Starting a DIY project is often the hardest part. Inspiration can make all the difference—sparking ideas, giving direction, and making the first step feel manageable. Where do you turn for that spark? Magazines — glossy spreads and step-by-step features can be great for trends and curated projects. Books — in-depth guides and reference materials are … Read more
We have an old wall-mounted Delta kitchen faucet that began to drip last month. The faucet is likely original to the house, built in the 1950s. Fortunately, our local hardware store stocks replacement seats and springs for pre-1976 Delta faucets, so a simple parts swap restored the faucet without replacing the entire fixture. Replacing the … Read more
Joe and Lulu with their daughters, Dani and Maya, on their front porch in Richmond, VA, Photo by Tania del Carmen as part of the #OnHoldAtHome series My friend Joe Kutchera generously shared the story of renovating his historic Richmond home. We met while working at This Old House, and I’m honored to tell his … Read more
This post was sponsored by Gillette at Sam’s Club. All opinions are my own. Shaving has always been a chore I postpone, much to the disappointment of my wife and son who prefer a clean-shaven look. Recently I had the chance to try the new Gillette Fusion ProShield, supplied in a Sam’s Club pack that … Read more
If you’re still wrestling with a rake and a lightweight handheld blower this season, consider upgrading to a homeowner-friendly backpack blower. The STIHL BR 200 is the brand’s first backpack model aimed at home users, and it delivers power and performance on par with many of STIHL’s top handheld units. Lightweight and compact, it’s ideal … Read more
Small details can transform a room. Many DIY enthusiasts focus on major renovations like replacing tile, gutting a kitchen, repainting, or installing hardwood floors. But if you want a quick, budget-friendly project that delivers visible results, consider replacing your floor grates. Swapping out basic registers for more attractive options—such as wood, decorative metal, or cast-iron … Read more
Saunas offer a time-honored way to relax, recover, and support overall wellbeing. With both traditional (Finnish) and infrared options available, choosing the right type depends on your preferences, space, budget, and health goals. This guide explains the differences, benefits, and trade-offs of each to help you make an informed decision. Saunas have been valued for … Read more
It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since I launched Charles & Hudson. The journey has been incredible. I’m proud to have built one of the earliest home improvement and DIY blogs that still stands strong today. I still enjoy writing here and sharing unique products and projects you won’t find elsewhere. At the … Read more
Christmas tree farms are increasingly popular as more people seek live, sustainable trees. A freshly cut tree brings that unmistakable holiday scent into your home, and when sourced from a responsibly managed farm and later recycled, the environmental impact is minimal. If you have several Christmas tree farms nearby, consider the following factors before driving … Read more
Welcome to the Window Wisdom series, sponsored by Marvin Windows and Doors. This window buying guide will help you make informed decisions when replacing or upgrading windows. If you completed the window audit from last week, you should already have a clear idea of the condition of your existing windows and whether repair or replacement … Read more