we like to keep tabs on what’s available through the…
When it comes to winterizing and weatherproofing, some simple materials can make a big difference in your home’s interior temperature — and help you conserve energy, too. Maybe you have drafty windows and can’t afford to replace them. Or,…
I’ve often shared my love for my Ford F150 and apparently I’m not alone. I took a quick survey of fellow tool bloggers who were more than eager to share their trucks with me and how they felt about…
This past weekend we had the chance to check out our city’s monthly summer Really Really Free Market — as in, yes, everything really, really is free — and we’re digging this latest urban trend. Really Really Free Markets…
Building something or finishing a project is all about creating a solution. So when we stumbled across Down East Doormats, which use the basic design of a doormat to solve an ongoing problem, we didn’t hesitate to share this…
Growing up, I was quite the tomboy. And looking back at my preferred toys, it’s no surprise that I now write about home improvement and DIY. Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, blocks and a pint-sized tool kit topped my list…
My daughter will be turning one here at the end of August, and as a child always in the 95th percentile of growth with no sign of slowing down, I know her babyhood is quickly ending while her toddlerhood…
If you want to lower your energy costs and make your home more energy-efficient, there are a lot of little steps you can take: switching to CFLs, installing a programmable thermostat and switching to low-flow faucets, for example. Yet…
The pinnacle for any DIYer? Building a house! If you’re intimidated by the process, we’ve got a simpler version for you to try. The Tata Group has created a $720 flatpack home that can be built in a week…
If you’re eager to make your home more energy-efficient, one of the best things you can do is install a programmable thermostat, which will help keep the temperature in your home more consistent, and is more reliable than an…
There are only so many episodes of home renovation shows you can watch before you get the itch to get your hands dirty. However for most of us, we didn’t grow up with tools in one hand, climbing scaffolding…
We often talk about small spaces here at C&H: how to make a small space feel larger, how to maximize limited square footage and other similar topics. But how small is too small? We stumbled across pictures of the…
Tomorrow marks the official arrival of summer, although if it’s been as hot where you are as it’s been in Kansas City, your air conditioner has already received quite the workout! With air conditioners, fans and appliances working overtime…
Today we are continuing our Window Wisdom series, sponsored by Marvin Windows and Doors, by sharing our window buying guide. Last week we showed you how to evaluate the current state of your windows by performing a window audit,…
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 week we’re introducing a 3-part series called Window Wisdom, sponsored by Marvin Windows and Doors, where we will take an in depth look at the world of windows. In our modern day, windows are often taken for granted…
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…
From foliage to roughage, a well-tended garden can boost your home’s curb appeal, cut your grocery bill, and help you be more environmentally friendly all in one swoop. But if you’re like us, finding the time to garden between…
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…
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…
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,…
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 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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
In February we were invited to the Passive House in Yellow Springs, Ohio’s open house. Hosted by both the new owners and the building company, the event was a casual, yet incredibly informative adventure. The people at Green Generation…
Quick poll: Does anyone still use cookbooks? With smartphones and tablets becoming increasingly popular, recipe apps may be the way to go. (Confession? I have numerous cookbooks. And I use them. A lot.) While browsing the blogosphere, we stumbled…
Bamboo has long been praised for its speedy growth time, ability to thrive without pesticides and its long-lasting, sustainable nature. From flooring to fabric, bamboo has become a go-to eco-friendly material whose versatile nature makes it ideal for a…
You may have noticed that we’ve got a case of spring fever here at C&H. In much of the country, however, warmer temperatures also bring a higher threat of severe weather. Although tornadoes tend to peak during the spring…
We’ve talked about energy audits before here at C&H–they’re a great option if you want to gauge your home’s energy efficiency. Audits also provide an ideal starting point if you’re planning on making your abode more eco-friendly. Energy audits…
Cabinets are a large part of any kitchen renovation and make up a good portion of the budget. That means when you’re opting for a green reno, getting eco friendly cabinets scores big in the environmental department. What Is…
Painting building roofs white is a movement that’s slowly catching on in big cities. A light-colored roof reflects light, rather than absorbing it, a function that can significantly reduce energy costs. And when air conditioning use is decreased, the…
The U.S. is in the middle of a boom–or, should we say, a boomer. The nation’s baby boomer generation is now turning 65 in record numbers; nearly 7,000 a day. This generational milestone not only has repercussions on the…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
We’ve been avid fans of green building blog Jetson Green for a few years and it’s been great to see the site grow in popularity and influence. Founder, Preston Koerner, has always maintained a unique editorial voice that may…
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…
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…
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…
These prefab getaways are easy to setup and eco-friendly.…
In today’s downturned economy, it can seem nearly impossible to find somewhere to live where there are jobs, affordable housing, and banks willing to approve a loan. If you’re not lucky enough to live in one of the most…
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…
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…
We were looking forward to checking out the AirRenew Gypsum Board from CertainTeed at Greenbuild this year and had an opportunity to speak with Ashwin Himat of CertainTeed about the board. Here’s what he had to say about the…
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…
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…
Greenbuild 2010 takes over Chicago this week and we’ll be on the ground covering it from top to bottom. Colin Powell kicks off the conference and tradeshow as the featured keynote speaker and there will be over 1,000 manufacturers…
Regardless of where you stand politically, we think everyone can agree that campaign yard signs are an eyesore, especially after election day. They remain long after the ballots have been counted, sometimes lasting until spring elections. They get dirty…
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…
Are you looking to give your shutters, doors or wooden furniture a timeworn, antique look? Pass over those “crackle” paints that promise fancy results and give off chemicals with even fancier names. Try milk paint for a green alternative…
There’s a real-life green building trend coming to life in the Miami Valley. A brand-new local green construction company, Generation Green Building, is in the process of constructing Ohio’s first Passive House. According to the website, The Yellow Springs…
Water on the outside of your pipes is always a bad sign. But before you dread a sizable plumbing bill or dig out your soldering kit, think about this – you may have sweating pipes instead of leaking pipes.…
We’re looking for a motivated, blog-savvy, college student who enjoys all things DIY and has a strong interest in remodeling, green building, tools or home design. Internship responsibilities may include but not be limited to research, blog management, outreach,…
You know the spot. That small gap between the tub and bathroom tile is where grime and other unmentionables collect. Hard to clean and at times downright ugly, this spot screams to be filled with a water resistant sealer.…
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…
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…
We heard a few months back that This Old House was searching for a project in the Los Angeles area. They’ve finally found one and have wasted little time in getting work started. For this project, This Old House…
At least one Chinese producer of drywall has agree to fund home repairs in response to the lawsuit of toxic drywall poisoning people and their homes. From CNN: A company that imported Chinese-made drywall that American homeowners complained made…
Think about how warm and cozy that wool sweater keeps you in the middle of winter. Now imagine how comfortable you would be if your home had a layer of wool to protect it. With sheep wool insulation –…
As a former skater and current snowboarder/surfer/paddle boarder, FUEL TV was made for me and has been a guilty pleasure of mine since it debuted. I’ve still got stacks of snowboarding and skate videos on VHS and would watch…
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…
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…