Easy DIY Ideas

Save money and learn how to do it yourself, from beauty treatments (how to trim your bangs) to small home improvement fixes (how to replace a doorknob).

Easy Makeovers

Purge Your Pantry
Organizing your pantry is easier than you think. Follow these three steps to save time in the kitchen.

Painting Ideas for Just a Touch of Color
If you want to stick with white walls but yearn for a little excitement, bring in small doses of your favorite colors.

How To: Paint Like a Pro

Home Improvement Tips

Create Book Shelves, Literally
Here's a clever new use for old books: Make your own shelves in three simple steps.

How To: Remove a Stuck Light Bulb
Think you have to break a stuck bulb to get it dislodged from the socket? Think again. Try the easier, faster, and safer solution in this video―and let there be light.

Home Renovation Checklist

Don't let a hammer anywhere near your house without following these steps.

• Make a wish list. In one column, put your wants. In the other, your needs. That way, when faced with tough choices down the line, you’ll have a clearer picture of your priorities—what has to happen now and what can wait. (A second bathroom upstairs might be a must; a stainless steel Viking range, maybe not so much.)
• Determine your budget. Before you meet with a contractor or an architect, you’ll need a ballpark estimate—then both of you will be able to talk honestly about what’s possible. (P.S.: It’s a good idea to build some padding—at least 10 percent is recommended—into your number, for all those unexpected uh-ohs and might-as-wells that will crop up.)
• Consult the calendar. What is your timeline for the renovation? If you want the living room done for, say, Jenna’s graduation party, don’t wait until spring to start talking about it. Likewise, you won’t want to install a new roof when a New England winter is looming—or schedule any major demolition a month before you host a family reunion.

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