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Good Questions

8 Reasons Why Your TV Mysteriously Turns on by Itself — And How to Stop ItLife
It’s (probably) not a ghost.
Taryn Williford
Jul 18, 2024
All of Your Questions About Power Button On/Off Symbols, Answered
Living
Never question which one is “off” again.
Jason Yang
Aug 23, 2023
Is There a Non-Toxic Stain-Resistant Fabric Protector?Cleaning
Q: We just reupholstered our comfy sofa with an all-cotton fabric. Is there a non-toxic way to “seal” the fabric and make it more stain-resistant? I’m sure a no-eating-on-the-couch rule would help, but it’s just not realistic! My family used to use some spray that worked well, but it has a daunting ingredient list.Sent by ElissaEditor: Elissa, great job on the reupholstery! It looks like an entirely new piece of furniture.
Cambria Bold
Jan 2, 2023
What to Do When Your Window Air Conditioner SmellsCleaning
A smelly air conditioner unit is nothing short of gross. But what can cause these exhaust fumes, or gunmetal, musty/mildew-y, burning… (need we go on?) scents? And better yet, how can you get rid of them? After all, you install your air conditioner to cool down the air in your home, not stink it up with unpleasant odors, some of which might even be potentially dangerous.
Carolin Lehmann
Jul 24, 2021
Here’s Where to Find Wine Crates for All Your ProjectsHome Projects
The essence of so many makeovers and home renos are DIY projects. They allow you to have control over the exact look you want and give you so much satisfaction once they come together. But when it comes to sourcing the right supplies for those projects, there are always some unique home goods that seem like they’d be easy to find, but end up proving difficult. One of those items? Wine crates.
Lindsey Roberts
Oct 19, 2020
Good Questions: Is a Headboard Necessary?Life
Hello AT, I live in Copenhagen so I know it is out of your normal range but it’s a general question: My boyfriend and I can’t find a bed that we like in this whole city. They are all very modern and sharp where as we want to create a room that’s friendly, colourful and warm. Rather than buy a bed we don’t really like we have almost decided to do without a bed head but I can’t get over the idea that a bedroom is incomplete without one. Any suggestions/ comments??
Maxwell Ryan
Aug 14, 2020
A Safe Non-Toxic Sealant for a Wooden Highchair?Life
Q: What is a safe, nontoxic sealant for a wooden highchair? We have an old wooden highchair that has a tray with all the finish worn off. The tray had also broken in half where it was seamed together. I glued it together again, but I’d like to refinish it to make it easier to clean. It is in otherwise perfect condition and we want to use it for our grandchildren.
Cambria Bold
Jul 17, 2020
How Can I Shred Fabric and Turn It Into Fiberfill?Life
Q: I am in desperate search to find a way to shred fabric. I have tons of scrap fabric I can’t do anything with along with lots of kids clothes that are beyond repair. I would love to turn this into a fiberfill of sort. It’s been challenging to me to find a way to do this, so I would love if you all could help me find a solution.Sent by KelliEditor: Suggestions for Kelli?Have a good question? Email us! Read other Good Questions here!
Cambria Bold
May 20, 2020
Affordable Small Space Standing Desk?Life
Q: I’m not on the computer all day, but I do sit in front of a laptop long enough each evening to realize it’s been adding to the muffin top-itis. I wanted to try working for those few hours standing, but the cool standing desks you’ve posted are kind of pricey and take up a lot of room. Is there an “entry level” standing desk you could recommend for a tiny apartment dweller on a budget?
Gregory Han
Apr 15, 2020
RIP Karlstad… Now What?Life
Q: Hi there, my husband and I were looking for a new couch; after months of scouring the Internet, reading reviews, etc., we settled on the Ikea Karlstad. Turns out it’s being discontinued! I’m really surprised since it’s a bestseller and favorite. Can you point us toward a sectional that is similar? Thanks! -Sent by Eileenteg Editor: Oh, man, what a blow for the affordable-sofa-buying public! I hope IKEA has something even better (and cheaper? and higher-quality?
Tess Wilson
Mar 11, 2020
Before & After: Behemoth Dining Room CabinetHome Projects
Gary and his wife inherited this piece and hated it. They wrote in to ask readers for advice on how two “unskilled and not creative” types could rehab this behemoth into something they’d be happy to have in their home. A contingent of readers liked it as it was, others said to sell it and many of you had suggestions for how to transform it with paint or stain. So, which readers did they listen to or did they forge their own path?
Carrie McBride
Mar 11, 2020
Before & After: Was Beth Successful in Removing this Painted “O”?Home Projects
Has this “O” on Beth’s grandma’s coffee table been haunting you, too? If you missed it the first time: Beth wrote in for advice on this hand-me-down table from her grandmother which, unfortunately, passed through a cousin first who emblazoned it with an Ohio State “O” in seemingly indestructible paint. She was desperate for ideas to remove it. Readers encouraged her to sand, sand and then sand some more.
Carrie McBride
Mar 11, 2020
Are IKEA Kitchen Cabinets a Good Idea?Life
Sent by JuliaEditor: Leave your suggestions for Julia in the comments — thanks!• Have a question for our community? Send us yours with a photo or two attached (questions with photos get answered first).
Regina Yunghans
Feb 27, 2020
How To Fix Cracks in Old Wood Floor?Design Ideas
Q: My apartment (rental) was built in the 1880’s and the floor has never been renovated – the uneven wood floors are painted white and have cracks and large gaps between them…I have always loved my floor but now I am pregnant and while I may cover the floor in the bedroom I am trying to find a way to fix the cracks & holes (some as big as 1 to 2 inches wide) without having to spend a ton of money – or putting down a whole new floor.
Regina Yunghans
Feb 27, 2020
Paint It White? Three Fireplace QuestionsDesign Ideas
Q #1: My husband and I recently purchased a home built in the late ’70s. We are slowly updating the interior and we aren’t sure whether or not to paint the brick fireplace white in order to give the original red brick a facelift? I feel like the current trend is to paint everything white, so I don’t want to paint over the original brick only to regret it later if the “paint it white” fad goes away in a few years.
Tess Wilson
Dec 30, 2019
How Do I Update ’80s Cabinets?Home Projects
Q: I bought a house last year and despise my kitchen cabinets. The house was built in 1982 and the cabinets are definitely of that time period. The top and bottom of the each cabinet door is curved [photo below], so even if I repaint/restain, they’ll look dated. I can’t even remove the cabinet doors and do open shelving because the door cutouts themselves are curved as well. Is there anything I can do or am I doomed to live in the ’80s?
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
How To Find a Mold-Free Rental?Real Estate
Q: Hello! I have severe mold allergies and recently moved to the Pacific Northwest. I was careful to check for signs of dampness when we were house hunting—and even turned down a great place because of a hint of mustiness in the back bedroom—but, after a year of various illnesses, and despite air purifiers and dehumidifiers, I just tested my home and mold was detected. My question is this: How can we, as renters, ensure that our next place is not (or is less) moldy?
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
How to Make a Space “Ours” When It’s Already Full of His Stuff?Home Projects
Q: I promise this isn’t a relationship issue! I’m moving into my boyfriend’s massive Harlem apartment. It’s a big one bedroom with a spacious living room and lots of light. He has a ton of great art, furniture and… stuff. More stuff than he needs (he’s a music photographer and he has a tendency to just acquire stuff). I don’t want to force him to get rid of things (okay maybe some), but something about the place doesn’t feel home-y enough to me.
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
How To Go Couch-Free In Style?Home Projects
Q: My husband and I are considering ditching the couch. It’s ugly, the cat destroys it, and it’s destroying our backs. We’re excited about the idea of floor cushions but I’m nervous about pulling the trigger. We’re picturing a low coffee table, maybe with zabutons, zafus, and assorted floor pillows. We have dining room chairs for guests who aren’t able to get down on the floor.
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
Is A Combination Nursery/Guest Room Really Possible?Design Ideas
Q: I’m stuck! We have just found out that we are going to go from DINK’s (double income, no kids), to a family of three! While this is super exciting, we are struggling to figure out how to mix a spare room with a nursery. We have two bedrooms and currently the spare room is used very regularly for visiting family and friends.
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
How To Deal With a Tattletale Neighbor?Life
Q: My husband and I moved into a townhouse complex a few months ago with our dog and so far we’ve liked living there. The place is well-maintained and the neighbors are all pretty nice – with the exception of one… We always try to be very considerate neighbors, especially since we know what it’s like to deal with the annoyances that come from living around people who couldn’t care less about whether they’re disturbing someone.
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
What’s The Perfect Gift For a Parent’s Wedding?Life
Q: My mother is getting married! She and my father got divorced 11 years ago, and she has now been dating a wonderful man for 6 years, and they recently announced that they will get married. We’re all very happy for them and have always welcomed her husband-to-be in the family.
Tess Wilson
Dec 19, 2019
Where Can I Find Turkish-Style Towels for a Good Price?Life
Q: Is there a good source for decently priced Turkish towels? You know, the soft, flat, cotton kind, often with fringe? We’ve reached that sticky, humid part of the year here in the Gulf South, and my big, fluffy terrycloth towels are contributing to a sticky, humid bathroom. Nothing here really ever dries during the summer, but the terrycloth towels are too thick to even get close!
Regina Yunghans
Dec 19, 2019
Good Question: Eliminating Cat SmellsCleaning
Hello AT,I just moved into a new apartment in Brooklyn. When I came to the apartment for a viewing there was a musky odor in the hallways and in the rooms as well. My landlord informed me that was incense, which he is fond of burning. Fast forward two weeks to moving day and as my mover sets foot in the door he says, “Can we crack open a window? It smells like cat pee.” I have a terrible sense of smell, but my mom confirmed it when she came by andeven I noticed it later at night.
Maxwell Ryan
Dec 16, 2019
Before & After: Worn Vintage Settee Gets a FaceliftHome Projects
Last year Danielle picked up a vintage settee for $50 and, with her mom as co-pilot, wanted to take it on as her first foray into upholstery. She was conflicted about the fabric to use: something modern and bold or something more traditional? Readers chimed in, many urging her to have it professionally recovered instead of trying it herself and the majority of readers advised going with a classic print and color for the fabric. Did she take either piece of advice?… No and yes!
Carrie McBride
Dec 4, 2019
Good Question: Greener Swiffer?Cleaning
Just this morning, AT:Green Home reader Shanalee wrote in:I have 2 cats and a dog. I Swiffer probably 3 or 4 times a week… that’s a LOT of Swiffer refills! Any green alternatives?-shanaleeDear Shanalee,By our calculations, you are spending about $1 per week, or $52 per year, on Swiffer refills, which means that over the next 5 years, you’ll spend upwards of $250 on something you’ll throw away.
Jonathan B.
May 11, 2019
Can You Put Seeds In A Compost Pile?Organizing
Q: I want to start composting my kitchen waste and I’m wondering whether seeds from produce can go in. One would think that pepper seeds might start a plant of their own in the compost pile. What say you? I found the EPA’s web page on compost, which lists Do’s and Don’ts, but it doesn’t address seeds.Sent in by Click ChickEditor: It’s our understanding that just about anything organic can go in compost: bones, banana peels, unprinted paper.
Jonathan B.
May 11, 2019
NY Good Questions: How Can I Hide These Security Bars?Design Ideas
Hello AT, I’m looking for a solution to hide really ugly security bars on my living room window.I need a solution that still allows light to enter the room because the room is dark.Any suggestions are appreciated!Thanks! Emily(Note: Include a pic of your problem and your question gets posted first.)Dear Emily,This is a perennial NYC question and one that we wish was answerable by simply saying TAKE THE BARS DOWN, but we know that is not reasonable for everyone.
Maxwell Ryan
May 10, 2019
Good Questions: How Can I Get Rid of Bathtub Stains?Cleaning
AT DC, I moved into an apartment with old bathtub stains that really gross me out. The former resident’s bathmat left dark stains on the bottom of the tub. I love taking baths but wouldn’t be able to relax with those icky stains. I’ve tried various bathroom cleaners and none have gotten rid of the stains. Any ideas? I really miss my bath time!
Rachael Grad
May 9, 2019
How Do I Prevent My Cats From Climbing Onto the Screen?Life
Q: My husband and I adopted a kitten a few months ago, and now that the warmer weather is coming we need some help cat-proofing the apartment in a new way. We’re lucky enough to have two large 6 foot windows and a sliding door (with screen) that’s about 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Any tips for how to keep the cat from climbing on the screens? We keep her nails clipped short, but she manages to grab hold anyway. Any diversion tips? Thanks!
Gregory Han
May 8, 2019
How Can I Properly Dispose Of My Old Carpet and Pad?Life
Q: I’m getting new carpet in my house and trying to find out where in my local area I can dispose of my old carpet and pad properly? I live in Macomb, MI, and have over 1300 sq feet of carpet and pad to dispose of.Sent by LynetteEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say:Answered by Cynthia Phakos of Koffka Phakos Design: My first step in finding carpet recycling options in your area was to visit the website for CARE, the Carpet America Recovery Effort.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
Recommend a Nontoxic Waterproof Wood Sealer For Outdoor Windowboxes?Plants & Yard
Q: Can you recommend a nontoxic waterproof wood sealer for my outdoor window boxes? I’m building and planting my own outdoor window boxes this year, and I’m having a hard time finding a nontoxic waterproof wood sealer that won’t poison my plants or the environment, and that doesn’t need to be reapplied every year. Any advice?
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
How To Stop Wasting Water While Waiting for Hot Water?Home Projects
Q: What is the best solution to stop wasting water while waiting for hot water to reach the kitchen? My kitchen sink and dishwasher are a long way from the hot water heater. What is the best solution to stop wasting water while waiting for hot water to reach the kitchen: a tankless water heater under the kitchen sink, an on-demand recirculating system, or something else?Sent by SandraEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say:Answered by Alex Georgiou, Recurve Inc.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
Can I Use House Plants To Improve Indoor Air Quality?Plants & Yard
Q: Can I use house plants to improve my home’s indoor air quality? There is data and research on the value of outdoor plantings and the positive effect on air quality through natural transpiration. It would seem that the same would be true of indoor plants, if well maintained, both in terms of overall humidity levels, and in terms of potential CO2 reduction and biofiltration.Sent by TomEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide have to say.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
What’s the Best Green Way to Clean Tarnish Off Antiques?Cleaning
Q: As a student in interior design I was taught to use naphtha for cleaning antiques. Now I am more concerned about being green. What is best?Sent by BrendaEditor: Here’s what our friends at Green Home Guide say.Answered by Jennifer Davidson, J. Davidson Design & Consulting Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the metal surface you want to clean.
Cambria Bold
May 7, 2019
Ideas for Saving Amazing Vintage Teak Dining Set?Home Projects
Q: My boyfriend and I received this super awesome teak dining set [photo below] when his parents purchased a new set a couple of years ago. We were so thrilled as it was gorgeous. And as new homeowners, a new and expandable dining set was not in our budget. Well. We ruined it. First I wrecked it when a bottle of oven cleaner tipped over inside a tote bag and was left to burn a hole through the table top for an embarrassing amount of time.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
What’s the Appeal of Sunburst Mirrors, Anyway?Design Ideas
Q: Hi! I am a grad student, and I am writing a paper on sunburst mirrors for my object theory class. I see sunburst mirrors in houses on design and interiors blogs (such as this one) all the time, and I was wondering if you knew what the appeal is. I am fascinated that so many people have them and I would like to find out why and when and who and a bit more why. Many thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Help! My New Furniture Stinks!Design Ideas
Q: I bought a sofa and two chairs from [company redacted]. They were delivered within the timeframe agreed on. Two hours later, we couldn’t even go in the living room. The furniture reeked with a kind of chemical/dead animal smell. We opened the windows and doors and hoped it would go away. It’s been two weeks and it still smells awful. A representative came yesterday afternoon, opened one of the cushions, and declared, “There is no smell”.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Is It Easy To Move A Thermostat?Home Projects
Q: My thermostat was installed right smack dab in the middle of my living room wall. On top of the fact that it’s ugly, it’s exactly where I want to hang one of a pair of paintings. I would like to move it to a less obtrusive spot. Is that a DIY possibility? A possibility at all? -Sent by NaturalMama Editor: Great question! Thermostats often seem to be installed in the stupidest, most problematic spot possible. Handy readers, is it possible to move a thermostat?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
How To Keep Litter Box Smells from Overwhelming a Small Apartment?Cleaning
Q: There have been several House Tours that had a hidden litter box of sorts. How are you able to keep your cat box clean and smelling fresh in an apartment that may be only 600 square feet? 500? 400?? It boggles my mind. I mean, obviously, clean it out as soon as you can, but cat urine has such a strong odor. Even with a cool hidden compartment in a piece of furniture, it wouldn’t suddenly eliminate the smell. Any tips would be great.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Why Don’t People Reverse Their Fridge Doors?Home Projects
Q: In so many of the House Tours and House Calls that you show on Apartment Therapy, I’ve noticed that the refrigerator doors open incorrectly. They open in such a way that it’s clearly inconvenient and blocks the rest of room, or opens into the cabinets or work area… Doesn’t anyone know that you can change the refrigerator door to open either from the right or left? It doesn’t take a contractor or handyman to do it either.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
How To Hang Art Around High Chair Rail?Design Ideas
Q: Hi! My fiance and I recently moved into a Victorian terraced cottage in England. Our living room and and dining room are finally coming together and we’re ready to hang art on the walls. But there is this awkwardly high chair rail (or dado rail as the English call it) around the walls of both rooms. It is 44 inches (102 cm) from the floor [see photo below]. We’ve already hung two prints on one wall in the living room and they are okay (although a little too high in my opinion).
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Can I Use Cast Iron Pans on a Glass Top Stove?Cleaning
Q: I just bought a new glass top stove. I was really in love with the idea of it, but it was delivered and on their way out the door the delivery men said, “Oh by the way, make sure you don’t use any cast iron pans on it”. My heart just broke. I almost exclusively use cast iron. I just didn’t realize it made a difference. My parents have a glass top and they use cast iron all the time. Is there a way around this? Is it more of a suggestion or a law?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Alternative for Schoolhouse Electric Light?Design Ideas
Q: I’m in love with the Vega 5 Chandelier from Schoolhouse Electric [photo below]! However, Schoolhouse said it may take nine weeks or longer to fabricate and ship. Can anyone recommend a similar chandelier? The price point is under $400. I have searched high and low!
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Where to Put TV Other Than Above Fireplace?Life
Q: My husband and I have a love/hate relationship with our TV. He loves it; I hate it. Our living room [photo below] is always a work-in-progress but what is hindering it for me is the TV. I refuse to mount it above the fireplace because I think it’s tacky and takes away from the beauty of a mantel… On the right wall we have a huge Leroy Neiman print that I won at an art auction on our honeymoon.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
How Do I Decorate Around An Ugly Couch?Design Ideas
Q: I have been going crazy trying to decorate around an ugly living room set [photo below] that I inherited by moving in with my significant other. This set is dark wood trim, dark leather arms with paisley fabric on the back rest and stripey (only way I can describe it) seat cushions. There are so many colors in the backrest and seat I probably couldn’t fit them all in one email. I remembered Apartment Therapy and there are so many good ideas on here I was hoping for some advice.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
What to Do About Kitchen Monolith?Home Projects
Q: I bought a beautiful, mint-condition 1968 deckhouse. Nearly all of the decor is original, right down to the ’60s-style monolith in the center of the kitchen [photo below]. The kitchen is really quite a good size, but with the full fridge-height monolith in the center, it feels quite closed off… I plan on keeping all of the beautiful original wood cabinets, just refinishing them as needed, or by attrition.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Are Printed Tapestries Just For Dorms?Design Ideas
Q: I’ve been on the hunt for a long time for a piece of oversize wall art to fill the big, empty space above my couch. So far price and indecision have kept me from taking the plunge but I’ve been looking recently at some printed fabric wall hangings like these from Society6. My question is, do things like this just belong in a dorm? Or could it be possible to use it effectively in a more adult space? The big size and affordable price makes it really tempting but I’m wary.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Is it Safe to Keep Oven Mitts on the Oven Door?Organizing
Q: Please help me resolve a debate with my beloved boyfriend. He insists that oven mitts cannot be kept on the oven door or anywhere near the stove, as it is a fire hazard.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Suggestions for Dealing with Neighbors, a Destructive Dog & a Vindictive Mailman?Life
Q: We live in a beautiful duplex in a wonderful area and share a backyard and fence with the neighbors who live on our other side, a single mother and her 16-year-old daughter. Both yards have gates, which we used to leave open. The house behind ours has a dog that they allow to roam free, and it is the stereotypical poorly trained, nightmare neighbor dog that barks nonstop. It has often come through our open gate into our yard, where it prowls around and generally makes a nuisance of itself.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Can an Exterminator Legally Take Photos of My Apartment?Design Ideas
Q: I am wondering if it’s unlawful for a pest control company to take photos of a tenant’s residence while they are spraying the apartment. I was informed recently from my landlord that the exterminator takes photos while he sprays, and reports the photos back to the landlord. Is this even legal? I noticed flashes of light while he walks through my unit, but I’ve never actually caught him taking pics. Thanks for your reply.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
How Should I Arrange My Awkward Living Room?Design Ideas
Q: We recently had our first group of weekend guests (4 adults in addition to our family of 2 adults and a toddler) and we found our setup isn’t great for socializing. It’s an 11’6″ x 17’4″ rectangular room [photo below]. We currently have a 79″ x 36″ sofa and two 30″ x 30″ chairs. Doorways and the breakfast bar limit our options. We have been considering a corner sectional.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Help! I Can Hear My Neighbors Through the Vent!Life
Q: I live in a condo with a concrete structure, so the soundproofing is pretty good. Unfortunately, I hear everything that is going on in my upstairs neighbors’ kitchen, through the range hood vent. Whenever I’m in my kitchen at the same time as they are, I turn the range on so I don’t hear them, but it is a little bit annoying and loud in the morning. I’m also wondering if they can hear me from their kitchen… Does it happen to anyone else?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Will I Be Able to Eliminate Musty Cedar Smell in 1970s Home that I’m Thinking About Buying?Cleaning
Q: The house we are looking to purchase has a lot of cedar [please see photo below] and it was built in 1975. It just has a lot of that cedar smell, and I was wondering if anyone had an idea on how to remove that? Thank you. -Sent by Sanja Editor: What a gorgeous ceiling! Readers, how can Sanja eliminate the musty cedar odor from this house? Or do you recommend she pass on it because there’s really no solution? • Have a question for our community?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
How to Create Private Spaces in Multigenerational Homes?Home Projects
Q: One of the *new* things in recent years is going back to the old-school multi-generation houses or joint-family multi-home properties. Sometimes grandparent(s) move into a suite, converted garage, or detached cottage. Or sometimes parents and kids move into the first floor, big basement, or barn on grandparents’ property. And with so many immigrant families, the some communities have kept a lot more of the multi-generational household tradition.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Do Modern Tablecloths Even Exist?Home Projects
Q: Hi! I have been searching high and low for cool, modern tablecloth options. I know tablecloths are basically just out of style right now. Many people have gorgeous dining tables and want to show them off. I have my great-aunt’s teak dining table, which often doubles as a work station, and a one-year-old. Guess who is winning?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
New Color Suggestions for Salmon Hot Mess House?Design Ideas
Q: Hi! We are FINALLY painting our big ugly house. It is currently a crazy salmon hot mess [photo below]. Our taste is actually very modern and we love how the inside has turned out. We’re trying to figure out the outside, especially the paint color that might be okay with the red roof we have… We love white or light grey but are wondering if this is the best idea for our house. Maybe white trim and a slate grey door?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Before & After: A Rental Property Adds Curb Appeal (On Your Advice)Home Projects
It’s been two years since readers gave Laura advice about increasing the curb appeal of her rental property and she’s back with an update. Her plan was to make the lawn healthier and add some shrubs. She was also considering painting the shutters or siding and asked readers to help decide what color might go nicely with the yellow. So, let’s find out how this house looks now and which advice Laura ran with!
Carrie McBride
Apr 30, 2019
How Can I Buy Something From A Company That Doesn’t Ship to the US?Life
Q: I have a vexing issue: I found a rug that I really like from Denmark (this one) but I contacted them and they do not ship to the United States! Is there any way around issues like this or am I screwed? Thanks! -Sent by Ryan Editor: What a cool rug! Readers, do you have any tips and tricks for acquiring gorgeous items from international companies that don’t ship to your country? Please share! • Have a question for our community?
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
Should We Paint Our Walls Now If We’re Going to Remodel Soon?Home Projects
Q: We bought our ‘forever home’ last month and we plan on remodeling the entire house, including new drywall, kitchen, bathrooms, and a 10′ extension. My question is, should we put any money into the house [photos below] before the actual remodel? The common advice seems to be that you should give your walls a fresh coat of paint, and that makes sense if you’re going to live with what you have for some time to come.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019
How Can I Keep My Dogs Out of Parts of My Open-Plan Home?Life
Q: My husband and I are in the process of buying a new home that we’ll be moving into with our two dogs. In our current home we use two stacked tension dog-gates to keep the dogs in our dining area when we want the kitchen or living room to ourselves but we’re not sure what to do in the new house. The new home is an open floor plan and the smallest space we could gate is about 7.5′ across.
Tess Wilson
Apr 30, 2019