When planning your next DIY or renovation project, consider adding an architectural element that delivers strong visual impact without blowing your budget. Thoughtful details elevate a space and make even modest projects feel intentional and polished. Better Homes & Gardens offers a helpful selection of architectural additions and practical tips for adapting them to different … Read more

The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted a renewed interest in replacing traditional manicured lawns with more natural meadows. Homeowners and landscape professionals point to multiple benefits: meadows generally require less water, present a more natural aesthetic, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and intensive maintenance, making them an environmentally friendly alternative. Experts note that meadows … Read more

We’ve long admired Dyson products. Their Hot+Cool fan heater blends striking design with year-round usefulness, and the Dyson DC44 Animal fits the same practical aesthetic. Its compact, lightweight design makes it an ideal vacuum for our 900-square-foot home, especially on hardwood floors. The cordless operation is the real advantage — no trailing cables and instant … Read more

Brushless motors are rapidly becoming the standard, and this year DeWALT released a brushless version of its popular 20V MAX impact driver. The redesigned motor delivers significantly improved efficiency, running cooler and quieter than traditional brushed motors. DeWALT reports up to 57% more runtime compared with their previous brushed models, while reduced internal wear enhances … Read more

In spring 2015, WORX introduced two 56V MaxLithium 19-inch 3-in-1 lawnmowers featuring Intellicut technology. Each model ships with two 56V battery packs, signaling that battery-powered mowers have become a practical, high-performance alternative to gas models for homeowners who want quieter, lower-maintenance, and more environmentally friendly options. Both WORX 56V mowers use durable 19-inch steel decks … Read more

I’ve long been captivated by automotive design, so when the chance came to learn directly from the team at Calty Design Research, I eagerly accepted. Calty is Toyota’s in-house design studio and has shaped many of the brand’s most recognizable vehicles since the 1970s. Their portfolio includes influential models for both Toyota and Lexus, from … Read more

My truck is approaching 150,000 miles. It still runs strong, but to keep it that way I decided to do a full 150k inspection. One of the top items on my list was replacing the shock absorbers. Shocks wear out gradually and then suddenly fail. Because my F-150’s suspension is fairly stiff, I didn’t notice … Read more

Kitchen and bathroom design trends for 2023 reflect homeowners’ desire for spaces that are both highly functional and visually appealing, embracing an organic, nature-inspired aesthetic. Highlights from the 2023 KBIS trade show underscore several key directions likely to shape kitchens and baths in the coming year. Kitchen Design Trends Designers are blending materials and finishes … Read more

Give your bathroom an instant, practical upgrade with a curved shower rod. These rods are ideal for any bathroom size, not just small ones. By bowing outward, a curved shower rod creates more elbow room inside the shower, making showers feel less cramped without taking up additional floor space. Curved shower rods have become a … Read more

Exciting news: Lowe’s is sponsoring a $2,000 gift card giveaway exclusively for a Charles & Hudson reader. This substantial prize can help fulfill a Father’s Day wish—whether that means a new grill, upgraded tools, or any home improvement project your dad has been wanting. The winner can spend the gift card however they choose. Don’t … Read more