About
Paul Rankin is a Scotland native now living in New York City. He started writing for BobVila.com in April 2021, focusing on buyer’s guides for the full range of tools, furniture, DIY supplies, and home and garden products that the Bob Vila team reviews. He has worked in the translation and localization industry for the past 10 years.
Experience
Paul has worked as a freelance translator since 2013, speaking French, Spanish, and English. Having traveled extensively, he has a huge interest in culturally specific design choices and lifestyles, and he uses this as inspiration when decorating his own small apartment in New York City.
Writing and editing for the Bob Vila team since April 2021, Paul has shifted his interest into the world of home DIY and is always plotting his next project while scouring thrift stores and record stores for the perfect find. When not working or redecorating, Paul plays cello and piano, and he is obsessed with Broadway shows.
Education
Paul completed a Master of Arts degree in international management and languages (French and Spanish) at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. He also completed a year abroad at Universidad Pontificia Comillas Business School in Madrid, Spain.
Highlights
- Specialties: Home decor, small apartment living, thrift and antique stores
- Education: Master of Arts in international management and languages from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland
Proudest DIY
Living in New York City, Paul’s shoebox apartment is too small for any reputable DIY projects. However, he does thrive when decorating his living space, and he can often be found browsing chic new paint colors at Lowe’s.
More from Paul Rankin
How to Install a Storm Door How to Install a Storm Door
By Donna Boyle Schwartz, Updated by Paul Rankin
October 21, 2024
How to Remove Rusted Screws How to Remove Rusted Screws
By Rick Muscoplat, Bob Vila, Updated by Paul Rankin
October 16, 2024
We Tested 2024’s Best Water Coolers, See Our Favorite Picks We Tested 2024’s Best Water Coolers, See Our Favorite Picks
By Jasmine Harding, Paul Rankin
October 15, 2024
5 Great Options for Laundry Room Flooring (and 3 Options to Skip) 5 Great Options for Laundry Room Flooring (and 3 Options to Skip)
By Manasa Reddigari, Bob Vila, Updated by Paul Rankin
October 1, 2024
Why Is My Toilet Hissing? Why Is My Toilet Hissing?
By Glenda Taylor, Bob Vila, Updated by Paul Rankin
September 19, 2024
Home Generator Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Backup Power Shipshape Home Generator Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Backup Power Shipshape
By Glenda Taylor, Updated by Paul Rankin
September 11, 2024
The Best Work Boots for Men and Women, Tested The Best Work Boots for Men and Women, Tested
By Glenda Taylor, Beth Cranston, Paul Rankin, Mark Wolfe
August 23, 2024
How to Get Rid of Flying Ants How to Get Rid of Flying Ants
By Bob Vila, Updated by Paul Rankin
August 22, 2024
Why Is My Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping? Why Is My Carbon Monoxide Detector Beeping?
By Tony Carrick, Updated by Paul Rankin
August 7, 2024
The Best Dryer Vent Cleaning Kits of 2024, Tested The Best Dryer Vent Cleaning Kits of 2024, Tested
By Paul Rankin, Becky Helzer, Michelle Larson, Kathleen Corlett, Kara Illig, Additional research provided by Stacey L. Nash
June 5, 2024
The Best Tool Chests of 2024 for Organizing Your Workshop, Tested The Best Tool Chests of 2024 for Organizing Your Workshop, Tested
By Glenda Taylor, Paul Rankin, Kara Illig, Michelle Larson, Additional research provided by Timothy Dale, Bob Beacham
July 2, 2021