Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 328)

9 Paint Color Trends You Might Regret
Paints & Finishes

9 Paint Color Trends You Might Regret

Few decorating tricks transform the feel of a room as easily, quickly, and inexpensively as a fresh coat of paint. Perhaps because painting is so easy—a bit inconvenient, true, but well within the reach of even a novice DIYer—it’s tempting to go all-out with the color trend of the day. After all, if you get tired of the color or decide it isn’t really you, change is just a paintbrush away. Still, most homeowners don’t want to repaint walls on a regular basis, so if you are considering one of the following nine trendy colors, keep in mind that it might feel like yesterday’s news—or have you wondering, “What was I thinking?”—sooner rather than later.

16 Gorgeous Galley Kitchens
Kitchen & Dining

16 Gorgeous Galley Kitchens

The galley kitchen gets its name from its resemblance to the kitchen aboard a vessel— called the “galley.” The biggest hallmark of galley kitchen design is its layout: cabinet units, counters, and appliances connect together in straight lines and face each other. It often includes ceiling hung cabinets, hanging pots and dish racks, utilizing vertical space with great efficiency. All of this maximizes storage, and requires little movement to accomplish tasks. Galley kitchens are popular in apartments and small homes, where space is at a premium. But they can work in larger spaces as well, where the nature of the design creates a streamlined look. So before you remodel and ditch your galley kitchen, consider giving it a makeover instead. There’s a lot to love about this classic design. Check out these example of gorgeous galley kitchen design and get inspired.

The Best Plants for Erosion Control
Lawn, Garden & Pool

Solved! The Best Plants for Erosion Control

Beautify your landscape slopes and encourage soil to stay put with these rugged plants.

Lead Pipes at Home? How to Test and What to Do Next
Home Safety

How to Know If You’re Dealing with Lead Pipes—and What to Do About Them

Even with as much as we know about the dangers of lead poisoning today, traces of lead may still be entering the water supply. Here's what homeowners should know.

Should You Kill House Centipedes? Solved!
Pests

Solved! Should You Really Kill House Centipedes?

Learn why you may wish to peacefully coexist with these fast-moving insects—and what to do if you can’t bear sharing quarters with creepy crawlies.

The Little-Known Benefits of Pipe Insulation
Energy & Power

The Little-Known Benefits of Pipe Insulation

Properly insulating your plumbing pipes has benefits beyond keeping the pipes from freezing. Read on to find out how else pipe insulation can improve your home's efficiency and safety.

Accentlandscapesinc-retailing-wall
Landscaping

Repairing a Retaining Wall

Read expert tips on how to repair a retaining wall—a landscaping wall that can be used to retain earth after an excavation.

Managing Snow on the Roof: How Much Can a Roof Hold?
Roofing

How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?

Unusual amounts of snow lead to many things—stalled cars, snowball fights, and airport closings. They also lead to many homeowner concerns over the roof's ability to hold the weight. Find out what you can do to identify or prevent problems.

Heating a Room with High Ceilings - Warmboard Parquet Wood Floor
Heating

The Best Way to Heat a Home with High Ceilings

Don't get left in the cold when you step into a lofty room! Upgrading to radiant floor heating will keep any size space cozy and comfortable.

DIY Industrial Shelves - Step 1
Painting & Finishing

How To: Test for Lead Paint

Used in most homes before being banned in the late 1970s, lead paint still exists undetected in many places. Before digging into any renovations on an old home, run this important test to protect your health.

10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know
Home Security

10 Things a Burglar Doesn’t Want You to Know

Victims of burglaries suffer some $4.7 billion in property losses a year, according to the latest FBI statistics. You may already be protecting yourself with a deadbolt lock on your front door and a high-tech alarm system, but to go the extra mile in security, think like a thief! Here’s crucial information the bad guys wish we wouldn’t share.

7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why
Bedrooms

7 Paint Colors to Avoid in the Bedroom—and Why

Choosing paint shades for your bedroom is an extremely important task. Not only does color contribute the overall design of the room, it also affects your mood and emotions. Ensure your bedroom is a space of rest and relaxation by steering clear of these seven paint colors – all of which may prevent you from catching some much-needed shut-eye.

18 Paint Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2018
Paints & Finishes

18 Paint Colors You’re Going to See Everywhere in 2018

When it comes to predicting the most popular paint colors of 2018, industry experts are seeing red—and blue, and black, and gold. Strong, saturated shades are poised to dominate interior design schemes in the New Year. "People today have a growing sense of adventure and it's making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes," reports Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "We are craving colors that remind us of bright folklore and expeditions across continents." If your own style leans more towards softer shades, don't despair: A sprinkling of creamy neutrals has also made its way into the mix. Whether you're planning a complete color overhaul in your home, or simply looking to refresh a single room, consider these 18 inspirational hues.

10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops
Countertops

10 Ways You’re Accidentally Ruining Your Countertops

Perhaps the most important work surface in the home, the kitchen countertop is built to withstand food preparation, regular cleaning, pesky stains, and more. But despite their durability, countertops can suffer from costly damage whether they're made of laminate, marble, granite, or any other material. Here are 10 common ways homeowners unintentionally ruin their countertops, with tips on how to keep yours in tip-top shape for years to come.

All You Need to Know About Window Seats
Interior

All You Need to Know About Window Seats

Create a comfy zone that lets you stay warm while gazing at the outside world.

6 Types of Pool Decking + How to Design With Them
Pools & Water Features

All You Need to Know About Pool Decking

Stay safe, comfortable—and within your budget—by picking the perfect surface to surround your swimming pool.

All You Need to Know About Retaining Walls
Curb Appeal

All You Need to Know About Retaining Walls

With this primer and a willingness to get your hands dirty, you can incorporate a retaining wall into your landscaping—and, with it, both visual interest and necessary support for a sloped yard.

How to Clean a Shag Rug
Cleaning & Organizing

How To: Clean a Shag Rug

High pile is back in style! So keep yours fresh with these simple steps.

How to Polish Concrete - Living
Basements

What Would Bob Do? Polishing a Concrete Floor

Sleek, shiny, and easy to maintain, polished concrete is a great flooring choice, particularly for modern interiors. If you'd like to create this look in your own home, here are the basics on the polishing process.

Zoned Heating Diagram
Heating

Control Temperatures and Save Energy with Zoned Heating Systems

A zoned heating system allows greater control over heat distribution in the house. You can turn up the heat just where you need it, just when you need it—resulting in significant savings on your utility bills. Need some convincing? Read on to learn more about the benefits of zoned heating.