Rachel Elmkies

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A lover of all things related to home design, architecture, and city planning, Ms. Elmkies, a graduate of Hunter College with a degree in Urban Studies, formerly served as the Associate Editor of BobVila.com and now continues her career as an associate with The Center for New York City Neighborhoods. Rachel Elmkies on LinkedIn

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MARCH 5, 2015 | THURSDAY
Genius! DIY Portable Fire Pit

Karen loves fires—summer bonfires, barbecues, and winter evenings spent 'round the living room hearth. Even so, she'd hesitated to add a fire pit to her backyard patio. But when she saw a...

FEBRUARY 24, 2015 | TUESDAY
How To: Clean a Refrigerator

As the only home appliance to host a rotating population of mess-making foods, it's no wonder the refrigerator ranks as the quickest of all to get seriously grimy. Within only a week, spl...

FEBRUARY 2, 2015 | MONDAY
Quick Tip: Clean a Rug with Snow

[bobsays_inset]Before hauling your rug outside on a cold day after a snowstorm, first vacuum its front and back. Alternatively, shake the rug well, releasing all the loose dirt and debris...

JANUARY 14, 2015 | WEDNESDAY
Trading Places: 9 Reasons to Steal Furniture from Other Rooms

Furnishings are meant for one room, and one room only? Not even close! These multitaskers aren't ready to commit to a single space. In fact, swapping out between rooms creates a one-step ...

JANUARY 6, 2015 | TUESDAY
How To: Clean Stove Burners

We've all been there: It's the end of a long day, and rather than wipe up the splatters on the range, you decide the mess can linger for a day. A week later, you still haven't cleaned the...

JANUARY 5, 2015 | MONDAY
13 Ways to Restart Your Home for the New Year

If you're as weary of your home as you are of 2014, it might be time to shake up your space. Let's be honest: If we want changes to stick, we have to know ourselves. Be realistic about wh...

DECEMBER 9, 2014 | TUESDAY
Look Alive: 8 Ways to Make Your Fake Tree Fool Anyone

It's tempting to choose a fake tree over a real one. No more driving out in the snowy weather to load and carry a real fir home; no more mess of fallen needles to clean up even after you'...

DECEMBER 9, 2014 | TUESDAY
The Right Way to Clean a Toilet

A dreaded household chore, cleaning the toilet is the definition of dirty work. Mostly it's a matter of hygiene, but cleaning the toilet properly can also make the fixture last longer, pa...

OCTOBER 16, 2014 | THURSDAY
Hardware Store Decor: 9 Ways to Repurpose Tools

Tools were made to be used, even long after their heyday of tough DIY assignments has passed. Whether you've shelved your older tools for newer models or you've inherited an extra set, yo...

OCTOBER 1, 2014 | WEDNESDAY
The 10 Best Things to Buy Secondhand

You won’t always find the perfect antique side table or the china collection of your dreams on your flea market adventure. Even if you do, nearly every thrifted gem requires a little TLC....