Escape from reality by creating at-home retreats Life is hectic. And although technology has made our lives easier to multitask and stay connected, it also means that no matter where you go, it's hard to fully escape. While traveling to a remote island to get away for peace and relaxation would be a wonderful retreat, you can easily avoid the hustle and bustle of your ...
Save time and energy with tips for smart home improvement The weather is warm and the sun is shining, making it the perfect time to start your home improvement projects. Whether it's a little tidying up, or a full-on home repair, some tips will help you complete your projects without a lot of headaches.
Sign of the design times for kitchens The number of kitchen styles and design options for homeowners to consider during the building and remodeling process is enough to make a person go crazy. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by simplifying your options.
Avoiding five mistakes that even good homeowners make Have you ever accidentally left a candle burning unattended? Or left home without turning on the security system? You probably made a mental note to yourself to not do it again, but otherwise didn't think much about it. But next time, you might not get so lucky. A simple "uh oh" could lead to thousands of dollars in dama...
Choosing the right mower for you As the weather continues to warm, it's time to get back outside and start working in the yard again. If your mower is on its last leg, it may be time to invest in a new one, and now is the perfect time to research which unit is right for you.
Easy lawn and garden tips for summer Having a beautiful lawn and garden doesn't mean the work has to be difficult or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you'll spend less time working and more time hosting cookouts, lounging in the sun and watching the kids play in the backyard. Here are some top lawn and garden tips that keep work easy.
Small space solutions for the kitchen Crowded cabinets, cluttered counters and nonexistent prep space. Sound familiar? For many homeowners, small kitchen spaces make everyday use and entertaining a source of frustration. While a small kitchen can pose many challenges, it doesn't have to stop you from enjoying the space. From a full scale home renovation to s...
The garage: a guy's refuge The garage: a guy's refuge
(ARA) - The traditional "guy" - broadly defined as a man's man who can take down a tree or change his own oil - faces extinction from threats ranging from reality television to couples' baby showers. Garages are a guy's refuge from these kinds of enemies.
Guys' appreciation for garages is f...
Home improvement for your health Home improvement for your health
(ARA) - When considering home improvements, people tend to choose projects that will improve the value of their home. While this is important for a healthy bottom line, investing in the health of those living inside the home also is a value-added improvement.
"I love going to the gym, but there are days when my workout will only happen if I work out at home because I don't have time for the commute," says Chris Freytag, a national health and fitness expert...
Pitch in and tackle do-it-together home improvement projects Pitch in and tackle do-it-together home improvement projects
(ARA) - Why do-it-yourself (DIY) when you can do-it-together? Now DIYers are teaming up with friends, families or companies to tackle home improvement and spring-cleaning projects.
"Tackling home improvement or maintenance projects is a great way to work together with others in your community to accomplish more in less time," says Kathy Krafka Harkema, spokesperson for Pella Windows and Doors.
How about tackling a do-it-toge...
It's a colorful life inside your home The summer months are all about color. From flowers in bloom to vibrant beach towels and colorful dresses, summer brings with it a multitude of hues. As you look around, you might start to feel like your home is a little, well, blah. If so, just adding a little pop of color into your home can help.
Do-it-yourself deck-building tips Looking for a way to enhance the use and enjoyment of your outdoor space? A deck addition may be the solution. A deck creates a designated area for entertaining and relaxing outdoors, while increasing homeowner satisfaction and home value. If you're a motivated do-it-yourselfer, building your own deck can be a fun and re...