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Furniture Placement Secrets from the Modern Farmhouse in Fairfield County

The LTW Design team faced a thrilling challenge when they took on the 2020 This Old House Idea House: a 3,700-square-foot modern farmhouse perched on a hilltop in Norwalk, Connecticut, overlooking Long Island Sound. Every room had to feel intentional, lived-in, and welcoming. The result is a masterclass in furniture placement and styling that homeowners […]

Fixing Sinking Patio Pavers Before Winter Worsens the Damage

Have you ever watched a professional patio begin to buckle, tilt, or sink after just a few winters? This exact problem brought a homeowner to This Old House Mason Mark McCullough in a recent podcast episode. The patio pavers would rise up and push into the backyard every spring, leaving a surface that was both

Laser Level Selection and Application Techniques for Construction Projects

Modern construction and renovation demand precision that traditional measuring tools alone cannot always provide. Laser levels have become essential equipment on job sites, allowing tradespeople to establish accurate reference lines across long distances. These battery-powered devices shoot precise beams of light that stay level and plumb, making them ideal for installing cabinets, doors, tile, trim,

How to Refresh Your Bathroom with New Fixtures and Grout Repairs

If your bathroom feels stuck in a past decade with dated fixtures or a persistent leak, you are not alone. Many homeowners face giving a tired bathroom a new lease on life without full demolition. In Ask This Old House Podcast Episode 12, builder Charlie Silva guided a homeowner through upgrading her sink and shower

Outdoor Holiday Light Installation: Safe Wiring and Electrical Tips for Your Home

Whether you are a seasoned decorator or trying outdoor lights for the first time, following proper electrical practices keeps your display bright and your family safe. For more foundational building tips, check out our guide on pre stain conditioner tape measures drywall and more key building tips from podcast episode 116 which covers essential preparation

How to Build a Modern Barn-Style House: Design Ideas and Construction Strategies

The modern barnhouse blends the rustic charm of traditional agricultural buildings with the clean lines and open layouts of contemporary architecture. Projects such as the This Old House 2021 Modern Barnhouse Idea House, built by Hartman Homes, showcase how this aesthetic can be executed at the highest level. This article covers the design principles, planning

How to Fix a Kitchen Sink Gap Causing Water Leaks Inside Your Cabinet

Small home improvement projects can sometimes leave even experienced DIYers stumped. One surprisingly common issue is a kitchen sink that does not sit flush against the underside of the countertop, leaving an open gap where water can leak into the cabinet below. This problem, featured in Pre Stain Conditioner Tape Measures Drywall And More Key

The Modern Barnhouse Vision: Colin Oglesbay and the 2021 This Old House Idea House

The 2021 Modern Barnhouse Idea House, built by This Old House in partnership with Amy Matthews, stands as a remarkable example of how traditional agricultural forms can be reimagined through contemporary architecture. At the heart of this project was Colin Oglesbay, Principal at D/O Architecture, whose thoughtful design approach transformed a simple barn silhouette into

Marvin Windows for Professional Builders: Material Options, Installation Standards, and Energy Performance

Marvin Windows and Doors has established a reputation for craftsmanship, innovation, and performance in the residential and light commercial building sectors. For professional builders and specifiers, understanding the full range of Marvin product families, their material compositions, installation requirements, and energy performance characteristics is essential for making informed decisions on any project. This article provides

Inside Amy Matthews’ Scandinavian Modern Barnhouse in Minnesota

Licensed contractor and former HGTV host Amy Matthews set out to build more than a house on her verdant farmstead 20 minutes from downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. The result is a 3,700 square foot Scandinavian-style modern barnhouse that blends minimalist aesthetics with high-performance construction. Working with builder Chad Maack of Hartman Homes and architect Colin