ArcaMax

A bathroom often needs additional heat, especially in the winter months when the room can be colder than the rest of the house. While a small wall or free-standing heating unit is one solution, a ceiling fan and heater is another that takes up no floor or wall space. The heater and fan can be operated separately or combined.

An electrician will...Read more

If you like the traditional look and feel of Old World walls, consider using these embossed wallcovering panels that add textural interest to the walls and lasting character to the room. In many historic homes the rich and distinct look doesn’t cover the entire walls. Instead, the panels were commonly used as a dado covering the lower third of...Read more

Quarry tile is a popular flooring material for a lot of reasons. It’s used in public bathrooms, commercial kitchens and many high traffic areas like an entryway, because it’s a long-lasting, durable surface. It’s non-slippery, it’s easy to clean, and it withstands years of abuse. The unglazed ceramic tiles are usually made from natural ...Read more

You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes to switch from an ordinary recessed can light to a stylish hanging pendant fixture. If you want to add a pendant light, you can use a conversion kit designed for do-it-yourselfers to make the switch. It’s a small change but can change the look in counter lighting, over an island, or in a dining ...Read more

If you want to update a stair railing from the 1950s on a second-floor landing to a more stylish metal or wood railing, you have a lot of choices, and there have never been more options. You can replace an old railing with a fresh new style that will go a long way in a home renovation. The replacement requires some basic carpentry skills and ...Read more

Anyone who renovates an older home is faced with knocking down a plaster wall or two. We’ve had our share of plaster dust filling the air; and when the dust settles and the unwanted wall is removed, the opportunity to redesign the space is worth the effort and mess. If you want to save some money and get physical, we suggest doing some of the ...Read more

Avoid unwanted attention to a nasty stained ceiling in a room by concealing the eyesore with a painting product used by the pros. A stain blocker can conceal just about any kind of stain applied before repainting the ceiling by using an oil base sealer and primer like KILZ. It will block the stain, so it disappears. Apply the blocker and primer ...Read more

An old metal A/C furnace grille in a wall can be an eyesore in an otherwise attractive room, and it looks even worse if, over the years, the fins of the vent have become dented or dinged. You can find metal replacements at most home centers, but you can take it up a notch with a wood grille to give the room a custom finish.

We found the grilles...Read more

Our office has a wide sliding glass door, and instead of using draperies or vertical blinds we chose panel track shades as an attractive alternative. This window treatment, also called panel track blinds, is versatile and works nicely with most any decor.

The individual 27-inch-wide panels glide on a wheeled carrier in a track concealed by a ...Read more

You're sure to be the envy of your neighborhood with this charming log reindeer on the front porch to welcome guests. Or position him in your garden or on a deck looking inside. Wherever the reindeer resides, he’ll be a popular addition to your holiday tradition. We’ve been reusing our Rudolph for years by dismantling and carefully storing ...Read more

Good lighting in a bathroom is essential, and a light/fan combination is even better. A fan with a sensor that detects a rise in humidity and helps prevent the growth of mildew makes the bathroom more usable, and safe for everyone who uses it. Add a motion sensor so the light turns on when someone enters and leaves, and you’ve got a nice smart...Read more

The vanity is the main focus of many bathrooms and sets the style for the room. Shopping for one in a home center or bathroom showroom, you’ll find a staggering variety of vanity styles, often sold as a vanity cabinet set, which usually include the cabinet, sink and countertop, and is ready to install. The cost of the faucet is additional. A ...Read more

If you have an indoor cat (or cats) who can’t use a tree to relieve their anxiety with a good scratch, consider making or buying a scratching post to prevent them from ruining your upholstered furniture, draperies or carpeting. It’s more than a good investment, plus it’s fun to watch a cat release their inner turmoil by scratching and ...Read more