Over the summer I toured the brand-new shared showroom in Los Angeles for Bosch and BLANCO, two leading German-engineered kitchen and bath brands. A group of bloggers, designers, and architects gathered to learn about the latest universal design trends and to test the products firsthand — with a few deliberate constraints to simulate real-life needs. … Read more

Homeowners and apartment residents in Seattle frequently notice that their monthly utility bills, particularly the sewer portion, can be higher than expected. Knowing how Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) calculates sewer charges and what influences those charges helps residents spot problems and take practical steps to lower costs. How Seattle Calculates Sewer Charges Seattle’s sewer charges … Read more

We recently attended the DeWALT 12V* MAX Lithium-Ion cordless power tool system launch at Black & Decker University in Towson, MD. The event introduced a new lineup that establishes a compact, contractor-grade category within the 12V segment. Presentations were given by members of the design-build team and representatives from engineering, industrial design, and marketing, who … Read more

What happens when the most recognized brand in garage door openers decides to completely redesign its entire lineup to address customer concerns and incorporate the latest technologies? You end up in Baltic and Mt. Hope, Ohio—home of The Genie Company. We were invited to attend Genie’s first-ever Digital Summit, and it proved to be an … Read more

Living in a small space pushes you to be resourceful and creative. Efficient storage, smart furniture layouts, and versatile pieces that serve multiple functions are essential to make the most of every square foot. A simple modification can turn ordinary furniture into a small-space workhorse: add swivel casters. Available at most hardware stores, swivel casters … Read more

Did you know a mattress can harbor millions of dust mites? It’s an unsettling but important fact to consider for anyone concerned about sleep hygiene and indoor allergens. We spend roughly one third of our lives sleeping, and during that time our beds accumulate vast amounts of skin flakes—food for dust mites. Estimates suggest a … Read more

We work in a compact outdoor workshop and depend on sawhorses for nearly every project. After building our own, we tried the Jawhorse and quickly became fans. Its combination of usability, compact footprint, and stable base makes it an essential addition to any shop, big or small. At first glance it doesn’t resemble a traditional … Read more

Airstream has embraced the van-life trend with the introduction of the Interstate 24X, a purpose-built Class B adventure van designed to take explorers beyond paved roads. While the Airstream Atlas and the Interstate 24GL and 24GT focus on luxury touring—optimized for highways and long-distance comfort—many van-life enthusiasts want the ability to head down dirt tracks … Read more

Bathroom problems rarely appear suddenly. At first it might be a small puddle outside the shower door. You wipe it up, and the next day it’s back. Or the bottom edge of the glass begins to yellow, caulk develops dark spots, or the drain runs a little slower than before. Those small signs usually mean … Read more

The last tool has been packed away and the final invoice signed. The contractor’s trucks are finally gone from the driveway. The lingering smell of fresh paint and sawdust begins to fade, replaced by the clean, unfamiliar scent of new cabinetry and polished stone. You sit on your new furniture, looking around at a space … Read more