Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 176)

Castor oil may be known for its health and beauty benefits, but it also has a number of surprising uses in the home and garden.

You may have your allegiances to certain brands of cleaning products, but are they really getting the job done? If you have an especially tough cleaning problem to solve and the usual supplies just aren’t cutting it, maybe it's time for a slightly more unconventional approach, one that involves grabbing a few items from the pantry or trying a wacky, off-the-wall cleaning trick. Ready for a little adventure? Here are 20 crazy cleaning tips that actually work.

Leave it to college kids to devise the biggest space-saving trick for the bedroom: a lofted bed.

These enchanting estates, one in each of the 50 states, can be savored up close.

If you're wondering how big the houses in your state are compared with houses in the other 49, this quick look will let you size up your neighbors.

We know what a porch or patio is, but what in the world is a lanai?

Regular mowing will help keep your grass green, lush, and healthy. The trick is figuring out what “regular” means for your lawn.

Nature is restorative: A walk in the woods or on the beach can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. Even the tiniest dose of greenery—in the form of a houseplant, for example—can bestow special benefits on the beholder. Read on to learn which houseplants contain hidden healing power.

Whether you simply want to identify the flowers growing in your backyard or you have big plans to become a pro mushroom forager, downloading a few key apps will put a bounty of information at your fingertips.

Painting your walls will go so much easier with these pro tips and handy product helpers.

Behold the power of paint, which can make a huge impact on every room in the house—including the bathroom. Here are some inspirational bathroom improvements that required nothing more than paint and a little creativity.

You found the perfect Christmas tree, now you just need to make sure it survives until December 25. Luckily, with these helpful tips keeping your fir fresh isn't too hard to manage.

When you think of cork, your first thought might be of a bulletin board pinned with reminders, but cork's handiness knows no bounds. This renewable resource is actually one of the most versatile materials you can use around the house! Cork—which is bark from cork oak trees—is naturally so lightweight, pliable, resilient, and beautifully textured, it's no wonder it's being used in all sorts of domestic applications. From an entire accent wall to a simple vase, these 9 great ideas should provide you with ample inspiration for bringing cork into your home.

Though it may feel like every plant at the garden center has a “requires full sun” tag, there are plenty of gorgeous greens and blooms that thrive in shade. Here’s what to grow in patio planters and indoor pots that don’t get full sun.

Your pool landscape design is sure to make a splash with these ideas.

Enjoy your best summer yet with these fun and practical accessories.

Add character to your home and show off your style with these unique picket fence ideas.

Browse the app store and you'll find dozens of useful apps for homeowners—but most of us don't have the phone storage for them all. So which ones are worth the download? Keep reading to learn our eight favorite phone apps for the home.

Garages: indispensable for keeping your car out of the elements, doing messy projects without cleaning up after them, and for storing items out of sight and mind. But if you’re dissatisfied with the dark, oil-stained outbuilding on your property, read on for simple additions that can help you get the most out of this utilitarian outpost.

Certain household items are so commonplace that we scarcely notice them anymore. But it may be time to take another look at some everyday household staples—like plastic wrap. That kitchen mainstay can be pressed into service in many different ways, doing double-duty in everything from paint preservation to wine rescue. Here are just a few innovative uses.