Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 356)

Brush up on the history behind this centuries-old clothing custom.

DIYers looking for that perfect go-to gunk, glop, spill, and stain remover for the home, laundry, workshop, and garage need look no further than Goo Gone, an amazing multipurpose cleanser that bills itself as “America’s #1 brand in adhesive removers.” Advertising hype aside, it is true that sticky, gummy, and, yes, gooey messes are no match for Goo Gone, which removes an astonishing number of household, automotive, and outdoor splotches and blotches, ranging from tape residue and glue to grease and gum. Goo Gone is safe for most finished surfaces, although it is always best to test the product in a hidden or inconspicuous area first. Read on to learn about the range of tough stuff that Goo Gone can help remove in a jiffy.

Americans spend about 70 hours a year on lawn and garden care, ensuring that their lawn is lush and weed-free and their flower bed is brimming with color. But even if you're short on time, there are plenty of quick tasks you can perform to keep your yard in tip-top shape, and some that take just a minute! Here are the 13 best things you can do for your lawn and garden in under a minute—less time than it takes to brush your teeth!

From azalea to English ivy, many common garden plants traveled here from overseas, from countries like Japan or Britain. Yet a handful of landscaping standouts originate right here, in the good old U.S.A. You probably already have a few of these 34 amazing plants that are native to North America in your garden right now. And if not, maybe you should!

Now more than ever, homeowners are embracing wallpaper as a renovation-free method of transforming a room. Not least among its virtues is that, unlike some other home improvements, wallpapering requires very few tools, and none are cost-prohibitive to own. Get to know the tools of the trade.

For optimum functionality and good looks, don’t go too low or too high on this furniture essential.

The advent of modern pesticides has meant that even home gardeners can achieve pristine landscaping and gorgeous, green lawns with chemical management. But using pesticides also has its drawbacks. Before you decide to use pesticides in your yard, be aware of the downsides.

We’re always looking for new ways to organize every room in the house, but storage systems and fancy containers take up a lot of space and can get pretty pricey. One clever solution for your organizational woes is surprisingly compact: the S-hook. When paired with a sturdy towel bar or rod, those utilitarian, unassuming stainless steel hooks can hold kitchenware, gardening tools, and much more. Here are the 9 smartest ways to put S-hooks to use in your quest for total home organization.

Though popular in the Victorian age, the sleeping porch had been virtually forgotten by the postwar period. Today, homeowners are rediscovering this practical and utterly charming architectural tradition.

Durable, easy to clean, and available in many colors and shapes, it's easy to see why tile is such a popular option for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and floors throughout the home. But before you get carried away on your next reno, make a note that tile, while a relatively low-maintenance addition, does require some attention. Read on to learn some of the most common tile maintenance mistakes, and how to avoid them.

Learn about the Deep South tradition behind beautiful blue porch ceilings.

Are you fresh out of floor space for stowing your possessions? Fortunately, there are plenty of storage solutions, both store-bought and homemade, that take up little or no square footage. Click through for 30 of the best storage ideas for the space-starved home.

A home is probably the largest purchase you’ll ever make, both in size and cost, so it helps to approach the home-buying process with a solid plan, a healthy dose of skepticism, and expert guidance. Click through for tips and tricks that will help you find and close on your dream home without a hitch.

Bad-tasting drinking water and dingy clothes are just two indications that your home could benefit from a water filtration system. Here are some other signs to look for along with suggestions for filters that can remedy the adverse effects of impurities. The following article is paid advertising created in partnership with SupplyHouse. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.

Each year the design world eagerly awaits the announcement of the Colors of the Year by top paint brands. This year's crop of colors encompasses brilliant blues, rusty oranges, serene grays, and a rainbow of other colors that can enliven any room of the house. But if you particularly love some of these colors, why confine yourself to using them only on your walls? Instead, carry them out to your garden this spring with plants that capture the hues of this year's color trends.

By the time Christmas Eve rolls around, many mantels will be groaning under a flood of holiday greeting cards. Lighten the load by displaying cards in cheerful DIY arrangements this holiday season.

Find out whether this popular kitchen hack has science on its side.

Leafy green houseplants are wonderful (and many of them require little care), but why not expand your indoor gardening skills by adding a few flowering houseplants into the mix. Blooming plants inject vibrancy, color, and fragrance into your living space. Take a look at 20 of our favorite flowering houseplants to find inspiration for your next plant acquisition.

Plumbing problems can run the gamut from very minor and fixable to major and costly, and at times it can be tough to tell the difference. Sometimes you may not even know there's a problem in the first place. Read through these 10 hidden signs of plumbing problems in your home so you'll know when it may be time to call in a professional.

Though introduced more than a hundred years ago, this style of molding is far from fuddy-duddy. Learn how it can still have a place in today's homes, both functionally and aesthetically.