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A “Young House Love” Affair

Sherry, John and Clara Petersik of Young House Love

Sherry, John, and Clara of Young House Love

Sherry Petersik is glowing. Her husband John is nearby. Baby Clara, one of the cutest child co-stars of the blogging world, is still sleeping. Since these passionate DIYers usually tackle their projects while their child is sleeping, chances are Sherry is spattered with paint and John is covered with grout.

These lovestruck and talented power bloggers chronicle daily life at Young House Love and relish the afterglow of a challenging, down-and-dirty home renovation project. While many large-scale undertakings have their definite nerve-wracking spousal-patience-trying moments, in the long haul the young marrieds are blissfully committed in sickness, health, DIY success or disaster.

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Builders’ Show, Day Three

Today is my third and last day at the Builder’s Show in Orlando, and while I have a bit of “building product” overload, I still managed to find some new products that proved unexpected, smart and “green.”

Jeld Wen, manufacturers of quality wood doors and windows, stopped me in my tracks with this copper-clad double hung window.  Part of the company’s custom program, the window can be made in a variety of interior woods—pine, knotty alder, douglas fir, mahogany, oak, walnut and cherry—or any one of 41 clad exterior colors.  My vote is for the copper!

Jeld Wen Copper Clad Wood Window

Jeld Wen Copper Clad Wood WIndow

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Builders’ Show, Day Two

Owens Corning Panther

Owens-Corning Panther

Day two at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando turned up some more great introductions. I started the day tailing the Owens Corning Panther (no kidding!) before ending up with the team from HGTVremodels at the Cool Energy House in Windemere, FL—a deep-energy retrofit demonstration house that will save more than an estimated 50% in total energy costs. Here are some of the discoveries sandwiched in between.

Trex showcased a variety of new offerings, from stair and railing lighting to outdoor furniture collections (all flat-shipped for RTA). Another new introduction: a new steel deck framing system called Elevations.

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Opening Day at the Builders’ Show

Builders' Show - Bob Vila

Bob Vila at the International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, FL today.

What’s new at this year’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando, FL? Bob Vila for one. After a five year absence Bob returned to the show to see what new products and innovations are influencing building today, and to kick off the first of the IBS Live events scheduled for the show. He spoke to an engaged audience about current trends in housing and the need to build homes that are smaller, smarter, greener and healthier.

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2020 Alton Road: Prime “Green” in Colorful Miami Beach

2020 Alton Road

The super green home-to-be at 2020 Alton Road rises nearly 32’ from the ground. With a redesigned property wall and lush landscaping to come, this home site is certain to inspire major curb lust!

At 2020 Alton Road, a home on track to be Miami Beach’s first LEED Platinum residence is steadfastly taking shape. Much progress has been made since our last post, and general contractor Robert Arkin, a partner with Florida Green Home Design Group (FGHDG), confirms that the five-bedroom, five-bathroom eco-luxury residence is on schedule for completion this spring. As of February 1st, the project was tracking 108 LEED points. The entire concrete footprint has already been poured; metal furring defines the interior floor plan; and the supply and return air-distribution ductwork, which ensures a constant flow of fresh air throughout the house, is in place. Next up is electrical work and the installation of Icynene spray foam insulation, geothermal units, and mold-resistant drywall.

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How To: Choose the Right Furnace Filter

Furnace Filter

As far as home improvement gear goes, furnace filters are admittedly among the least, um… exciting. There’s none of the danger and raw efficacy of power tools, none of the visual impact of perfectly mitered crown molding, and certainly none of the reassurance that accompanies big investments like new windows or new roofing.

But there can be big impact even in little things, and finding the right furnace filter can not only save money, but also improve air quality. Originally, filters were designed to protect the moving parts of the furnace itself, but thanks to technological advancements, filters now prevent harmful particles from cycling back into the air that you breathe at home.

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Man Cave Must-Haves

Man Cave - Debbie Wiener

Man Cave designed by Debbie Wiener

As this post publishes, Superbowl XLVI is 1 day, 16 hours, 16 minutes and …45…44…43 seconds from kick-off—at least according to the official countdown clock on the NFL site. If you are not one of the 63,000 lucky fans who will be cheering their team to glory at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, you will surely be catching the game with friends at a Superbowl party, sports bar, or from the comfort of home.

If the comfort of your home happens not to be on par with the “man cave” above (from interior designer Debbie Wiener), check out our top five “Man Cave Must-Haves!”

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What Do You Say to a Naked Ceiling? Remodel.

It started with a casual stare. Then I gave my kitchen ceiling a withering glance and declared it dreadful! The kitchen actually changes elevation over the cooktop from a flat to a peaked ceiling so the transition that should have been an eye-catcher, was actually an eye-sore. I knew a ceiling remodel was in order.

A fresh coat of paint would certainly be an easy solution to conceal the nasty, discolored wallboard. But, I wanted the ceiling to be more important. Perhaps even a different material… like the wood plank ceilings that I remember seeing in European homes. And that’s exactly what I decided to do.

I live in the land of pecky cypress (Georgia) and wanted to adorn the ceiling with a local wood that looked like it had always been part of the house. Finding rough sawn cypress was not a problem, though it was disappointing to discover that much of the knotty character would be lost when planed into tongue-and-groove planks.

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Bob Vila’s “Love Your Laundry Room” Sweepstakes

Bob Vila's "Love Your Laundry Room" Sweepstakes

Finding it hard to believe that you could “Love your Laundry Room”?  Well, this Maytag duo featuring the new Bravos XL High Efficiency washer and dryer could change your way of thinking.  And, all you need to do to bring the pair home is enter for a chance to win the February Bob Vila “Love Your Laundry Room” Sweepstakes, starting today.

The Maytag Bravos XL High Efficiency washer and dryer are each valued at $1,199 (MSRP) and come in either white or granite, shown. The large capacity 7.3 cu. ft. dryer features an advanced moisture sensing system that helps evenly dry large, heavy loads and reduce the risk of shrinking. An Auto Refresh cycle aids in relaxing wrinkles and uses steam to refresh clothes.
Maytag Bravos XL High Efficiency
The companion 4.6 cu. ft. Maytag Bravos XL washer has an allergen removal cycle that helps eliminate 95 percent of common household allergens, and boasts a PowerWash system that tackles even the toughest of stains.

In addition to their sleek, modern design and advanced cleaning and drying features, the Maytag Bravos XL products are designed for savings. The dryer uses 40 percent less energy than standard models when used with the washer uses 76 percent less water and 78 percent less energy.

For official rules and entry, click here.  And, enter daily—until midnight EST, February 29—to be eligible to win this American-designed, American-made washer and dryer from Maytag.

To learn more about the Bravos XL and complete line of company products, visit Maytag.


5 (Nearly) Kill-Proof Houseplants

Usingaloevera.com Aloe Vera

Photo: usingaloevera.com

Bringing a plant into your home doesn’t just enhance your décor but it will actually help purify the air in your dwelling. Sure we’ve all had that one bad experience with some plant we picked up from the grocery store that quickly turned into a wilting mess. But don’t be intimidated by past failures, here are five nearly kill-proof house plants with care tips from Dr. Neil Mattson, Assistant Professor of Floriculture Extension in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. Keep in mind that according to Dr. Mattson, “It’s amazing what plants can survive.”

Slideshow: 5 (Nearly) Kill-Proof Houseplants

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