Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 214)

Curious deers grazing in yard
Lawn & Garden

Looking for plants that repel deer, or flowers that deer won’t eat? If your yard has become a buffet for Bambi and family, these deer-resistant plants will encourage them to forage elsewhere.

Small Bulldozer Removing Grass From Yard
Lawn & Garden

With the help of an incentive program, I replaced my turfgrass lawn with xeriscaping to help the environment.

Woman looking at temperature meter on cellphone
Interior

Don't have air conditioning, or just don't want to turn it on? Learn our best tips for staying cool this summer.

An evening photo of the Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights illuminating a screened-in porch
Reviews

Plug-in LED string lights with built-in bug repellant seem like a great idea, but is it?

Moen Arbor kitchen faucet in spot-resistant stainless steel finish
Reviews

In addition to its quick and easy installation, my new faucet has given me a lot to like.

hands holding kale leaf with plant care 101 graphic overlay
Lawn & Garden

You don’t need a green thumb—or even a “greens” thumb—to grow kale for both its beauty and its bountiful nutrients.

Bamboozle Compost Bin
Lawn, Garden & Pool

This biodegradable indoor composter has a practical, wide square shape and includes an odor-control carbon filter for discreet and attractive indoor composting.

young woman wearing blue apron painting a tall cabinet with a roller
Furniture & Design

Painting furniture can transform the look of a space and breathe new life into old pieces, but there are some tricks to getting it right. 

Slonik Headlamp Hard Hat Light laid out with case, charging cord, and attachments
Reviews

This Slonik headlamp boasts a 1,000-lumen output and comes with the clips to really secure it to a hard hat. But is it the best light we tested? Read on to find out.

Milwaukee Socket Set on wood workbench
Reviews

With its quality and size selection, this socket set is an ideal option for the home mechanic.

A group of friends laughing at an outdoor table next to the best smoker for beginners option
Reviews

If you’re new to smoking meat, make sure your first smoke is a successful one by purchasing the right entry-level smoker.

Side-by-side photos of a white power strip and black surge protector
Interior

Surge protectors and power strips both provide additional electrical sockets to plug into, but only one can prevent valuable electronics from getting fried.

Woman gardening in raised bed
Lawn & Garden

What vegetables grow in shade, and are there really any low-light outdoor plants that can provide produce for your table?

The Best Vacuum for Stairs Option
Cleaning Supplies

Banishing dirt, dust, and debris from stairs can be a daunting task. Choose the right vacuum to get the job done with fewer backaches and less sweat.

Makita XML03 Brushless Cordless 18-Inch Lawn Mower sitting in grass yard
Reviews

Can a battery-powered mower make the cut? I tested Makita’s eco-friendly 18-inch lawn mower and was impressed by the power of this whisper-quiet lawn tool.

string of pearls plant care 101 - how to grow string of pearls indoors
House Plants

If you love pearls, try the “green” living kind with a string of pearls plant.

rooftop solar panels installed on a brick house with Bob Vilas most valuable projects graphic overlay
Exterior

Tax credits, rebates, and net metering are just a few of the reasons why it’s a good time to go solar.

A bird perched on the Wasserstein bird feeder camera case that's mounted to a tree
Reviews

Use your home security camera and this clever device to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

The Best Washable Rug Options
Reviews

Stylish, comfy, and machine-washable rugs that are a total game-changer for your home.

Man wearing Carhartt cargo pants with tools in pockets
Reviews

If you’re tired of work pants that wear out after just a few weeks, it’s time to give Carhartt cargo pants a try.