Month: December 2015

Joyanna Laughlin explains the advantages of wood stoves.

How to set up a successful media room.

(BPT) - Is your winter tree maintenance limited to trimming the Christmas tree? If so, you’re missing out on one of the season’s most important home projects. Many homeowners pay little attention to their trees and bushes once colder weathe...

(BPT) - Rain, sleet, ice and snow — no matter what form it’s in, precipitation can lead to major winter damage resulting in many issues for home and business owners. Icy roads, ruptured pipes and ice dams are all complications brought on by...

(BPT) - Inspired by popular home-improvement television shows and information-rich social networks, homeowners and savvy design professionals are using natural materials like cypress to transform their creative aspirations into beautifully tangible rea...

How a lanai -- which is Hawaiian for outdoor living room -- helps a home expand in good weather.

Matthew Coates is a Houseplans.com Signature Architect whose innovative contemporary designs celebrate nature and sustainability.

(BPT) - Some kitchen design trends fade as quickly as they come in — tile countertops, naked windows or avocado-hued appliances may come to mind. Other trends, however, are so deeply rooted in good design that they’re destined to become tim...

(BPT) - After months of online browsing, you’ve found the perfect, wide plank hardwood flooring. Or so you think! You absolutely love the look, but how can you be sure it’s the right product for you? Ask the pros.In order to make an informed, purchasing decision, Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, (www.hardwoodinfo.com) suggests …

(BPT) - It’s no secret people like to renovate their kitchen —the heart of the home, where typical American families spend most of their at-home time. However, it can be overwhelming for many homeowners to start designing their dream kitche...

(BPT) - It’s a chilling thought, but winter is coming fast. Snow, sleet, ice and brisk winds are all on their way. You can’t avoid winter’s pending arrival, but you can prepare for it. If you haven’t already, start your preparat...

(BPT) - Are you planning a bathroom remodel in 2016? If so, you’re not alone; the National Association of Homebuilders predicts a 6 percent increase in remodeling in the coming year. Some of those remodeling homeowners will seek upgrades to trans...

Good advice on window sills, "shoe" or quarter-round molding, and bead board.

Paul Goldberger's biography of today's most famous American architect is terrific.

(BPT) - When winter is at its worst, most homeowners bundle up and hope for the best. But savvy do-it-yourselfers know that preparations and regular maintenance throughout the season can prevent costly damage down the line.So grab your toolbox and try ...

The Apple TV device lets you add streaming capability to any television.

(BPT) - The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but it’s also home to a lot of clutter. From food and utensils to small appliances and phone chargers, the kitchen is the second most-cluttered room in the house, according to a Moen Consumer and ...

Meet our newest Signature architect, Ian Hoffman, and his neighborly Oakhurst home designs.

(BPT) - Is your heating system ready to brave the long, harsh winter? As cold temperatures take hold all over the country, it’s important for homeowners to safeguard their homes from heating system breakdowns.“It’s fairly simple to en...

Experts weigh in on a hot topic! Should your fireplace be wood-burning or gas?