Home Improvement

Maximizing Space in a Small Kitchen

Many homes come with kitchens that are less than ideal. The lighting can be terrible, the appliances old, the floors grimy … and counter space? Well, that’s a nice idea. Get the most out of the kitchen space you do have with these tips. Make room You can create extra space, even when it seems impossible. Over-the-sink covers,

Is Buying a Historic Home Right for You?

Some home buyers want new, modern and move-in ready. Others prefer older homes, with character and charm they can’t find in new construction. If you’re interested in historic homes, take these factors into consideration as you shop. Historic neighborhoods often impose restrictions Many towns throughout the U.S. have zoning and planning commissions that, among other things, set out

Furnace, Boiler or Heat Pump? Time for Heating Systems 101

Heating your home accounts for an inordinate portion of your utility bill, so it pays to choose the most efficient heating system possible. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should upgrade to a different type of system, however. Generally speaking, it’s a bad idea to convert from forced air to central heating, or vice versa, since

2019 Design Forecast: What’s In, What’s Out

As we flip to the last pages of our 2018 calendar, it’s time to look at interior design trends on the rise – and say goodbye to those on their way out in 2019. Here are our predictions about what’s in and what’s out in the year to come. What’s in Warm modernism It’s official

How to Move Cross-Country: See How These Renters Made It Work

When former New Yorkers Erica Warren and Cici Harrison drove across the country and settled in the Pacific Northwest, they had a list of criteria for their new rental. They’d need a parking space, a home office so Erica could work remotely and, of course, a yard so they could adopt a dog. And this

Your Top 5 Fireplace Questions, Answered

Fireplaces are one of the most sought-after home features, but using one can be intimidating, and you’ve probably got questions. Here’s a quick guide to get you and your fire started this fall. How do I use a wood-burning fireplace? If a cave man can start a fire, so can you. 1. Prepare the fireplace

9 Tips for Achieving Maximum Coziness

As fall continues and the days become shorter, it’s too tempting to just hibernate until spring. But there is, indeed, joy to be found in the quieter months of the year. Perhaps it’s a bit overdone to talk about the art of hygge, that untranslatable Danish word that references the feeling of being ultra-cozy and

How to Make the Most of 500 Square Feet: See How This City Renter Did It

When Lola Simmons and boyfriend Garrett Moore began looking for an apartment in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, they were hoping to spend around $1,400 on monthly rent. So when the pair found their dream spot for just over $1,000 a month in Seattle’s infamously difficult rental market, they knew they’d struck gold. “I walked in,

The Truth About Toxic Mold (and How to Get Rid of It)

Mold is everywhere. It grows on the sides of houses, it blackens surfaces like brick and concrete, and it thrives in the soil of your yard and garden. Indoors, mold lives in sink drains, shower grout, houseplant potting mix, kitchen sponges and anywhere else that moisture has a chance to settle. Are you hyperventilating yet?

Freddie Mac: Mortgage rates reach highest level since 2011

Mortgage spiked to their highest level in over seven years, according to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market survey. Freddie Mac Chief Economist Sam Khater said the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage climbed for the fifth consecutive week to 4.72%, which is a high not seen since April 28, 2011. According to the Primary Mortgage Market survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage