The living room is often the first space guests see when they walk through your front door, and it is where your family likely spends the most time. Whether you are making minor updates such as refreshing the mantel or adding crown molding, or tackling a bigger project like installing new floors or removing a […]
Ground cover plants offer an attractive and low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns. These versatile plants can transform difficult-to-mow areas, control erosion on steep slopes, and add rich visual interest to any landscape. Whether you are dealing with a balding patch of lawn under a shady tree or a sunny bank that is hard to
Hebe shrubs bring lasting color and structure to gardens with their evergreen foliage and abundant seasonal blooms. Native to New Zealand, these versatile plants thrive in warm summers and mild winters, making them a favorite among gardeners seeking reliable year-round interest. Whether you are designing a coastal border, a compact patio container, or a formal
Maintaining a lush, green lawn is a source of pride for many homeowners, but unwanted weeds can quickly turn that pride into frustration. These invasive plants compete with turf grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight, and if left unchecked they can colonize an entire yard. Understanding how to identify the most common lawn weeds and
Every homeowner wants well-built and visually appealing cabinets for their kitchen. But if protecting your household health ranks high on your priority list, choosing cabinets that are free of formaldehyde and do not off-gas harmful chemicals becomes equally important. Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound used in industrial resins and found in many composite
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and few design choices bring as much life to this space as a confident use of color. Many homeowners hesitate, worried that bold hues will overwhelm the room or feel dated in a few years. But as the editors at This Old House have documented over the
The roof is one of the most defining elements of any home, shaping both its visual character and its ability to shed rain and snow. Architects and builders work with a wide range of roof designs that balance function with style, from the familiar triangular gable to the elegant mansard. Each roof shape brings distinct
Kitchen backsplashes have evolved from humble 4-inch protective strips behind the sink into full-height design statements that define the aesthetic of modern kitchens. For building professionals, specifying and installing the right backsplash requires balancing material science, installation techniques, budget constraints, and client preferences. This guide covers everything from material selection through professional backsplash installation methods
Victorian-era homes hold a special place in American architectural history. From the ornate Queen Annes with wraparound porches and fish-scale shingles to the stately Italianates with bracketed eaves, these 19th-century dwellings captivate buyers who appreciate craftsmanship and history. In 2009, This Old House conducted its second annual Best Old House Neighborhoods contest, identifying nine places
Mold is one of the most persistent and overlooked threats inside your home. Unlike a leaky faucet or a cracked window, mold often grows where you cannot see it, inside wall cavities, under flooring, and above ceiling tiles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold exposure can trigger severe allergic reactions, chronic
