Give faded outdoor light fixtures a makeover

A lot of homes have a common problem: Their exterior light fixtures are worn and faded. Faded fixtures, lamp posts and...

Need a comforter? Use feng shui principles to pick the color

Color plays a pivotal role in feng shui, sometimes called the Chinese art of placement. A key concept in feng shui is that...

How to hire - and keep - a good housecleaner

Let's face it, sometimes it's flat out impossible to clean your house. Between running errands, working and the thousand...

Chicago shops for the eco-conscious

Let’s face it: when it comes to going green, a lot of us are, well, a little green—especially with regards to...

Decking the patio

Furnishing your patio can mean the difference between a flat, lifeless slab and a welcoming outdoor room fit for memorable...

Create colorful containers for springtime bouquets

Springtime conjures up thoughts of flowers, with their pretty colors dotting the landscape. Because bright colors are a great...

Cleaning tips for exterior siding

DEAR TIM: My primary home and a camp I own in the woods both are covered with siding. One is wood, the other is vinyl siding,...

To connect wood deck posts to concrete piers, plum bob is your friend

DEAR TIM: I need to build a deck, and I'm told that the wood posts that support the deck must then sit precisely on top of...

Install a new front door and save money

DEAR TIM: My front door is in bad shape, and my wife wants a new one. We visited a showroom and I see that I can purchase a...

Go get cleaned up!

According to conventional wisdom, spring’s the time to fluff the pillows, clear out cobwebs, and show that junk...

Eggstra special Easter decor

Decorating your eggs via store-bought dye kits is so 1990s. This year, it's all about bringing crafty ideas to your Easter...

Lay a basement subfloor

A sound subfloor is needed when you're laying carpet, vinyl, laminate or engineered hardwood on a cement basement floor so...

How to clean and repair gutters

Keeping gutters and downspouts clean is the first defense against soil erosion.

How to strip varnished woodwork

We've spent many a day removing varnish from woodwork, and while the results can be stunning, it's a messy, time-consuming...