Rethinking the old grilling station? Here’s how to pack more function and style into your backyard cooking zone Grills by themselves aren’t much to look at. They’re basically large, hulking pieces of stainless steel that stick out like sore thumbs in our backyards. So we’re always trying to slip covers over them or wheel them

Adriana Velez of Realtor.com hired the contractor from hell, and things went downhill from there. Her advice to help keep you from meeting the same fate is solid. If your contractor can’t produce their license and tries to discourage you from checking their bcakground, well, you’re most likely better off finding someone else to do

Some of the questions you ask when planning a new kitchen are obvious, such as, “Do I want white cabinets or wood?” and “Do I want stainless steel appliances?” But there are many design decisions that you might not even know to consider until the project is well underway. To help you avoid surprises and

Here are some things to consider when selecting storage options for your kitchen walls Cabinets aren’t the only solution for your kitchen walls. You could add character with open shelving or just leave the space blank for an airy feel. Here’s a rundown of the pros for each choice, plus a few tips for overcoming

Consider color, contrast and wood to keep a white space from feeling cold White continues — and will continue — to be the overwhelmingly popular choice for kitchen cabinets. Some 42 percent of homeowners will choose white cabinets this year, according to a recent Houzz study on kitchen trends. But the choices you make in

Ever stare at your energy bill and wonder what is costing you so much money? Is it your kids’ TV habits, or the washer or the dryer that is running up your energy bills? While your initial guess might be right — yes, your furnace and air conditioners are the biggest culprits of energy usage

You’ve lived in your home for years, and it’s time: No more laminate countertops. Say adieu to that oh-so-’70s backsplash. You’ve got the cash to make it happen, but do you have the time? Given that a kitchen remodel complicates access to the area where you cook your meals, you might be wondering: How long does a kitchen renovation

A kitchen has to run smoothly to be livable (and likeable). Each component in a compact kitchen must be perfectly planned, from the layout to the appliances, and all must work cohesively to overcome the limitations of cooking in a confined space. This means that designing a small kitchen can often take longer than planning

Adding space to your home at the second or even third story can capture views, maximize square footage on a small lot and let you locate all the bedrooms on a single level. However, all that space can come at a high cost. A second story can greatly impact the rest of your home, which

When it comes to plants and pets, both can bring a lot of love and light into your life. Unfortunately, the two don’t always mix so well. In fact, some plants can be downright deadly for pets. The good news is that many plants aren’t, and if you choose your plants wisely, the two can