Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 216)

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.

The Best Step Ladder Options
Tools & Materials

Need a boost for overhead projects? We tested the best step ladders on the market today. Find out which ones offer sturdiness, quality, and ease of use.

how to dispose of a grill man in apron cooking meat on round grill in backyard
Lawn & Garden

From the perfect grill to stylish patio essentials, discover the must-have products to take your backyard cookout to the next level

hydrogen fuel cell setup in a residential backyard
Exterior

These eco-friendly power sources can run everything from cars to hospitals to data centers.

A group of friends sits on a patio with the best mosquito repellent for patios on a table
Reviews

If buzzing, biting pests are killing your patio vibes, give them the boot with one of these top mosquito repellents.

The best range hood option hangs over a white range in a clean white kitchen
Appliances & Cookware

Clear the air in your kitchen with one of these high-quality range hoods. 

7 No-Fail Exterior Paint Colors
Curb Appeal

Painting your house’s exterior takes hours of hard work—even just to pick out the colors you love. And with exterior house paint costing $50 per gallon or more, you don’t want to make any mistakes. Start the process of choosing exterior house paint colors by looking at what’s already there. Take the color of your roof and your windows into account. You likely won’t change these when you paint. If you have brick or stonework, either in the architecture of your house or in pathways, consider those tones as well. Let these existing color palettes influence the beginning of your selection process. The paint scheme of your house’s exterior will involve three main colors: the field, the trim, and the accent. The field color is for the major areas like the walls and roof. The trim color covers the fascia boards, window trim, and rakes. The accent color is for doors, shutters, and other architectural features. Choose your field color first, and make sure it’s a paint color you will love for years. In general, trim paint should be a lighter shade than the field color, and your gutters, downspouts, and other service-type elements should be painted the same for a cohesive look. The accent color is where you can make a splash and show your personality. A bright pop of color on your front door can distinguish your house from all the others in the neighborhood. Choosing an exterior paint color can be challenging, but the results are well worth it. For help narrowing down your options, check out our list of fail-proof house colors that never go out of style.