Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 206)

12 Surprising Ways to Use Zip Ties
Easy DIY Projects

12 Surprising Ways to Use Zip Ties

Originally intended to corral cables and wires, zip ties are probably not the first product that comes to mind when you need to fix a broken zipper or pack for a trip. But these toothy plastic or nylon strips can do much more than contain cords. Read on to discover why you should add zip ties to your DIY arsenal to help you with storage, gardening, and other household tasks.

10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants to Keep Indoor Air Fresh
House Plants

10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants to Keep Indoor Air Fresh

Can houseplants clean the air inside your home? Learn about the research behind this health benefit and see the low-maintenance plants that will give your home a boost.

10 Plants That Grow Better with Companions
Gardening

10 Plants That Grow Better with Companions

Some things just work better together.

8 Creative Uses for Castor Oil Around the House
Pest Control

8 Creative Uses for Castor Oil Around the House

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

20 Crazy Cleaning Tips That Actually Work

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

8 Space-Saving Loft Bed Ideas for Cramped Quarters

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

The Coolest House You Can Tour in Every State

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

This Is the Average Home Size in Every State

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.

Father and son mowing grass
Lawn & Garden

Solved! This Is How Often You Should Mow Your Lawn

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

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

The Best Gardening and Plant Identification Apps for Your Smartphone

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

13 Top Tips to Make Any Paint Job Go Faster

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

10 Bathroom Improvements That Only Took Paint

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

How to Make Your Christmas Tree Last All Season

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.

Potted plants in containers
Lawn & Garden

20 Shade-Loving Plants for Containers

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

14 Above-Ground Pool Landscaping Ideas You’ll Want to Copy

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

tall picket fence surrounded by blooming shrubs
Exterior

13 Charming Ways to Incorporate Picket Fencing on Your Property

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

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

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

7 Things Every Great Garage Needs

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.

13 Hallway Lighting Ideas That Work Even in Windowless Spaces
Lighting & Electrical

13 Hallway Lighting Ideas That Work Even in Windowless Spaces

Whether you want glamour for a large hallway or function for a narrow one, there’s something for all different styles and needs in this roundup.

The Most Expensive Houseplants People Actually Buy
House Plants

The Most Expensive Houseplants People Actually Buy

Are collectors who pay thousands of dollars for a single houseplant innovative investors or just potty in more ways than one?