Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 223)

fake plants plastic pot with plastic bush tree
Lawn & Garden

When choosing real versus fake plants for home décor, you may be surprised to learn what really provides the health boost.

Epic Block Party
Design

A summertime staple of years past, the neighborhood block party deserves a comeback. Find out how to hold a festive, safe celebration that will have neighbors raving for months to come.

gardening in place
Lawn & Garden

Gardening is a rewarding pursuit, but one that makes physical demands of the gardener. Making subtle changes to plots and practices, however, can helps those with limited mobility enjoy homegrown veggies, savor the scent of fragrant flowers, and bond with Mother Nature. 

Before & After: A Drab Concrete Patio Becomes a Chic Outdoor Living Space
Deck, Patio & Porch

A concrete patio provides the perfect foundation for beautiful ceramic tile. Here’s how I transformed my outdoor space this summer. 

energy-efficient-home-tax-credits-calculator-and-pencil-and-small-house-on-tax-forms
Exterior

Learn what home upgrades qualify for tax credits and rebates, how much you can expect to recover, and what steps to take to claim credits and rebates this year.

disuise-appliances-wood-grain-cabinets-fridge
Interior

Does your kitchen feel more like an appliance store than a working space for a home chef? Try these tricks to eliminate the visual clutter of your appliances.

iStock-894667710 homes cant be insured Thomas Fire Burns in Carpinteria, California
Real Estate

Consider how fires from climate change could impact your ability to get coverage for a new home before signing on the dotted line.

iStock-929448950 over improve a house couple discussing renovations
Real Estate

It's tempting to want to replicate the high-end renovations you see on TV, in magazines, and on social media in your own home. Beware—turning bland to glam comes with pitfalls.

most useful products bv readers bought in 2022
Reviews

Every year millions of visitors rely on Bob Vila for product information and advice. Here are the things that proved most popular in 2022.

Landscaping Ideas Around Trees
Lawn & Garden

Enhance the area around large trees with color, texture, and design elements—while keeping those big guys healthy and strong.

iStock-1446462816 Pantone Color Viva Magenta Color Swatches.jpg
Interior

Whether you splash it across an entire wall or use it as a pop of color, the Pantone color of the year is a bold and brilliant addition to your home design and daily life.

how to apply peel and stick wallpaper living room with wallpaper
DIY

Peel-and-stick wallpaper may be easy to apply, but these tips and tricks will make the process completely seamless.

cheap old houses for sale old victorian home
Real Estate

Break down the true cost of cheap old houses by factoring in maintenance costs, energy costs, and insurance.

old houses for sale midwestern old house
Real Estate

Find the historic home of your dreams by perusing these websites, apps, and social media accounts.

guide to buying old homes by decade couple admiring old yellow house
Real Estate

Older homes are chock-full of character and style and, depending on when they were built, may also come with a few surprises.

American Home Shield Review
Reviews

American Home Shield promises to help homeowners pay to repair or replace home systems and appliances that are no longer working. Our American Home Shield review looks closer at the company’s services to see exactly what customers can expect.

What Happens if You Hire an Unlicensed Tree Trimmer?
Landscaping

Dead trees and broken tree limbs pose a danger, but hiring someone who isn’t experienced could leave you with bigger problems.

online estate sale
DIY

Do you prefer unique or antique items to mass-market material goods? Online estate sales offer one-of-a-kind opportunities to score cool stuff on the cheap. Check out these savvy secrets for bargain shopping from the comfort of your couch.

The Home Depot Just Expanded Its Equipment Rental Program—But Should You Rent Your Tools?
Tools

Tool and equipment rental from the mega-retailer just got easier, but renting gear isn’t always the best answer. Here’s the lowdown on which tools it makes more sense to buy, and which ones you don’t want to store long term in your garage or workshop.

Solved! What is Mortar?
DIY

Before trying to fix crumbling mortar or fill holes in an exterior brick wall, it’s important to know about the types of mortar and how mortar is typically used.