The first upgrade I made to my 100-series Land Cruiser was installing a Front Runner Slimline II roof rack. I’d used the same rack on my previous FJ62 Land Cruiser and found it to be an ideal match for the 100-series. Being able to move Front Runner accessories between vehicles is a major advantage. Below … Read more

This Earth Day feels different. For the first time in my life, the world has paused together and taken collective action to protect the lives of others. That shared pause gives new meaning to this annual day of awareness. Since its founding in 1970, Earth Day has grown into a global movement. The 50th anniversary … Read more

A few years ago, I knew almost nothing about lighting. My home relied entirely on the built-in overhead fixtures, and the only time I enjoyed soft, ambient light was when the Christmas tree was lit. Since then I’ve learned that using multiple types of lighting is essential to creating a comfortable, well-designed space. Lighting designer … Read more

We’ve relied on over-the-counter window cleaners for years. Some perform better than others, but many leave a lot to be desired. From streaks to run marks, cleaning glass isn’t always as simple as it seems. Recently we tested Fish Foam from Fish Window Cleaning, a company known for professional window services. Their premium foam glass … Read more

White has long been the default choice for contemporary kitchens, but darker palettes are gaining ground. Rotpunkt, the award-winning German designer and manufacturer of high-quality kitchen furniture, offers a striking alternative with its Raw 19 Kitchen. Rather than the high-gloss black finishes often seen, this design uses a 3mm sandblasted wood-effect veneer in a painted … Read more

Our backyard is lovely, but it had one clear drawback: the side wall facing the street was only 4 feet 10 inches tall. That low height made it easy for passersby to see into the yard, and someone could easily hop the wall. With several daytime break-ins reported in our neighborhood, we decided it was … Read more

Despite regular watering and effort, our lawn stayed patchy and damaged. Part of the problem was that our dog prefers to relieve himself in the same small area, leaving a section where grass never recovers. That created an uneven surface with healthy grass next to bare, compacted spots. It was far from an ideal play … Read more

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, continue to rise in popularity. Their distinctive appearance makes a bold statement in any kitchen, putting the sink and faucet combination front and center as a focal point of the space. Adding a farmhouse sink is an effective way to introduce color or a new material into a … Read more

Marvin Windows and Doors has introduced a factory-installed Window Opening Control Device (WOCD) for its popular Ultimate Casement series of crank-out windows to comply with the ASTM F2090-10 safety standard. ASTM F2090-10 was created in response to growing concern about child safety and fall prevention, and to address increasing attention from media and lawmakers. Minnesota … Read more