Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 131)

A modern living room in an open-plan home is decorated with a colorful earthy color scheme of greens and neutrals.
Interior Design

13 Welcoming Living Room Layout Ideas

If the heart of your home is in need of a refresh, take some cues from these inspired living area setups to make your space feel new again.

A woman sits on a couch below an AC unit.
Cooling

Why Is My AC Unit Buzzing Every Few Minutes?

If your air conditioning unit is buzzing every few minutes, it’s not just annoying—it could also mean big problems for the unit. It’s a good idea to have a professional diagnose the problem before it becomes a more costly conundrum.

Woman uses a spray bottle and sponge to clean painted walls.
Cleaning & Organizing

How to Clean Painted Walls

Remove dust, dirt, and fingerprints from your home's interior walls without damaging the paint.

A poolside cabana in a home's backyard with a red patio couch and wooden architecture.
Deck, Patio & Porch

What Is a Cabana, Anyway?

From humble necessity to modern-day amenity, learn whether a cabana is right for your outdoor space.

Generator is used next to camping car.
Energy & Power

What Is an Inverter Generator? These Are the Facts

Inverter generators offer new levels of convenience and economy but is it all good news? We separate the facts from some common misconceptions.

A white-and-black sits in a custom catio built into the window of a modern home or apartment building.
Building & Installing

10 Catio Plans That Are Purrfect for Indoor Cats

Give your cat a taste of the outdoors with one of these ten catio plans—all of which cost $10 or less.

PVC pipe and the materials needed to prepare and paint the piping.
Painting & Finishing

How to Paint PVC Pipe

PVC piping can be used for all sorts of DIY projects, but who says you have to keep the pipes white? When you learn how to paint PVC pipe, your design options multiply.

how to pressure wash a deck
DIY

How to Pressure Wash a Deck for Annual Maintenance

Renew the appearance of your deck with the power of a pressure washer and the right cleaner.

A home generator outside being repaired by someone
Generators

All You Need to Know About Emergency Generators

Prepare for unexpected electrical outages with an emergency gas-powered backup generator.

Woman holding a power tool remodeling a bathroom
Buying

Live In or Move Out: The Remodeling Dilemma

You’re about to sign the contract for a major home renovation. When the construction crew arrives, is it time to go? Experts and homeowners weigh the pros and cons of staying put or moving out.

Two men installing floor insulation for soundproofing
Insulation

Soundproof Your Floors

A half-constructed kitchen with an island
Kitchen Design

How To: Build a Kitchen Island

Maximize any kitchen space—cramped or capacious—by building a custom kitchen island to fit all of your needs.

A puppy playing in a sandbox surrounded with toys
Outdoor Living

How To: Make a Sandbox

Few summer DIY projects are as easy to complete—or provide as much fun—as a backyard sandbox.

Mean using a long pole to clean the windows outside a house
Cleaning & Organizing

Going Green and Keeping Clean: Outdoor Edition

If you think environmentally-friendly products aren't strong enough to clean the grime off your house then think again—green cleaning is tough on dirt and soft on Mother Earth.

An outdoor wood deck looking out across the treetops
Deck, Patio & Porch

Planning Guide: Wood Decks

When it comes to wood decks, here's everything you need to know about planning, materials, and maintenance.

A basement filled with furniture and bikes flooded with water
Mold & Mildew

How To: Dry a Wet Basement

Protect your possessions and home from mold, rot, and insects.

White kitchen with marble effect laminate countertop
Reviews

Buyer’s Guide: Laminate Countertops

If you're shopping around for products to use in a budget kitchen renovation, consider buying laminate countertops, now available in more style options than ever before.

The exterior entrance to a basement leading out to a backyard
Foundations

Add an Entrance to Your Basement

Exterior access doors adds value and convenience to basements.

Woman in navy polo shirt uses a paint roller to paint a sheet of MDF green.
Painting & Finishing

How to Paint MDF Furniture and Cabinets

Want to give your IKEA furniture or cabinets a refresh? This guide will show you how to paint MDF and give them a whole new look.

The Best Air Conditioner Cover Option installed on a window air conditioning unit
Reviews

The Best Air Conditioner Covers

Be cool and keep your air conditioning units protected against the elements with these top air conditioner covers.