Green is a calming, centering color, ideal for creating a tranquil bathroom retreat. Whether you use it as wall paint, floor tiles, cabinetry, or fixtures, green brings a natural, grounding quality to any bath. The shade you choose dramatically affects the mood: yellow-greens energize while muted blue-greens soothe and relax. This Old House editors gathered […]
The practice of giving old objects a second life has moved far beyond weekend craft projects. Upcycling, the process of transforming discarded or unused materials into something of higher value, has become a cornerstone of sustainable design thinking. In the construction and home improvement world, this mindset directly parallels the principles behind adaptive reuse projects
Shrub roses have revolutionized home gardening by offering stunning, long-lasting blooms with far less effort than traditional hybrid tea varieties. Whether you are designing a new landscape or upgrading an existing garden, these resilient plants provide continuous color from late spring through fall while resisting disease and adapting to a wide range of climates. This
Succulents have surged in popularity among homeowners and garden enthusiasts, and it is easy to see why. These water-wise plants offer striking forms, vibrant colors, and remarkable resilience, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings. Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned plant collector, understanding different succulent plant types helps you
Renovating a historic Craftsman bungalow comes with unique challenges and opportunities, especially when the goal is to merge old-world character with modern sustainability standards. The 1926 Craftsman Bungalow featured in This Old House Season 28, known as the Austin House, demonstrates how a thoughtful renovation can follow an eco-friendly path while expanding living space for
Introduction: The Rise of Green Home Renovation The demand for environmentally responsible home renovation has grown substantially over the past decade, driven by rising energy costs, climate awareness, and a desire for healthier living spaces. Homeowners increasingly seek ways to reduce their ecological footprint while improving comfort and property value. A compelling example of this
Home renovation projects that respect both environmental values and architectural heritage offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to update an older home. The story of a 1920s Craftsman bungalow in Austin, Texas, featured as the centerpiece of This Old House’s first green remodel, demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can expand living space while preserving character and
Planning a green remodel can feel like navigating a maze of decisions, from material selection to contractor vetting. Whether you are updating a mid-century bungalow or rethinking a suburban townhouse, the principles of sustainable renovation apply across project scales. This guide draws on lessons from real-world green remodeling projects and translates them into actionable steps.
The use of bold, saturated color in residential interior design represents a significant shift from the neutral-dominated palettes that have defined home decor for the past decade. High-energy color, when applied thoughtfully, transforms ordinary rooms into immersive experiences that shape mood, define function, and express personality. The 2016 Farmhouse at Emerson Green Idea House, featured
The renovation of a 1920s bungalow into a net-zero energy home is one of the most instructive case studies in modern sustainable construction. Featured in This Old House’s 40th-anniversary season, the Jamestown Net-Zero House in Rhode Island demonstrates how blending historic charm with cutting-edge energy technology can produce a home that is both beautiful and
