The iconic Hollywood Sign has needed a proper restoration for several years. Although crews have repeatedly painted over graffiti, taggers quickly return, and simply painting over old, peeling layers only provides a short-term fix. This year the Sign is receiving a much more thorough treatment: the most extensive refurbishing effort in nearly 35 years, using … Read more

After you choose a paint color, the next step is selecting the finish or sheen. The finish you pick affects the appearance, durability, and how easy the painted surface will be to clean. Below is a clear, user-friendly guide to help you decide which paint finish is best for each area of your home. Range … Read more

The Kwikset SMARTKEY re-keying system is a real time-saver, letting you rekey locks in seconds without replacing hardware or calling a locksmith. That convenience has made SMARTKEY one of our favorite lock features for both security and practicality. Kwikset’s new Montara entry door system pairs a deadbolt with a locking door handle for two-point protection. … Read more

Attending a media event hosted by Nate Berkus and sponsored by Lowe’s and Valspar was one of the highlights of our year. The gathering was intentionally small—only about fifteen attendees—creating an intimate atmosphere where Nate shared stories about his design philosophy and walked us through hands-on paint and styling activities arranged by Lowe’s. Throughout the … Read more

Supply chain shortages are affecting the homebuilding industry, delaying everything from lumber to hardware and flooring. Many items are back-ordered for months, including garage doors, making timely installations harder to schedule. That’s why we’re grateful we installed our Clopay Avante garage door a couple of years ago. It has become one of our favorite home … Read more

Most basement renovations face the same limitation: lack of natural light. No matter how thoughtfully a space is planned and decorated, the absence of daylight can make it feel less welcoming and cramped. Fortunately, there are several practical strategies to introduce natural light into a basement and make it feel brighter and more spacious. Excavate … Read more

The year 2020 was unlike any other in recent memory. As many of us spent more time at home, priorities shifted toward health, comfort, and practical gear. People who had been cooped up under stay-at-home orders quickly sought ways to explore and improve their surroundings once restrictions eased. That surge in interest drove outdoor gear, … Read more

Our 100-square-foot studio has been a wonderful space for working from home. It’s compact, but within a 900-square-foot house it’s more than adequate for our needs. In a previous post we covered the benefits of Shaw luxury vinyl flooring. Their Floorte line looked like the perfect fit for this room, and one of the biggest … Read more

We’ve received many questions about repairing appliances damaged by flooding. Not every appliance can be saved, but with careful testing and a bit of patience you can often determine whether a machine is safe to use again and, in many cases, restore it to working order. If an appliance has been submerged, please avoid leaving … Read more

As spring approaches and homeowners anticipate lawn-mowing season, Husqvarna has introduced the new Z200 series of residential zero-turn riding mowers. Husqvarna, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, designed the Z200 lineup to deliver improved ergonomics, enhanced functionality, and a more refined mowing experience for DIY homeowners and lawn care enthusiasts. The … Read more