Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 171)

gloved hand using a paint brush with bright yellow paint on it and painting a white wooden window shudder yellow
Interior

Solved! Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside?

Find out why it’s a bad move to use leftover exterior paint for an interior project.

person holding temperature and humidity monitor to show indoor temperature and humidity levels inside the home
Interior

How to Lower Humidity in the House

Keep indoor humidity levels down to ensure that your home is comfortable and safe for everyone who lives there.

Man standing under dark clouds
Interior

15 Things You Should Never Do During a Thunderstorm

The next time lightning is in the forecast, take cover—and take care—by steering clear of these activities.

The Wagner Paint Sprayer set up next to a barn alongside all its accessories
Reviews

The Wagner Paint Sprayer Provides the Best Bang for the Buck in Our Latest Test

I put the Wagner Control Pro 170 to the test. Find out what I loved about this airless paint sprayer—and what I’d change.

The best Bosch dishwasher option with the door slightly open to reveal the hidden top controls
Reviews

The Best Bosch Dishwashers You Can Get

With a Bosch dishwasher, you’ll have both clean dishes and a quiet kitchen.

Best Home Decor Store Options
Reviews

The Best Places to Shop for Home Decor

Furnish your home with stylish and functional pieces by shopping at one of these top homeware retailers.

Portrait of smiling african american man holding light bulbs bought at household goods store, happy with his choice
Interior

Incandescent Light Bulb Ban—All of Your Questions Answered

Most incandescent bulbs can no longer be manufactured or sold in the United States. Learn how this change will impact you and why this is an opportune time to make the switch.

garden with pink and red flowers and a butterfly perched on one of the flowers
Lawn & Garden

The 3 Most Important Attractions in Every Successful Pollinator Garden

Turn your pollinator garden into a replete habitat with these essential elements.

Aptive Pest Control Review
Reviews

Aptive Is a Small Pest Control Company Generating Some Big Buzz

Aptive exploded onto the scene in 2015 and has already been lauded as one of the top pest control companies in the country. But how does it stack up to the competition? Find out in this Aptive pest control review.

family standing in front of electric car with house in the background with solar panels
Exterior

7 Ways to Get Help from Federal, State, and Local Government for Improved Energy Efficiency

Government programs at all levels can provide assistance in creating a more eco-friendly home. Find out what your local or state government does to help. 

a black shiny air fryer on a kitchen counter
Interior

Just How Much Energy Does Your Air Fryer Save?

Air fryers, microwaves, pressure cookers, and other small appliances use less energy than the oven, but how much energy—and money—are they really saving you?

view of front of lawn mower with legs of person mowing the lawn
Lawn & Garden

Will Switching to All Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment Affect My Electric Bill?

Ready to make the transition from gas-powered mowers, blowers, and other lawn tools? Find out whether the electricity for these tools will end up costing you more than you’ve been paying for gas.

Wide view of smoke emanating from the Walbridge Fire behind one of many vineyards in the area. Santa Rosa, California, USA
Lawn & Garden

4 Ways Wildfire Smoke Can Affect Your Plants and Homegrown Food Supply

If you live in a part of the country that’s suffered from smoky air from wildfires this summer, you may be wondering if that smoke is affecting your garden crops.

close up of ladybug perched on a small branch
Lawn & Garden

3 Good Reasons to Let Ladybugs Live in Your Garden

Got bugs? While there are many insects that can wreak havoc in your garden, there’s one bug you may want to invite to live among your prized plants: The ladybug.

Close up of man in short and flip flops mowing the front lawn
Lawn & Garden

Why Do We Have Grass Lawns?

We spend time, energy, and money to maintain a crop that doesn’t feed us or our animals, attract pollinators, provide a habitat, or really do much of anything besides look good. It’s time to ask ourselves why.

Roofer laying shingles on steep roof
DIY

Don’t Try This at Home: The 13 Most Dangerous DIYs

It doesn't matter how handy you are: Some home projects and repairs, like septic and roofing work, should be left to the professionals.

Deck vs. Patio Cost
Exterior

The Cost of Building a Deck vs. a Patio: 8 Factors to Consider When Upgrading Your Backyard

Knowing the difference between deck vs. patio costs can help homeowners determine which type of outdoor living space will work the best for their needs and budget.

The best undercounter ice machine in a well-appointed kitchen, installed between a wine fridge and dishwasher
Reviews

The Best Undercounter Ice Makers

Forgot to fill the ice cube tray again? Have fresh ice always on hand with one of the best undercounter ice makers.

A spider plant with a graphic overlay that says Plant Care 101.
Lawn & Garden

Spider Plant Care 101

Is the arching allure of a spider plant is drawing you into its web? Learn spider plant care and propagation tips that will help your spider plant babies grow and thrive.

bright indirect light
Lawn & Garden

What Is “Bright, Indirect Light,” Anyway?

If you’re puzzled by descriptions of "bright, indirect light" on your houseplant's care instructions, read on for some enlightenment.