Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 282)

DIY picture frame
DIY

15 Easy DIY Picture Frame Ideas for Crafting Holiday Gifts

Bored with standard-issue picture frames? With a little time and a few items you may already have on hand, you can make your own frames that will be as personal and meaningful as the memories they hold.

hacienda style homes
Design

6 Cool Characteristics of Hacienda Style Homes

Spanish settlers set the standard for creating uniquely beautiful homes constructed to beat the heat. 

clean flooded house
Interior

10 Essential Products for Cleaning Your Home After a Flood

When a home is damaged by flood waters, it's a race against the clock to rid the space of debris and contaminated water, and restore it to rights. These products will make the job easier.

DIY hammock
DIY

12 Clever Ways to Make Your Own DIY Hammock

One of summer's great pleasures is lazing in a hammock, sleeping, reading, or doing nothing at all. Here are some great homemade hammock ideas for creating a beautiful, relaxing chill zone of your very own.

The Best Smart Home System Options
Reviews

The Best Smart Home Systems

Step into the future with a new smart home system to control lighting, media, and security from your smartphone or smart home hub.

ThermoPro tp20
Reviews

ThermoPro TP20 Meat Thermometer: Is It Worth It?

With this BBQ thermometer probe, monitor what’s cooking outside while you’re inside preparing other food in the kitchen or watching the big game.

witch window
Exterior

The Weird History of Witch Windows

Remember the folk tale (or the folk song) about the “crooked little man” and his “crooked little house”? When you travel through Vermont, he might come to mind thanks to the many crooked windows adorning area farmhouses. Turns out they’re called witch windows—but why? And why are they so common in New England?

finished basement ideas
Interior

12 Finished Basement Ideas for Creating the Ultimate Bonus Space

Clear out the cobwebs in your cellar and shop-vac the floor because we’re about to drop some incredible ideas for transforming an unfinished basement into a personal, purpose-built space you'll use (and love) every day.

How to Protect Plants from Frost
DIY

How to Protect Plants From Frost

Prepare for dipping temperatures now to prolong the vegetable harvest, protect tender buds, and keep flowers blooming longer.

baby tears plant care 101 - how to grow baby tears plant indoors
Lawn & Garden

Baby’s Tears Plant Care: Meet the Crawling Ground Cover You Can Grow Indoors

If large houseplants that require too much light and “leg-room” reduce you to tears of frustration, try little baby’s tears, which “weeps” prettily in the shade.

shade flowers
Lawn & Garden

The Best Shade Flowers for Your Low-Light Garden

If you think you need tons of sun to grow beautiful flowers, think again. These plants thrive in the shade and produce loads of colorful blooms.

Solved! How Many Coats of Primer to Use When Painting
DIY

Solved! This Is How Many Coats of Primer You Need for the Perfect Paint Job

Understand one of the most important steps of a successful paint job so you’ll achieve professional quality results.

Best-smelling Houseplants
Lawn & Garden

14 Fragrant Indoor Plants That’ll Make Your Home Smell Amazing

Let fresh fragrance naturally pervade your indoor space with the help of pretty potted plants.

setback requirements
DIY

Setback Requirements: 7 Things All Homeowners Should Know

Before building a new shed or planning an extension for the home, it’s important to understand setbacks and how they may impact your plans.

Storing Glassware
Interior

The Great Debate on How to Store Glassware: Upside Down or Right-Side Up?

Which is worse: letting the rims of glasses collect germs from contact with the shelf, or having the inside of your cups collect dust because they’re placed upright?

Types of Water Heaters - Maintenance
Interior

Which Type of Water Heater Is Best for Your Home?

When it comes time to replace your home’s water heater, you’ll have hundreds of models from which to choose. To make the right decision for your family, learn the basics of the different types of water heaters available today.

The Great Debate About Whether to Paint Old and Original Woodwork
DIY

The Great Debate About Whether to Paint Old and Original Woodwork

Find out where designers, real estate agents, and homeowners stand on whether a home's original interior trim should get a fresh coat of paint or be left au naturel.

bathroom remodel ideas on a budget
DIY

12 Bathroom Remodel Ideas On a Budget

Upgrade your out-of-style bathroom with these low-cost ideas.

kalanchoe plant care 101 - how to grow kalanchoe indoors
Lawn & Garden

Master Easy Kalanchoe Plant Care for a Blaze of Colorful Blooms Year After Year

This easy-care succulent houseplant loves bright rooms, warm temperatures, and small doses of timely neglect.

Sunbeam Electric Blanket Review
Reviews

This is the Best Electric Blanket for Winter We Tested—Here’s Why

With fluctuating room temperatures, can the Sunbeam electric blanket’s heat settings keep up? Yes, and with a bonus convenience feature to boot.