Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 84)

A group of lupine plants growing in a home landscape with a graphic overlay that says Plant Care 101.
Lawn Care & Gardening

Monty Python character Dennis Moore famously stole lupines from the rich to give to the poor—but whatever your status, you can raise your own stately spires of colorful flowers by learning proper lupine plant care.

Only one house in a suburban neighborhood has lights on during a storm.

As weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, having predictable access to dependable power—in the form of a standby generator—becomes acutely more crucial.

Person raking colorful fallen leaves in yard.
Landscaping

Some kinds of leaf litter might do more harm than good.

Woman using a roller to paint a piece of white MDF a shade of green.
Furniture & Design

If your IKEA furniture has seen better days or no longer matches your home's decor, a new coat of paint may be all it needs to be a la mode again.

Grand foyer with curved staircase, brown wooden door, and chandelier.
Architecture

Forget the dramatic entrances—more homeowners prefer energy efficiency and extra space.

Healthy green grass next to yellow balding grass
Lawn & Garden

Want a golf course-green lawn? Take a tip from Scotland’s course owners and top-dress your yard to achieve healthy, lush, green grass.

how to install a storm door
Entryways

Enhance your entryway, boost home energy savings, and strengthen security with an attractive and stylish new storm door.

Birds flying above a river at sunset with the moon in the sky.
Lawn & Garden

Big lights are big problems for birds on the move. Here's how to address your landscape lighting—plus 7 more small changes around the yard that will help migration.

Milwaukee M18 Hammer Drill on workbench with white peg board
Power Tools

This hammer drill bests the competition in nearly every measurable aspect, making it worth the high price tag.

Four Chimneys Inn, Manchester, Vermont
Fireplaces & Chimneys

From classic wood-burning hearths to completely flameless electric fireplaces, there’s an option sure to be right for virtually any home.

A woman using a drill to drill a piece of wood into a brick wall.
Skills & Techniques

Are you planning to hang a garden hose reel or artwork on a brick wall in your home, and don't know where to start? Choose the right tool, drill bit, and technique, and you can bore holes in brick walls—indoors and out—in mere minutes.

A brown stink bug on the side of a house
Reviews

Dreading stink bug season? Effective repellents help keep these seasonal home invaders away.

Pull-out sofa with bed pulled out and wrinkled sheets and pillows.
Holidays & Celebrations

Caught in a space squeeze without a hideaway bed? Ensure that your overnight visitors get a good night’s sleep with these cots, Murphy beds, futons, and more.

Split image showing a magnified drain fly on the left and a magnified fruit fly on the right.
Pests

At first glance these two types of flies look similar. Learning to identify the species and limiting their food sources will help you control your fly issue.

A large patch of hydrangeas, in hues that vary from blue to purple to pink.
Gardening

Changing the color of the flowers is as easy as testing your soil and adding these amendments.

A butternut squash growing on a vine in a lush garden.
Gardening

If you grew a patch of butternut squash this year, you “butter” learn the nuts and bolts of when to pick it!

Woman uses garden hose to rinse debris from air conditioner compressor.
Cooling

Want to save money and lengthen your AC unit’s life? Follow this easy-to-follow maintenance regimen for cleaning the inside of your air conditioner.

Freshly waxed hardwood flooring shines in the light of large windows in an empty living room.
Flooring

Waxing can bring long-lasting luster to hardwood floors. Learn which type of wax is right for your wood floors, and how to apply it properly.

Staining a wooden shelf on an outdoor work station.
Furniture & Design

Staining wood furniture brings out the natural beauty of wood grain. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a beautiful, lasting finish.

Rusted screws on address numbers in a brick wall.
Skills & Techniques

When repairing older metal furniture and appliances, it's common to encounter rusted screws. Help these fasteners yield by following one of these tried-and-true processes.