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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 308)

Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Purple Heart Plants

Add a splash of color to your garden with beginner-friendly purple heart plants.

Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Gerbera Daisies

If the finicky gerbera flower is a loves-me-not daisy for you, we have some hints that may help you win it over.

Interior Design

10 Vintage Decorating Ideas We Were Wrong to Abandon

What's in vogue today is often gone tomorrow, but some elements of home decor have undeservedly gone the way of the dodo. Though seldom seen today, features such as vintage wallpaper and checkerboard floors are ripe for a warm welcome into modern homes.

Holidays & Celebrations

The 7 Best Types of Christmas Trees for Your Home

Picking out a perfect tree isn't all about looks: A tree's scent, strength of branches, and needle retention all matter, too. Learn which evergreens make the best Christmas tree types, and why.

Interior Design

Solved! What Does a Candle in the Window Mean?

Learn why your neighbors are burning candles for all to see, and get intel on the meaning behind a candle in the window.

Lawn & Garden

Master Umbrella Plant Care for a Cheerful Indoor Tree, Rain or Shine

Instead of letting a smile be your umbrella, let a smile-inducing schefflera with whorls of shiny foliage be your umbrella tree.

Lawn & Garden

This Guide to Pitcher Plant Care Can Help Keep Bugs at Bay Naturally

Little pitchers that grow on plants have big mouths rather than big ears—for digesting insects!

Reviews

The Best 50-Gallon Gas Water Heaters

A 50-gallon gas water heater is the optimal size for most homes. Read on to see how we chose the best in both performance and economy.

Lawn & Garden

6 Indoor Plants That Don’t Need Drainage

Looking for houseplants that don’t make a watery mess? Try a plant that doesn’t require a pot with drainage.

Flooring

8 Ways to Fix a Floor: Tried-and-True Solutions to the Most Common Flooring Issues

Most of us don't give much thought to the carpet, hardwood, or tile beneath our feet until something is wrong with it. Rather than sweeping your flooring issues under the rug, learn what you can do to fix them. 

Flooring

What’s the Difference? Prefinished vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

If you're deciding between prefinished hardwood flooring or unfinished wood floors, consider these nine key differences to make an informed choice.

Flooring

New Floors? 5 Top Hardwood Options to Know

Don’t let the variety of options floor you! Find out which wood surface will look best and wear longest underfoot—at a price you can afford!

Flooring

Old Wood Flooring: Replace or Refinish?

Building & Installing

Thinking About Installing a Hidden Bookcase Door? Consider These 7 Issues First

Hidden doors and bookcases aren’t just for superheroes and spies. Before installing one in your home, here's what you need to know about budget, permitting, and a host of other issues.

Curb Appeal

20 House Styles and Types All Homeowners (and Home Buyers) Should Know About

Do you know the difference between a Shotgun and a Saltbox, a Cape and a Craftsman? Learn how to identify the most popular house styles in the U.S.—and the advantages and disadvantages of living in each.

Lawn & Garden

This Guide to Thanksgiving Cactus Care Will Liven Up Your Tablescapes Year After Year

Follow these tips to ensure your Thanksgiving cactus thrives throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Interior

The 12 Best Places to Buy Blinds Online

When you’re shopping for blinds, these online retailers offer a huge range of style and budget options.

Cleaning & Organizing

How to Clean Brick, Indoors and Out

Say goodbye to grime on brick walls, fireplaces, and pavers with these safe, effective cleaning techniques.

Interior

How Much Does Ceiling Repair Cost?

From water damage to structural issues, ceiling repair is a common home repair project. The national average ceiling repair cost is $884, falling within a typical range of $419 to $1,359.

Interior

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Subfloor?

Subfloors support the flooring in a home and can become loose or warped over time. The cost to replace subfloors ranges from $428 to $2,978, or $572 on average.