Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 376)

11 Things to Do with Plastic Cups
Repurposing

11 Things to Do with Plastic Cups

Plastic cups are incredibly cheap and convenient, but most of them end their lives in landfills across the country. Rather than pitching the disposable beverage holders the minute you finish your drink, check out some of our nifty ideas on how you can reuse plastic cups around the house and yard!

The 12 Most Infamous Goofs in Architecture History
Foundations

The 12 Most Infamous Goofs in Architecture History

What do you get when you bring together forward-thinking architects, exacting engineers, and tireless construction crews? In the case of these 12 iconic buildings, you get a visual masterpiece, along with a few unintended design flaws. Click through to get the full scoop on the surprising mishaps behind your favorite famous buildings.

12 Doable Designs for a DIY Bench
Easy DIY Projects

12 Doable Designs for a DIY Bench

An entryway bench can go a long way toward making your home more welcoming. Even better, a bench provides a designated place to remove shoes and put down bags, preventing these practical necessities from being dropped in a trail throughout the house. Check out this collection of DIY bench designs to find the one that might be just what your entryway needs. Then, with just a weekend's work, you can have a new piece of furniture to enjoy—and a less cluttered life.

14 Tips for a Cozy Basement Bedroom
Basements

14 Tips for a Cozy Basement Bedroom

Say goodbye to the basement bedroom blues! You don’t have to settle for a dark and gloomy subterranean chamber. Through creative lighting techniques and the use of upbeat color combinations, you can turn that drab and depressing basement into a cheerful living area. Accompany us as we visit 14 inviting basement bedrooms for clues as to what these homeowners did right, and how you can create a similar look.

13 Unusual Household Uses for Ice Cubes
Cleaning & Organizing

13 Unusual Household Uses for Ice Cubes

Ice cubes can transform any beverage into a refreshing treat. But did you know that ice has myriad practical uses beyond chilling your drink? Ice can solve a bevy of household hassles, from watering hard-to-reach plants to removing chewing gum from clothing. Here are 13 interesting and unusual uses for those humble ice cubes stacked in your freezer.

10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags
Easy DIY Projects

10 Brilliant Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags

Despite our greatest efforts to minimize our use of plastic grocery bags by opting for reusable shopping bags, that pesky plastic always has a way of ending up in our homes. But you don’t have to throw them away and add to the ever-growing plastic refuse filling our landfills and oceans. There are many creative ways to recycle, repurpose, and reuse those little plastic bags.

11 Renter-Friendly Ideas for a Reversible Remodel
Interior Design

11 Renter-Friendly Ideas for a Reversible Remodel

Just because you rent doesn’t mean you should be left out of all the home decorating fun. This is where semi-permanent—and inventive—solutions come in. These 11 design options prove that with a little creativity you can renovate and still be able to leave your rental exactly the way you found it the day you moved in.

Here’s What Your Favorite Houseplants Look Like in the Wild
House Plants

Here’s What Your Favorite Houseplants Look Like in the Wild

Truth be told, all houseplants were wild at some point in time, until humans decided to bring them indoors to grow for food or medicinal purposes—and for their beauty. So, where did your houseplants come from? Check out these 10 popular houseplants in their wild habitat.

12 Easy Ways to Create Curb Appeal in Winter
Curb Appeal

12 Easy Ways to Create Curb Appeal in Winter

The winter blues are real, but there’s hope, even for what feels like a cold, dead, and lifeless yard. Eject the doldrums from your winter landscape with one of these cheerful winter decorating ideas.

How to Make Homemade Dishwasher Detergent
Cleaning & Organizing

How To: Make Your Own Dishwasher Detergent

Why waste money—or put your family’s health at risk—with store bought brands when you can DIY a safe, efficient cleanser for everything from plates and glassware to pots and pans.

Blown Away: 12 Upcycled Wind Chimes You Can Make
Easy DIY Projects

Blown Away: 12 Upcycled Wind Chimes You Can Make

Do you want a unique set of wind chimes to add some personality to your garden, patio, balcony, or deck? You’re in luck—no need to go to an expensive home boutique to find what you’re looking for. Instead, take a look around your kitchen, garage, tool shed, or even your backyard. You'll find all sorts of items you can upcycle into a pretty and sweet-sounding set of DIY wind chimes. When looking for the perfect pieces, choose items that make a pleasing sound when they hit each other. Note that heavy items will be slow to make contact unless you place the chimes in an area with high winds; delicate items made of glass or china could shatter in the same windy location. If the spot where you want to place your chimes doesn't get enough wind, hang one wide, flat piece lower than the other items—it will catch the wind and start the music! Here are 12 unique DIY wind chimes to get your creative juices flowing.

10 A-Frame Homes That Deserve A+
Architecture

10 A-Frame Homes That Deserve A+

First popularized for their simple design and affordable cost, today's A-frame homes are gaining renewed popularity thanks to design modifications that expand them out—and up.

13 Clever New Uses for Old Newspapers
Repurposing

13 Clever New Uses for Old Newspapers

Reading the morning newspaper is a relaxing ritual for many people, but unfortunately, this admirable habit results in the waste of a lot of paper. Rather than simply tossing your old newspapers in the garbage pail (a very environmentally unfriendly approach), or even putting them in the recycling, you can let your trash save you some cash by using your old papers as a substitute for store-bought cleaning, lining, and packaging products. Here are some of our top ideas for repurposing those daily broadsheets.

diy-window-treatment-1
Windows

Genius! A Sunnier Alternative to Window Blinds

Leaving windows uncovered lets in the most rays, but it won’t keep your nosy neighbors from seeing exactly what you’re up to. With an hour and a few dollars, you can add privacy to any room—without limiting natural light or blocking a great view!

How To: Make a Mortise and Tenon Joint
Workshop

How To: Make a Mortise and Tenon Joint

Making mortise and tenon joints is a straightforward process.

How to Clean a Wooden Cutting Board
Kitchen & Dining

How To: Clean a Wooden Cutting Board

Step away from the dishwasher! Instead, use this DIY technique to clean your sullied wooden cutting boards and achieve safe and spotless results.

10 Sneaky Ways to Store Winter Gear
Storage

10 Sneaky Ways to Store Winter Gear

Winter weather lovers make the most of the season with outdoor activities like sledding and snowboarding. It’s all fun and games—if you have the right gear. But once inside, the same coats and boots that make cold weather bearable can be almost too much to store. If your cluttered coat closet is groaning under winter's weight, fear not. Take a hint from one of these clever storage ideas to coral your winter-gear quicker than you can catch a snowflake on your tongue.

14 New Things You Can Do with an Old Sweater
Furniture & Design

14 New Things You Can Do with an Old Sweater

Before sending a bag of old sweaters to the thrift store, try repurposing them in creative new ways.

12 Things Realtors Look For in Homes of Their Own
Buying

12 Things Realtors Look For in Homes of Their Own

The property professionals who show and sell houses for a living have to live somewhere too! So what’s on their “must" list for homes of their own? Real estate agents and brokers from around the country told us what they insist on—in terms of a home’s physical structure and features, as well as landscaping and neighborhood. As individual as these residence requirements may be, it’s no surprise that they all have serious resale value. So, whether you’re looking for a place or thinking of putting yours on the market—or just want to know how to keep your property appealing—read on for real estate specialists’ take on what makes a house a must-have.

7 Ways to Set Up Your Home Workshop
Workshop

7 Ways to Set Up Your Home Workshop

Where do you keep your workshop? It's best to set it up in a place where noise, dust, and space aren't an issue. But there are other considerations to keep in mind as well, like humidity, light, and ventilation. Check out our guide to help you decide how to proceed, no matter where you choose to add your own work space.