Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 203)

8 Landscaping Features That Buyers Love
Curb Appeal

Entice buyers and increase your home’s value by following these landscaping tips.

8 Creative Uses for Castor Oil Around the House
Pest Control

Castor oil may be known for its health and beauty benefits, but it also has a number of surprising uses in the home and garden.

20 Crazy Cleaning Tips That Actually Work
Cleaning & Organizing

You may have your allegiances to certain brands of cleaning products, but are they really getting the job done? If you have an especially tough cleaning problem to solve and the usual supplies just aren’t cutting it, maybe it's time for a slightly more unconventional approach, one that involves grabbing a few items from the pantry or trying a wacky, off-the-wall cleaning trick. Ready for a little adventure? Here are 20 crazy cleaning tips that actually work.

8 Space-Saving Loft Bed Ideas for Cramped Quarters
Bedrooms

Leave it to college kids to devise the biggest space-saving trick for the bedroom: a lofted bed.

The Coolest House You Can Tour in Every State
Architecture

These enchanting estates, one in each of the 50 states, can be savored up close.

This Is the Average Home Size in Every State
Real Estate

If you're wondering how big the houses in your state are compared with houses in the other 49, this quick look will let you size up your neighbors.

large patio with marble floor with sun shining on patio furniture
Exterior

We know what a porch or patio is, but what in the world is a lanai?

Father and son mowing grass
Lawn & Garden

Regular mowing will help keep your grass green, lush, and healthy. The trick is figuring out what “regular” means for your lawn.

7 Houseplants with Secret Health Benefits
House Plants

Nature is restorative: A walk in the woods or on the beach can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. Even the tiniest dose of greenery—in the form of a houseplant, for example—can bestow special benefits on the beholder. Read on to learn which houseplants contain hidden healing power.

The Best Gardening and Plant Identification Apps for Your Smartphone
Lawn, Garden & Pool

Whether you simply want to identify the flowers growing in your backyard or you have big plans to become a pro mushroom forager, downloading a few key apps will put a bounty of information at your fingertips.

13 Top Tips to Make Any Paint Job Go Faster
Painting & Finishing

Painting your walls will go so much easier with these pro tips and handy product helpers.

10 Bathroom Improvements That Only Took Paint
Bathroom Remodeling

Behold the power of paint, which can make a huge impact on every room in the house—including the bathroom. Here are some inspirational bathroom improvements that required nothing more than paint and a little creativity.

How to Make Your Christmas Tree Last All Season
Holidays & Celebrations

You found the perfect Christmas tree, now you just need to make sure it survives until December 25. Luckily, with these helpful tips keeping your fir fresh isn't too hard to manage.

9 Ways to Use Cork Around the House
Easy DIY Projects

When you think of cork, your first thought might be of a bulletin board pinned with reminders, but cork's handiness knows no bounds. This renewable resource is actually one of the most versatile materials you can use around the house! Cork—which is bark from cork oak trees—is naturally so lightweight, pliable, resilient, and beautifully textured, it's no wonder it's being used in all sorts of domestic applications. From an entire accent wall to a simple vase, these 9 great ideas should provide you with ample inspiration for bringing cork into your home.

Potted plants in containers
Lawn & Garden

Though it may feel like every plant at the garden center has a “requires full sun” tag, there are plenty of gorgeous greens and blooms that thrive in shade. Here’s what to grow in patio planters and indoor pots that don’t get full sun.

Large, rectangular above-ground pool surrounded by beautiful natural home landscaping
Lawn & Garden

Your pool landscape design is sure to make a splash with these ideas.

tall picket fence surrounded by blooming shrubs
Exterior

Add character to your home and show off your style with these unique picket fence ideas.

Hello, Homeowners: The 8 Most Useful Apps for Your Phone
Real Estate

Browse the app store and you'll find dozens of useful apps for homeowners—but most of us don't have the phone storage for them all. So which ones are worth the download? Keep reading to learn our eight favorite phone apps for the home.

7 Things Every Great Garage Needs
Garages

Garages: indispensable for keeping your car out of the elements, doing messy projects without cleaning up after them, and for storing items out of sight and mind. But if you’re dissatisfied with the dark, oil-stained outbuilding on your property, read on for simple additions that can help you get the most out of this utilitarian outpost.

11 Clever Other Uses for Plastic Wrap
Easy DIY Projects

Certain household items are so commonplace that we scarcely notice them anymore. But it may be time to take another look at some everyday household staples—like plastic wrap. That kitchen mainstay can be pressed into service in many different ways, doing double-duty in everything from paint preservation to wine rescue. Here are just a few innovative uses.