Home Improvement

Explore tips & tricks to improve and transform the specific aspects of your home for the better – from home exteriors, furniture, walls, and ceilings to garage, flooring, and outdoors.

Home Improvement

How (and where) to End Backsplash on an Open Wall
| Updated July 21, 2022 | Published December 17, 2021

When remodeling a kitchen, you will need to decide at that point you want your backsplash to stop, both vertically and horizontally. Oftentimes you will find that there is a clear natural stopping point where you can finish backsplash tiles, but in some cases, such as on open walls, making this decision can be much tricker. Here we will look at some of the recommendations for where a backsplash should, and should not, go in a kitchen or bathroom.

Hardibacker Vs. Wonderboard
| Updated March 2, 2024 | Published December 16, 2021

Hardibacker and Wonderboard are both types of backer board, also known as cement board, which form the water-resistant surface underneath tile in building projects. Both of these brands have some great advantages, though each one is better suited to a certain type of project. Here we will look at the differences between these two types of backer board and detail the pros and cons of each one.

Gray House with Red Door Ideas for a Welcoming Entry
| Updated August 1, 2022 | Published December 16, 2021

Your entryway is the first part of the house that visitors see before stepping inside your home. Therefore, it should be welcoming and warm. A bold color for the front door can build curiosity and show off your personality. Red is one such color that creates a characterful entrance, especially if it’s paired with a gray siding. This combination is compelling and immediately noticable.

Freon Leak in the House (is it dangerous?)
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If you have heard of refrigerant poisoning, you might be alarmed to know that this is a type of poisoning caused by the chemicals found in common household appliances. Fortunately, accidental refrigerant poisoning is rare. Here we will look at how Freon leaks happen, how to spot them, and when there is cause for concern.

ES Windows Vs. PGT
| Updated August 8, 2022 | Published December 15, 2021

If you are upgrading your windows, then it’s wise to consider opting for impact-resistant windows, as these offer the homeowner much greater protection against all forms of impact. This is especially important if you live in a region that experiences hurricanes or tornadoes. Here we look at two window suppliers who are at the top of their game when it comes to impact-resistant windows.

Brickmold Vs. No Brickmold
| Updated July 21, 2022 | Published December 15, 2021

When installing a new door, you may consider whether you need or, in fact, want to have brickmold fitted around it or whether you should leave the door frame as it is. There are various advantages and disadvantages that come with brickmold that we will investigate here to help you make a decision.

30×40 Garage Cost
| Updated December 15, 2021 | Published December 15, 2021

There are many reasons why you may be interested in replacing an old garage or building a new garage on your property where there wasn’t one before. The cost of building a garage is usually a significant amount of money, so you’ll want to make sure it’s a good investment. Here we will look at the benefits of installing a new garage, the types of garage to choose from, and how much you can expect your total bill to be.

9 Characterful Shutter Colors for Tan House
| Updated March 16, 2023 | Published December 13, 2021

Matching the right shutter color with your tan siding can have a profound effect on your home’s curb appeal. Both subtle and bold shutter colors work well with tan exteriors, but in order to give your home a cohesive and unique appearance, it is important to pick the best shutter color for a tan house.

7 Elegant Shutter Colors for Brick House
| Updated July 14, 2022 | Published December 13, 2021

Choosing the right shutter color for a brick house is essential to maximize your exterior design’s curb appeal. Ask any real estate agent and they’ll tell you what a great impression shutters make. After all, a good first impression is important in order to sell a house in the quickest possible time.

Staircase Wall Color Combination Ideas
| Updated December 11, 2021 | Published December 11, 2021

The decor style used on a staircase is an important, yet often overlooked, part of designing your home’s interior. The staircase in some properties is on view as soon as somebody steps into the foyer or entrance hallway, and therefore will be one of the first impressions visitors get of the house. The staircase links the upstairs to the downstairs, so it’s a good way to introduce people to the type of style they can expect in the upper rooms of your home, working as a sort of transition space between the two. Here we look at staircase wall color combination ideas for a stylish stairway.

Paint Your Brick Exterior Grey
| Updated August 8, 2022 | Published December 10, 2021

In exterior home design, grey is fast becoming a trend-setting color. This subtle hue is a calming and elegant color that can easily be paired with other neutral hues in order to create a sophisticated look.

What Color Rug Goes with a Blue Couch?
| Updated August 5, 2022 | Published December 10, 2021

Using a rug in a living room is a great way to define the seating space and visually separate it from other areas in the room. A rug will also add a softer touch, both physically and from a style perspective, if you have a wooden or tile floor. For this reason, rugs are commonly used underneath or in front of sofas and armchairs. As the two items will be in such close proximity to each other, it’s important that the colors of each one are complimentary. Here we will be looking at rug colors that will work well with a blue couch.