As a designer, I am often asked whether I like the interiors of the latest restaurant or the lobby of a hyped hotel. And when I am asked, I'm always cautious to answer. Not because I'm afraid to offend anyone, but rather because as a designer, my "likes" will possibly different. Since the 3rd Century BC in Greece, the expression "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" has … [Read more...] about Designing a Home Interior That is Perfect For You
Home DIY
Gardening – Getting Rid of Nutgrass
Q: How do we get rid of nutgrass? We tried the vinegar sprays and a store-bought herbicide. We have also tried digging it out, but nothing seems to work. When we think we have it under control, it comes back in a few weeks as bad as it was in the beginning. What works? A: Nutgrass is a sedge. Sedges are wetland plants. They love constantly wet soil and are often found in … [Read more...] about Gardening – Getting Rid of Nutgrass
Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim
Dear James: I have old aluminum siding trim on the sides of my house, but it looks bad. I would like to replace it with wood siding. Can I just nail wood over the old siding? What is the best method to do it? -- Andre B. Dear Andre: New aluminum or vinyl siding looks good and is practically maintenance-free, but neither has the sharp crisp look of real wood siding. Since you … [Read more...] about Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim
Understanding and Addressing Pestering Woodpeckers
Q: For the past few years, woodpeckers have attacked my house. Sometimes they are hammering on the chimney. Other times they are drilling huge holes on the sides of the house and pulling out the insulation. I want to do something before they come back this year. Do you have any suggestions? A: They are protected by federal law, so there are limits to what you can do. If you … [Read more...] about Understanding and Addressing Pestering Woodpeckers
Need More Space? How to Install Space-Saving Sliding and Folding Doors
Dear James: Our swinging doors use a lot of wall space when open. Our house is small, so we want to install sliding or folding doors. Which design is better and how are they installed? -- Marcia L. Dear Marcia: Hinged doors do take up a lot of space. Since they are normally in the fully opened or closed position, it may not be apparent how much open space they actually … [Read more...] about Need More Space? How to Install Space-Saving Sliding and Folding Doors
Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood
Dear James: I seldom use my old noisy range hood. I thought about making a new one from decorative wood myself. Does this make sense or should I buy a standard metal one? -- Kent F. Dear Kent: People often don't realize how important it is to use a range hood when cooking. Odors are the least of the concerns. Without at range hood running, vaporized grease eventually will … [Read more...] about Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood