Applying a fresh coat of paint, refinishing hardwood floors, or installing built-in shelves—these kinds of DIY tasks are easy to complete inside your home. But when a project moves outdoors, to your house’s exterior or the surrounding property, different rules often apply. One Los Angeles homeowner discovered this the hard way. Barbara Black invited a … Read more

Portable charcoal grills often carry a reputation for being hot, messy, and fragile. The NOMAD Grill and Smoker challenges that stereotype with a rugged briefcase-style grill designed to deliver authentic charcoal flavor whether you’re at home, camping, or on the road—while minimizing mess and improving results. I’ll admit I’d moved away from charcoal, favoring gas … Read more

You’re planning a major renovation — a new kitchen, an updated bathroom, or perhaps an entire home remodel. Before installing the new finishes and fixtures, you must remove what’s already there. Traditionally, that meant demolition: smashing out walls, fixtures, and finishes, often with sledgehammers or heavy equipment handled by professionals. Today, as sustainability becomes a … Read more

Baseboard molding is a subtle detail that can instantly elevate a room, adding architectural interest and a finished look. In many homes, the existing baseboards are narrow—sometimes only an inch or so above the carpet—which can make a space feel incomplete. With basic materials, a little time, and some straightforward DIY steps, you can extend … Read more

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Philips Lighting. All opinions are entirely my own. For years we resisted anything other than incandescent lighting. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) offered poor color and limited dimming, and early LEDs were prohibitively expensive. That changed when Philips Lighting introduced a new, affordable LED bulb … Read more

The Benchmade Bugout has earned a reputation as a go-to everyday carry knife for campers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted in the USA, this folding knife balances lightweight design with surprising strength, handling most tasks with ease. It has long been offered with either a plain or partially serrated drop-point blade and in handle colors … Read more

In July, I had the opportunity of a lifetime: I joined a group of DIY and shelter bloggers for a design challenge sponsored by Shaw Floors. The brief was straightforward—create a complete room starting with the floor. Because Shaw Floors hosted the event, the flooring selection was the central design element. Teams of two were … Read more

Crown molding makes a strong visual statement. A single trim addition can dramatically change the look and feel of a room. But can you install crown molding on a cathedral ceiling, and is the effort worthwhile? Precision Cutting Is Key The sloped surfaces of cathedral ceilings create a different intersection between wall and ceiling than … Read more

Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity, offering comfortable, stylish areas for relaxation, entertaining, and socializing. Designing an outdoor space that balances function and style requires thought and planning to ensure it meets your needs while complementing your home. This article outlines the fundamentals of outdoor living space design, highlights essential components for functionality, suggests … Read more

This post is sponsored by Ram Trucks. Do you have a garage that needs a full makeover? Enter here for a chance to be one of three winners receiving a $25,000 garage renovation. A garage is a natural place for a Ram Cave: it stores your vehicle, tools, and gear. Yet too often garages become … Read more