Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 289)

10 Home Trends That People Either Love or Hate
Interior Design

10 Home Trends That People Either Love or Hate

When a design trend catches fire, controversy is sure to follow. Sometimes the debate is purely aesthetic, but occasionally the objections run deeper, touching on environmental or cultural issues. Judge for yourself: Here are 10 popular but at times divisive trends that may—or may not—find a place in your home.

20 Beautiful Walk-In Closet Ideas for Organization
Storage

20 Beautiful Walk-In Closet Ideas for Organization

Have a ton of clothes and accessories in your walk-in closet, but you aren't sure what should go where? Whether your storage space is small and simple or large and luxurious, these walk-in closet ideas will help you keep your outfits in order.

20 Ways to Make Less Trash During the Holidays
Holidays & Celebrations

20 Ways to Make Less Trash During the Holidays

This holiday season, give the environment—and your wallet—the gift of less waste by adopting the following back-to-basics strategies.

lavender plant care 101 - how to grow lavender indoors
House Plants

How to Grow Lavender Indoors

Bring this scented herb into your home to enjoy the floral display and reduce your stress levels.

The 8 Easiest Ways to Eliminate Bathroom Odor
Bathrooms

The 8 Easiest Ways to Eliminate Bathroom Odor

Is your bathroom plagued with lingering odors? Freshen up the space and create a welcoming atmosphere with these eight tricks.

10 Garden Plants That Will Feed Backyard Birds in Fall and Winter
Gardening

10 Garden Plants That Will Feed Backyard Birds in Fall and Winter

Populate your garden with plants that will nourish hungry sparrows and robins all winter long.

7 Reasons to Be a No-Shoes House
Cleaning

7 Reasons to Be a No-Shoes House

No-shoes households sometimes get a bad rap. But the science behind shoe removal is too compelling to be ignored. So, stop judging yourself for asking guests to remove their shoes, and instead enjoy the freedom of going barefoot indoors—and all the health benefits that go with it.

seer rating
Cooling

Solved! What Is a SEER Rating?

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning unit, get the 411 on these important numbers and how they should factor into the unit you purchase.

how to use a paint sprayer
Painting & Finishing

How to Use a Paint Sprayer to Give Your Projects a Flawless Finish—Fast

Learn how you can cut your painting time by 75 percent and get a superior finish.

kitchen lighting design
Kitchen Design

Solved! How to Create a Beautiful and Effective Kitchen Lighting Design 

Layer in sophisticated levels of lighting to increase productivity and safety while adding appeal to the kitchen, the hub of your home.

Char Broil Turkey Fryer
Outdoor Kitchens

I Tried Char-Broil’s The Big Easy To “Fry” My Turkey: Did It Work?

Use oilless infrared technology to cook a turkey and achieve the same speedy results as traditional frying—and serve healthier meals.

simplehuman Trash Can
Cleaning

I Tried the simplehuman Trash Can: Does the Functionality of the Justify Its High Price?

This isn’t just a trash can. Housed inside the simplehuman 46-liter trash can is a trash receptacle as well as a recycling bin.

types of kitchen faucets
Kitchen & Dining

7 Types of Kitchen Faucets to Give Your Sink an Instant Update

A new kitchen faucet can transform your kitchen sink zone. Here’s how to choose the type of faucet that complements your cooking and cleaning style.

power tool batteries
Tools

10 Mistakes That Are Killing Your Power Tool Batteries

The way you use and store your power tools may be damaging your tools' batteries. This guide will show you how to handle tools and their power packs properly and keep them running strong.

how to drain a hot tub
Outdoor Living

How to Drain a Hot Tub

Learn about two ways to drain your hot tub so that it can be cleaned and refilled with new water.

10 Things You Should Know Before You Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree
Landscaping

10 Things You Should Know Before You Cut Down Your Own Christmas Tree

Whether this is your first time cutting down your own tree or it's an annual tradition, keep these 10 important tips in mind before you head out to the Christmas tree farm.

how to wire light switch
Lighting & Electrical

How to Wire a Light Switch: Easy Steps for Single-Pole and 3-Way Switches

Light switch wiring is a task that most DIYers can take on themselves without calling an electrician. Follow these steps to wire your switches safely.

how to grow lettuce indoors
Gardening

How to Grow Lettuce Indoors for Fresh Salad Greens Year Round

If you miss your vegetable garden during winter, you can keep fresh lettuce on hand by growing your own greens indoors.

what is a convertible range hood
Kitchen & Dining

Solved! What is a Convertible Range Hood?

Keep the kitchen air clear—and your options open—with a convertible range hood.

Gas vs Electric Pressure Washer
Cleaning & Organizing

Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washer: Choosing the Right Cleaning Machine

Electric and gas pressure washers provide home users and professionals with a comprehensive range of cleaning machines, but which is best for your needs?