I like to watch those remodeling projects on HGTV and DIY networks. It’s fun to see the changes, and they make it look really effortless and easy. How are those shows different from the reality of a real remodel — your house, let’s … read more

There’s a lot of basil out there this time of the year, but it has reached the end of the season. Folks are scrambling to use and process the fresh aromatic leaves — drying and making yummy basil butter and pesto concoctions. Basil … read more

Some years ago, representatives of an engineering firm in Winslow came to our studio on Madrone Lane and argued that a window shade could not insulate well because the cold has already passed through the glass and is inside the house. To test … read more

We have been blessed with a long, warm summer, but as fall (and winter) loom, it’s time to think about the home maintenance and improvements that are common for the season. Furnace Service Have a professional heating company check and service your furnace. … read more

It is not so much the food, but also the casserole dish that was selected for the job, a white opaque Pyrex 2.5-quart casserole dish introduced in 1963. As ingredients were added, the meatloaf grew until it wouldn’t fit in a standard loaf … read more

Great summer weather equals great vine-ripened tomatoes, and this summer is the poster child for both. Even if you aren’t growing your own tomatoes, you can find beautiful, local and delicious tomatoes ready to eat now at your local farmers market and store. … read more

If you have bookcases on each side of your fireplace and the shelves are deeper than the normal 10 to 12 inches, don’t push the books all the way back against the wall. In fact, you should do exactly the opposite. Line up … read more

Whether you need more space in your existing home or you have an odd space that is unused, look at some creative options for using space in your home. Have kids? If you have a stairwell, turn that useless under-stairwell closet (you know, … read more

Don’t forget to look up. There are spaces that we never knew existed. There are ledges and ceiling corners that call our names and are saddened to be unnoticed voids. In this day and age, interior living space is at a premium for … read more