Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 160)

Vintage interior
Design

12 Outmoded Features of 1980s Homes—and How to Modernize Them Today

Is your home stuck in the ‘80s? Revive your home design with a modern twist and bring your abode into the 21st century.

"Clear blue desert skies over the gothic turrets and colorful gardens of the historic Alfred McCune mansion building on Capitol Hill in dowtown Salt Lake City, Utah. ProPhoto RGB profile for maximum color fidelity and gamut."
Design

10 Things Preservationists Wish You Knew About Your Old Home

Honor and preserve your old house, which may be a living testament to the past.

vintage-wooden-phone-on-a-wall-shelf-phone-nook
DIY

7 Ways to Repurpose These Old House Features

They were once all the rage in home design, but have since fallen to the wayside. Turn those old, quirky house features into something a bit more useful for today’s world.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater Cost
Interior

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heater Cost: 8 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Water Heater

A water heater is a long-term investment and a necessary appliance for every homeowner. Considering tank vs. tankless water heater cost is just one factor in determining which type of water heater is right for a home.

A suburban front lawn with long fescue now-mow grass
Lawn & Garden

What Is No-Mow Grass? (Hint: It’s Not Artificial Turf)

Ditch the mower and save time with a drought-tolerant eco-lawn.

Window Glass Replacement Cost
Exterior

How Much Does Window Glass Replacement Cost?

Is your window glass cracked, chipped, or broken? Window glass replacement cost ranges from $180 to $411, with the national average at $281.

Bay Window Cost
Exterior

How Much Does a Bay Window Cost to Install?

Opt for a bay window if you’re looking for a versatile way to add light and space to a room. Bay window costs can range from $950 to $7,500, with the national average at $2,500.

Are Gutter Guards Worth It
Exterior

Solved! Are Gutter Guards Worth The Money?

A clogged gutter system can cause problems for a homeowner, from water damage to pest infestations and more, but cleaning out gutters isn’t always easy. But are gutter guards worth it, and can they save your home?

permeable pavers and grass driveway in residential neighborhood
Exterior

This Alternative Driveway Material Can Benefit Your Home’s Curb Appeal and the Environment

Add a little green glam to your property with a grass driveway that is eco-friendly, aesthetically appealing, and a project you can do yourself.

Lit carved pumpkins on grass
DIY

How to Preserve Pumpkins Without Harming Wildlife

Why spend so much time carving jack-o-lanterns and arranging Halloween displays, only for the gourds to start decaying a few days later? Learn how to keep pumpkins from rotting—and keep your autumnal exhibits looking spooky for weeks.

The Best Paint for Metal, Solved!
DIY

Solved! What’s the Best Paint for Metal Surfaces?

What's the best paint for metal? There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Learn the ins and outs of selecting the right one for your project, whether it's outdoor grill or indoor light fixtures.

Genius Solutions for Retrofitting Old Homes
DIY

12 Genius Solutions for Retrofitting Old Homes—With or Without Renovation

Unlock the potential of your vintage home with these cutting-edge solutions designed to modernize and upgrade your quality of life.

four-adults-sit-around-a-backyard-fire-pit-with-an-emoji-thumbs-down-overlayed
Lawn & Garden

5 Reasons Why Backyard Fire Pits Are Overrated, According to a Home and Garden Editor

What’s not to love about the ever-popular outdoor living centerpiece? Oh, let me tell you.

Man working on light bulb craft
DIY

9 Surprising Things You Can Make with Light Bulbs

Give old lightbulbs a second life with these creative craft ideas.

Shot of a young woman sniffing a clean load of laundry
DIY

How to Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

Homemade laundry soap is inexpensive, simple to make, and easier on the environment than most commercial detergents.

Rear view of Mature housewife standing while preparing for cleaning at home.
Interior

18 Spots in Your Home You Probably Never Clean—But Definitely Should

Most people have areas of their homes they never even think about cleaning—places where dirt, dust, and germs may be lurking. When was the last time you cleaned your shower curtain, or the cabinet your kitchen trash can is in?

Grey stone wall, room, interior style with yellow niche, green vase of plant, bookshelf decor.
DIY

How to DIY a Wall Alcove in Any Room of Your House

Add storage to a small space or display collectibles by installing a wall alcove.

Thumbtack vs Homeadvisor
Reviews

Thumbtack vs. HomeAdvisor: Which One Should Contractors Choose?

Both Thumbtack and HomeAdvisor promise leads, a huge pool of potential customers, and increased business—but do they really deliver what contractors need?

three houseplants hanging from the ceiling in baskets
Lawn & Garden

19 of the Best Indoor Hanging Plants

Choose the right hanging indoor plants if you want to keep them hanging around rather than hanging on by a hair.

Woman painting ceiling
Interior

9 Types of Ceilings Every Homeowner Should Know

What's the difference between coffered and coved ceilings? Understanding the most popular ceiling types is important whether you are house hunting, remodeling, or building a new home.