Kitchen Recipes: Factory Cart Inspires a Dream Cooking Space

Screen Shot 2015-05-26 at 2.23.45 PMThese homeowners’ kitchen was almost nonexistent, so they whipped it up from scratch. See what they cook there and get the recipe too

Many creative types need a space: Artists have a studio, tinkerers have a workshop, actors have a stage. If you are a creator, then your surroundings are likely to be interesting. That’s why we reasoned that people who make masterpieces armed with a sharp chef’s knife (in other words, home cooks) are bound to have unique kitchens as well as tasty recipes. We asked them to share both.

One of the people who responded was Emily Danforth, an author in Providence, Rhode Island. She and her wife, Erica Edsell, bought a house in the Armory District of that city. Danforth says that over the years, original features had been removed in the 115-year-old Gothic revival home and it had fallen into severe disrepair. They set out to remodel the space, and the source of their inspiration was a large green factory cart.

9 Tips for Mixing and Matching Tile Styles

Screen Shot 2015-05-26 at 2.21.18 PMGet acquainted with the basics of combining different shapes, colors and finishes for a symphony of tiles

For tile fans such as myself, the more tile, the better. But though I’d happily cover every surface with it, there are certain things to consider when combining tiles of various sizes, shapes and patterns on walls and floors. Because tiling large areas requires a sizable investment, it’s worth getting samples and experimenting with how tiles work together. These nine tips offer guidance on how to combine tiles for the best look.

10 Affordable Ways to Increase a Home’s Value

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How to Get an Outdoor Kitchen of Your Own

Screen Shot 2015-05-23 at 2.15.52 PMNew project for a new year: Build a cooking space for your yard or patio to make entertaining a breeze

Entertaining your family and friends always feels more relaxed and fun when you can do it outside. And if you entertain more than six people at one time and have sufficient space, an outdoor kitchen might be just the ticket.

10 Things to Do Now for an Easier, Happier Summer

Screen Shot 2015-05-23 at 2.10.38 PMSet up your home for easy cleaning and cooking, and get ready for those trips to the beach

Set yourself up for a blissful season of backyard barbecues, beach days, ice cream cones and the hiss of sprinklers by ticking these 10 items off your to-do list in advance. From putting your watering on autopilot to gathering your favorite summery recipes in one place, these tasks will free up some time in the days ahead, so you can focus on fun.

Colorful Ways to Make Over Your Kitchen Cabinetry

Screen Shot 2015-05-23 at 2.13.34 PMTry these inspiring color updates to spice up your kitchen a little — or a lot

As much as we love white kitchens for their timeless versatility, bringing in color with the cabinetry can add a wow factor or brighten up a tired scheme. If you are a renter or want to introduce just a touch of color, you can add it subtly with hardware or occasional furniture. And if you’re ready to go bravely into a more permanent change or a bold new look, you can splash color in or on cabinets. See what a difference color can make in the kitchens below.

Ways to Save on Your Kitchen Remodel

tipjarSave time, money, and headaches with the #TheTipJar video series. In just 30 seconds, get tips and save up to 40% on your kitchen remodel. Lots of different ways to save on your remodel on Houselogic’s YouTube page.

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Top 10 Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest

Screen Shot 2015-05-18 at 12.27.03 PMMore than just gorgeous and adaptable, these standout plants convey a sense of place

The Pacific Northwest might just have the most accommodating gardening climate in North America. From coastal British Columbia to Northern California, it is possible to grow a wide variety of plants, from tropical-looking, cold-hardy palms and bananas to plants that require a significant chill to perform, including peonies, tulips, lilacs and apples. We are lucky indeed. Why, then, should we grow natives when we have so many exotic options?

Native plants have inestimable value in the landscape. They provide essential habitat and food for birds, pollinators, and all varieties of other creatures. Properly placed, native plants are naturally beautiful and grow lustily, with minimal effort on our part. Given the many microclimates and varied conditions in a typical garden, there’s a good spot in virtually any garden for Northwest native plants.

That said, some Pacific Northwest natives really stand out from the crowd. These are gorgeous plants: adaptable and uniquely able to evoke a distinct sense of the Pacific Northwest in a garden. With beauty, wildlife habitat and versatility in mind, here are 10 of the Pacific Northwest’s best native plants for regional gardens.

Kitchen Confidential: Go Bold on a Budget

Screen Shot 2015-05-18 at 12.24.47 PMDiscover 5 ways this black and white beauty broke the mold but not the bank

Looking like a million bucks doesn’t have to cost it. This design philosophy helped guide Lori and Dennis Kroeker’s approach to their kitchen makeover. The Kroekers wanted a kitchen that was sleek and modern, but one where they could restore many of the Victorian period details that had been lost over the years as a result of past remodels to their 1880 home. Toronto interior designer Kirsten Marshall made many clever choices to craft a kitchen that makes a bold statement on a family-friendly budget. Here are five of our favorite features.

The sound of silence: how to soundproof your house

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