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Finally, after eight years, Erin decided enough was enough. So she and Kurt yanked out the faux stone and dark hearth tile, replacing them with new drywall above stacked-stone veneer and large slabs of pale gray stone on the raised hearth. Rather than replace the brass doors on the opening, Erin spray-painted the trim black to make them disappear. Kurt installed secondhand cabinets on both sides of the fireplace to house puzzles and games; open shelves above leave room for the family TV, photos, and artwork....

Cabinets are basic boxes, yes, but they are also expected to be attractive and stylistically appropriate to their surroundings; and their doors, drawers, and shelving should be adjustable and functional. They are an integral part of any house, so it’s no surprise that an entire industry exists, solely focused on designing, manufacturing, and installing cabinets. And there are nearly as many types as there are houses, so it helps to first narrow down the choices....

Budget Concerns Since you’ll encounter a wide range of expenditures in a kitchen remodel, setting a budget—and sticking to it—is crucial. To do that, you’ll need to determine the project scope. Are you planning a full overhaul, where you open up a wall to increase square footage and totally rework the layout? Or a cosmetic facelift where all systems and appliances stay in place? If you’re replacing cabinets, it’s important to note that they can account for at least a third of your budget....

The best mattress in a box can be your saving grace if you’re turning extra space into a guest room. While this requires a bit of interior design ingenuity, it can be achieved on a budget. Heading to a mattress store isn’t always the most pleasant experience, but staying at home and shopping for a mattress online is easier than ever. No more air mattresses and cots, so your guests will surely thank you....

That is why our Reviews Team has researched and ranked some of the best pest control companies on the market. Keep reading this roundup to see how each company compares on its services and cost. Top Pest Control Companies in Portland Best of the Best Portland Pest Control Companies We named Terminix our top choice for pest control in Portland. It offers top-tier specialty pest solutions at affordable prices, online tools, and comprehensive treatment plans....

A Farmhouse Refresh When starting with a blank slate, it helps to have a strong aesthetic endgame in mind, as Maison de Pax blogger Rachel Paxton did for the attic bath in her family’s 1984 ranch outside Austin, TX. “I knew I wanted a mix of black and white, with wood for the rustic charm that just feels right in this little farmhouse,” says Rachel. Carving out space for the necessities—a sink and a toilet—as well as some luxuries—a claw-foot tub and a large shower—was a challenge with a ceiling that slopes to a low of 5½ feet....

Wall-mounted Spice Rack Eye-catching spices can do double duty as works of art on your kitchen walls. Display them in a decorative frame or repurposed pallet, or install floating wall shelves for a neat, minimalist look. Just make sure the shelves have a lip or rail for keeping the jars in place. 12 Genius Items for an Organized Pantry Magnetic Spice Rack A magnetic fridge or surface in your kitchen is the perfect canvas for a spice jar collage....

Materials: Small Scrub Brush Cleaning Vinegar Baking Soda Rubber Gloves

You’ll also need a pair of side cutting pliers to trim the floral pieces and wire. Follow the steps below and scroll down for a list of tools and materials needed for this project. Steps for Making a DIY Hoop Wreath 1. Finish the Hoop Apply stain to the embroidery hoop with a foam brush, and then wipe away any excess with a cloth. Separate the layers of the hoop and stain the remaining edges....

Conventional wisdom says that slow-maturing trees live longer and are stronger. So can you grow a tree that’ll shoot up without toppling onto your house? Yes—with some careful vetting you can find fast-growing trees for privacy, shade, and decoration. First, refine your notion of fast growing to a growth rate of 1½ to 2 feet per year. Or, as Warren Roberts, longtime superintendent of the UC Davis Arboretum, puts it: “A fast-growing tree is one you can sit in the shade of, five to six years after planting....

Every heating system requires an energy source. Furnaces and boilers usually burn natural gas that’s piped in from the street. In areas without city gas, propane gas is stored in a tank outside the house, located where it can be easily refilled by a local fuel dealer. In the Northeast, furnaces and boilers are likely to burn fuel oil that’s delivered by truck and stored in a tank on-site. Electricity can directly power resistance heaters, which work like larger versions of the coils in your kitchen toaster....