Get Help from Bob Vila
- Give-Aways & Offers
- Monthly Must Do's
- DIY Project Ideas
- Step-by-Step Guides
- Inspirational Photo Galleries
PEOPLE & PLACES
Browse By Tag
Most hotels guard their secrets like the keys to their VIP guest rooms. But some accommodations have stories so spooky or scandalous that they've burst out of the...
The term "tourist attraction" usually evokes visions of long lines, inflated prices, and man-made marvels. But for those who prefer to walk on the wild side, some...
America is a veritable treasure trove of famous bridges, lighthouses, stadiums, and other architectural wonders that are as historically and culturally significan...
Looking to escape the commotion of city streets without going off the grid? Get inspired by these lofty lodgings, whose eye-popping elevation provides a taste of ...
America may have 50 states now, but a little less than 250 years ago it consisted of just 13 colonies. Even today, there are some amazing homes built during the c...
From scorching heat to bone-chilling cold, unbearable weather conditions wreak havoc throughout the United States. Yet some fortunate towns enjoy blissful climate...
Life in a large beach town comes with big crowds, long lines, and lots of noise. There are, however, plenty of small seaside spots from coast to coast that offer ...
Despite their modest populations, small towns have made their mark on our nation by spawning political or cultural movements, popularizing traditions, and at time...
Do you have an appreciation for historic homes and old-time architecture? Then consider booking your vacation lodging through Airbnb. The virtual hospitality serv...
Building a custom home isn’t for the faint of heart, but across the globe there are daring DIYers who take on the challenge, roll up their sleeves, and raise the ...
Every state in the union has a unique culture that is reflected in the streets of its communities. The homes and businesses that line these avenues tell a story a...
They say that home is where the heart is, but in a world of wildly divergent landscapes and cultures, “home” looks different for everyone. Here are 13 interesting...
There are the famous houses of America that everyone knows and loves: Fallingwater, Biltmore, the White House, and other venerable residences distinguished by the...
The good old USA frequently ranks among the world's friendliest countries, but residents of the most affable American cities go above and beyond mere courtesy by ...
Creating a desirable neighborhood requires commitment and participation from the people who reside there. When you get to know your neighbors, you’ll not only fee...
If you're looking for the perfect place for you, your parents, or your grandparents to retire, you're probably weighing important factors like affordability, plea...
There are many elements of air travel that make the experience less than enjoyable. Take your pick of your favorite things to hate about flying: Cramped seats, la...
From the Empire State Building to the Grand Canyon, America has countless iconic sites within its borders. Gain a greater appreciation for our nation's history, n...
Who doesn’t love an all-American road trip? As automobile travel gained popularity in the early 20th century, a slew of kitschy roadside motels popped up along th...
With their captivating histories and unbroken ties to tradition, these small but fascinating towns bring to life the legends, the lore, and the romance of the past.
If you're sick of your gas guzzler, maybe it's time to head off to one of these stateside locales where cars rarely, if ever, make an appearance. Click through to...
All cities experience extreme weather events every now and again, but some receive far more than their fair share. Get ready to learn which American cities have t...
While real estate prices soar in some markets around the country, there are still a number of cities where you can find a real steal. Click through to see what a ...
Seeking a little winter relaxation? Break away from your fireplace and head for the great outdoors. Far from the holiday hustle and bustle, and from winter chores...
For your next weekend getaway or midweek escape from the metropolis, skip past the swanky hotels and hit the hay at one of these 50 small-town inns across the cou...
A town’s motto has to check a lot of boxes. Ideally, it should accurately portray the town’s history, embody its population, and leave a lasting impression on tra...
Everyone hopes to live in a low-crime area where homes are secure and residents feel at ease visiting local businesses, parks, and schools. So if you’re thinking ...
When presidents want to escape the hustle and bustle of our nation's capital, they don't check into a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Instead, they head to secluded est...
During the off-season, many coveted ski towns, island oases, beach retreats, and lake communities transform from a jetsetter's paradise teeming with tourists to m...
Aside from being elected mayor, there's one other little-known way to get to run a town: Buy it. Think it's impossible? The “For Sale” signs on a number of great ...
Whether inspired by intense passions or mere entertainment, people love to collect all sorts of things. While most of these collections are rather ordinary—think ...
While a severe earthquake, hurricane, or nuclear disaster could easily destroy most buildings, there exists a rare breed of structures that would emerge practical...
Whether they’re holdovers from the days past that never got updated or mind-twisting restrictions written up after some random incident go wrong, there are dozens...
Downsizing your digs won't always spare your wallet. For proof, look no further than this selection of amenity-rich (and richly priced) tiny apartments scattered ...
Whether leveled by tornadoes, flooded by hurricanes, or scorched by fires, these great American cities have risen from the rubble to become revitalized burgs bear...
Could something you’ve introduced into your home bring bad luck, relationship problems, or even death? Legends from around the world warn us to keep various unluc...
Have you ever passed by a wow-worthy residence that's had a "For Sale" sign on display for what seems like an eternity and wondered why no one has scooped up the ...
In the early 20th century, a handful of companies, including Sears, Roebuck and Co., sold tens of thousands of mail-order homes. Available in a variety of styles ...
Fame wasn't the impetus behind the construction of America's most eminent estates, yet it has followed them from their creation to the modern day thanks to their ...
Does your idea of a dream getaway have you waking up to a mountain vista, skiing down pristine slopes, trekking tree-lined trails, or simply people-watching in qu...
While The Smithsonian, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Art are go-to destinations for history buffs and art aficionados, other museums...
While the average lot size of a home in the United States is about one-fifth of an acre, some super-size abodes boast ginormous backyards that span 50 acres or mo...
Homebuyers and renters who dare to be different often put down roots in alternative dwellings that others eschew. Even if your inner compass tells you to steer cl...
Harsh weather? Energy shortages? Nuclear fallout? These and other calamities would render most houses unlivable. Not these weird and wacky residences, though. Bui...
Sure, property seekers have been going nuts over prices in Hollywood, South Beach, and Greenwich Village for years, but it might surprise you to know that these a...
Curb appeal takes on a whole new meaning when a house is painted in cheerful, unexpected hues! Whether you're considering a face-lift for your own address, or sim...
The bright lights and swinging night life of the big city is fine for some, but others will appreciate the subtle pleasures of small town living. Here are some of...
Having once lived in a charming and historically significant Victorian home, I'm quite familiar with the compromises ...
How can you have an amazing vacation without paying for airfare or spending hours in transit? Just stay put—if, that is, you're lucky enough to live near one of t...
American architecture might not be as old as the kinds you'll find on other continents, but it certainly is stunning....
A well-built farmhouse will never go out of style. The rustic interior offers old-fashioned beauty, while the views of rolling hills and lush forests provide tran...
Eager to escape the hustle and bustle of urban sprawl or the cookie-cutter homes of suburbia, some house hunters pack their bags and travel to remote reaches of t...
Baseball may still be America's pastime, but during the heat of summer, going to the beach probably comes in a close second. This popularity keeps beachfront prop...
Why demolish an aging edifice when you can transform it into a dreamy dwelling designed for modern living? That adaptive spirit spurred the crafty conversion of t...
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...
Many millennials may still live with their parents but that doesn’t mean people born between 1981 and 1997 don’t have their eyes on the prize: a home of their own...
Every house has a story—some more mysterious than others. The peculiar pasts and enigmatic former owners of these mansions have left countless unanswered question...
Whether you’re an avid shutterbug or simply an admirer of regal real estate, you’ll want to save space on your camera roll for these picture-perfect properties, w...
If you're looking to relocate, there are several cities in the United States that offer big incentives to new residents. Check out these cities that will pay you,...
If you think mobile homes are low cost—and also low on style, space, and amenities—it's time to think again. In cities across the United States, these mobile home...
From carefree California wine country to the bustling Eastern Seaboard, these 10 swoon-worthy towns and their dreamy attractions are sure to make you and that spe...
You already know you can find an apartment or get a room for the night on Airbnb, but you probably haven’t seen the coolest digs the online reservation company ha...
This country is filled with inspiring sights, record-breaking happenings, and talented DIYers who do amazing (okay, occasionally weird!) things to put their town ...
These United States stretch from coast to coast—and beyond. There's a lot that differs from state to state but one thing holds true no matter where you go: every ...
From Pittsburgh to Kansas City, the most economical cities in America are also home to some of the most extravagant abodes standing today. For proof, take a grand...
For history lovers, nothing beats the old-time charm and architectural wonder of America’s oldest towns. These settlements are hundreds of years old, dating back ...
Although the memorable speeches, grand state dinners, and other important events that have taken place at the White House have been well documented in history boo...
Has cabin fever set in at your landlocked lodgings? Fun, sun, pampering amenities, and tropical treats await when you hop a plane to any of these indulgent bed-an...
For camera-shy celebrities, the best way to dodge paparazzi is often to get out of Dodge. These 14 notable names have done just that, temporarily—or even permanen...
It’s easy to get lost in the aisles of a big box home improvement store. Although the big chains are often well-staffed, their sheer size means you can't always f...
Who said you had to be a royal to live like one? Everyday house hunters looking for a new place to call home can snag any one of these on-the-market castles and c...
America’s streets are paved with remarkable history. Some of the nation’s earliest historical routes; ones that once wound through quiet boroughs and townships, a...
Can’t find any centenarians on your street? Look again; the oldest resident in the neighborhood may well be a historic home. These ancient abodes around the count...
Planning your next escape? Venture beyond the familiar hotels to uncover the best-kept secrets in vacation destinations. These 20 bed-and-breakfasts around the co...
Want to catch a little Tinseltown glamour—without actually going to Tinseltown? Plan a trip to one of these quirky faux hamlets, built as sets for film shoots tha...
Across the world, countless historic structures have been converted into hotels whose old-world architecture and antique decor transport guests back to another er...
No matter how underpopulated, unremarkable, or remote they may be, these oddly named American communities are places to see and be seen (at the very least in a se...
Ever wished you could live in the home of Harry Potter, Royal Tenenbaum, or Kevin McCallister? For 11 buyers, movie magic became a reality when they scooped up th...
For old house enthusiasts, the historic charm of a vintage home can outweigh even the most tempting of today's modern amenities. Whether you’re on the lookout for...
Shopping for furniture can be a stressful experience. While some people can find the perfect "forever" piece in a furniture showroom, those with more eclectic tas...
Popular accommodation trading site Airbnb invites you to not only stay but “live” in the vacation destination of your choice—even if for just a few days. So, when...
Jason Aleksa is no stranger to the shop. His grandfather founded a machine shop in the 1960s, which his father then t...
When Jeremy Medow left behind life on Wall Street for a new start in Connecticut, he didn't know that he would end up...
It's often said that nothing reinvents a room like paint. Well, that's especially true in the case of colorful murals...
David Mellor was on his way to an athletic scholarship and a promising pitching career when tragedy struck: He got hi...
The great outdoors is great for everyone, particularly your four-pawed pals. “The home can get boring for pets," says...
Many homeowners turn felled landscaping trees into cheap firewood, piling up split logs by a backyard shed or in fron...
Erin True needed a job. She had recently moved from Detroit to Chicago with her husband, Jason, and was striking out ...
The average American spends a third to half of his or her income just putting a roof overhead, so it’s no surprise th...
Whether a pipe bursts or construction begins on a new home addition, we often call the handiest people we know for some sage advice: our dads. In honor of the fas...
Any student of American history knows that there was a time when Detroit was abuzz with activity, when entrepreneurs ...
Too little storage, not enough chairs? For any sort of home furnishings conundrum, IKEA has the answers. But when it ...
For home design enthusiasts, wood furniture built by true craftsmen is coveted for its uniqueness, its durability, an...
Today, Americans buy everything from groceries to furniture over the Internet without thinking twice. But what's true...
Stephanie Beamer, Crystal Ellis, and Hillary Petrie are the founders of Egg Collective, a furniture design firm that'...
When Darren Green founded Old Wood Co. , in 2007, he had social and environmental consciousness top of mind. After wo...
When Eliza Banks lived in student housing as a freshman at NYU, the window in her room looked upon an all-too-familia...
What happens when you combine the ease and convenience of flat-pack, ready-to-assemble furniture with the fun and whi...
Stars, they’re just like us! When on the hunt for real estate, celebrities enjoy jaw-droppingly large budgets, sure, ...
As the owner of a railroad contracting and maintenance firm, John Hendrick oversaw a crew responsible for, among othe...
Brady Vest, founder of Kansas City-based Hammerpress, has his pulse on a letterpress renaissance. Even if you haven't...
As agriculture has morphed into big business and populations have shifted from the countryside to urban centers, timb...
Every single month, tons of fire hose reaches the end of its useful life and must be disposed of. That's when Oakland...
Jonah Meyer and Tara De Lisio are partners in marriage—and partners in business. In their first venture together, the...
Like so many other do-it-yourself enthusiasts, Nicole Shariat Farb frequently browsed blogs and social media sites, a...
In remote Millinocket, ME, there are as many as 1 million cords of wood resting at the bottom of Quakish Lake. Since ...
Meet Tara Mangini and Percy Bright, the brains, braun, and creative force behind a truly unique home remodeling compa...
How did Big Chill end up manufacturing cutting-edge new kitchen appliances that look, in the best way possible, 60 ye...
Meet Jermain Todd, owner and craftsman of the St. Louis-based Mwanzi Co. From the sounds of it, he's certainly one of...
Family-run company Worley's Lighting makes modern-minimalist lamps with fine craftsmanship and quality woods. Take a look at just some of their many makes and mod...
Meet the duo behind one of the trendiest lighting companies around. Shelli Worley and her husband Seth started Worley...
When the family gathers to share food and laughter, the dining table stands at the center of it all. Whether handmade, purchased, or inherited and steeped with hi...
Nearly every Saturday morning, Peter Bonner walks out to the dairy barn behind the Crawford-Talmadge House in Georgia...
Jessica Bruno is a mom, daughter, and granddaughter—and the creative force behind the popular blog Four Generations O...
Color us impressed: Best known for her role in the long-running series 90210, Jennie Garth has opened her large-scale...
Vacations can be about more than rest and relaxation. Engage your spirit of adventure and sense of civic duty with a vacation that helps those around you. With vo...
I’m sure you’ve read articles that suggested contacting your local Cooperative Extension Office for services like soi...
Over the course of watching a television series, you get to know the characters pretty well—and you also learn to love (or loathe) the where they live. Test your ...
Inspired by Downton Abbey, a new collection from Kelly-Moore Paints will now enable fans to live among the dusty gray...
After serving up nearly 25 days of great tips, creative ideas, and how-to projects to make your holidays merry ...
Celebrate the joys of the season at one of these fun, family-friendly pumpkin festivals—and see how you might find one closer to home.
Do you work as an architect, contractor, or interior designer? Or are you a diehard DIYer? For friends and family mem...
If you dream of building your own house, honing a craft, or taking an adventure, these top twelve learning destinations will help fill your summer calendar.
The kitchen has always been considered the most important room in the house, the warm heart of the home. When you add...
“It’s Chris’s shop that I also use,” says Meryl Phillips describing the 20’ x 20’ garage work space that she and her ...
Lee Richmond’s foray into the world of antique tool collecting was simply a young man’s means to an end. As an engine...
[Editor's Note: Bob Vila's interview with Amy Matthews took place the day before she was expecting to deliver her ba...
What could the grandeur of a Roman fountain and an end-of-days bomb shelter possibly have in common? Must be time for...
Experts on all things home aren't always confined to hammer and nail. Many have picked up another set of tools altoge...
As more and more doers and makers broadcast their home improvement adventures online, the world of DIY has never been...
Sarah Fogle doesn’t want any confusion. Despite her zest for DIY, she is no Mrs. Bob Vila! Her work spaces are a litt...
Timothy Dahl is impressively disciplined. His work week is structured; his workshop is neat. Scheduling keeps Timothy...
When artist Elayna Toby Singer contemplates a new mixed media assemblage, she pieces together objects from both natur...
Whether making cake stands or candles, Fresh Pastry Stand's Deva Mirel finds inspiration in the vintage kitchen and i...
Compassion, faith, and hope are not intrinsically wired into the furniture business, but Lamon Luther, a fledgling ma...
From rustic log lodges to mountaintop cabins, these properties offer a good night's sleep as well as easy access to some of the nation's most beautiful parks.
Editor's note: Since bathroom remodeling is an expensive undertaking, we reached out to Nate Berkus—TV host, designer...
Two grateful and happy families are living in new homes this week thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Gr...
New York was buzzing last week with Design Week and ICFF taking place, but there were also a few other cool events ha...
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair is filled with amazing designs for the modern home, and not to be forgo...
Hours before the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) closed its four-day run on Tuesday, the winners of ...
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) is one of my favorite trade shows. It is the one show in the co...
I was amused to see James Marsden geared up in a tool belt on "30 Rock", as his character set about fixing loose floo...
Host of DIY Networks' "Sweat Equity" and "This New House," Amy Matthews offers some helpful DIY advice.
According to the City of Delray Beach, community service has no age requirement. At this weekend’s “Curb Appeal by th...
[Editor's Note: Bob Tedeschi has a deep, diverse and celebrated journalistic background, having covered everything fr...
During a recent interview with The New York Times columnist Bob Tedeschi, a. k. a. "The Pragmatist," I asked if he ha...
It may strike you as odd for a home improvement web site to publish an Oscar-related blog post, but while Bob Vila is...
Sherry and John Petersik of "Young House Love" offer tips for keeping the romance alive—even in DIY.
Sherry Petersik is glowing. Her husband John is nearby. Baby Clara, one of the cutest child co-stars of the blogging ...
Today is my third and last day at the Builder's Show in Orlando, and while I have a bit of "building product" overloa...
Day two at the International Builders' Show in Orlando turned up some more great introductions. I started the day tai...
What's new at this year's International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, FL? Bob Vila for one. After a five year abse...
As you know from my prior posts, I am as fascinated with tools for their purpose and usefulness as I am for their sha...
I am a casual collector of vintage paper goods and assorted ephemera. My stash includes vintage dictionaries and ency...
[Editors Note: We caught up with designer Celerie Kemble the week of Christmas at her family home in Palm Beach. Bob...
The week before the holidays, I had the chance to talk *color* with Celerie Kemble, the New York and Palm Beach inter...
She had a load of lumber to get home from the Home Depot. He had a car big enough to take it. Emily Winters and Pete ...
At 25, John Clarke Mills, a software entrepreneur with a background in engineering and woodworking, bought his first ...
Kit Stansley has a zest for building and a talent for blogging about it. The 5’3,” 115 lb. powertool addict, tackles ...
A veteran tool collector, dealer and expert, shares tips, knowledge and advice.
I know what you're thinking—a concrete block. Big deal. But take a look at it. Solidly built. Produced with hollow ce...
If you haven't checked out Tim Allen's new ABC comedy sitcom, Last Man Standing, you should. He's an awfully funny gu...
I sat down recently with Mark Diaz, the second runner-up in HGTV’s recently concluded "Design Star. " After watching ...
True Value launches a Facebook web series chronicling the progress of its three DIY contest winners. Thick black pa...
The question—How Green is Your Town?—is not a competition but rather a rally call to help build more sustainable comm...
When does a simple hand tool—let's say a saw—become a work of art? For tool collectors, the answer is an easy one: w...
In a new survey sponsored by Siemens and the Economist Intelligence Unit, San Francisco outpaced 27 other major metro...
Bob explores Harvard Square with architectural historian Brian Pfeiffer, who highlights three centuries of architecture in Cambridge, MA.
Bob takes a trip into Boston to visit the North Bennet Street School.
Bob takes the first of many visits to the Winterthur Garden and Museum in Delaware's Brandywine Valley.
At Boston's North Bennet Street School, Bob visits the locksmithing classroom.
Bob visits with Alex Krutsky at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. Bob and Krutsky discuss the school's admissions process, which requires previous carpent...