It’s all in How You Finish That Counts

I   don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s the wild west out there when it comes to the finishes we find on hardware, bathroom fixtures, and lighting.   Where we used to …
Doug Cook, owner of Gloucester-based Landesign, designed and implemented this interior garden project in Beverly.

Some Top Interior Design Trends to Look Out For in 2024

As we delve into the year 2024, there are dozens of notable interior design trends that Cape Ann experts point to, from color schemes to furniture styles, and even building materials.   Here are three great …

Welcome, Cape Ann Gardeners, to an Early Spring!

woman gardening herbs in her backyard garden

Spring is here, bringing an array of colors and a sense of renewal to Cape Ann’s gardens. Right now, it’s the perfect time to highlight the beauty of your surroundings.   Can you …

Hmmm …. What Can't Paint Do?

Recently while driving, I glanced to my left as a well-loved car was passing. I’m pretty sure that car was painted with house paint and a paintbrush.  It makes me pause, and it’s a …

Gray House is Anything But

Behind its simple exterior lives a visual feast By Kris McGinn L ast month, during a particularly lovely and lively holiday lunch at the Cricket , an unexpected visitor stopped by. …

Designing a Great Room? Make it Great
Great rooms.  There are so many of us that have them.  Perhaps you have one because you own a large older home, with its elegant bones, grand rooms and high ceilings.  Or maybe your …
Some holiday decorating tips
Too much stuff?   Reign it in!   No one likes a room that feels cluttered and chaotic.   So, choose some, and save some others for something different in the years to come. Focus …
A Ghost of Christmas Past
W hen I was a kid, my mother loved Christmas.   I see now it was fitting because Carolyn liked sparkly things all year round, and she kind of lived in this world with fairy sprites and earthen …
YOURS & MINE : Holiday Traditions
There are holiday traditions in aspirational books and television shows. Then, there are the real family traditions to celebrate the holiday season. Here are some good ones shared by local familiar faces. From an annual Christmas Eve date with a book to baking countless pies, locals celebrate this season in their own ways.
Here in New England, Jen Coles writes, spaces and sightlines can be “wonky.” But there are some pro tips to make spaces feel great to live in.
Taking the “Cramp” Out of Your “Camp” 
Almost 20 years ago, my then-husband and I went to a real estate open house where I promptly fell in love with a crazy fixer-upper, writes Manchester-based interior designer Jen Coles. Learn pro tips on how to make tough layouts and spaces work.
<p>Fall Planting</p><p><em>(Courtesy Photo)</em></p>
A Beginner’s Guide to Fall Planting and Maintenance
  Spring and summer are perhaps the busiest times of year for gardeners.  However, fall also is a prime time to tend to gardens. The tree and bare root retailer Bower & Branch advises that …
<p><em>Rockport’s Paper House museum, made of more than 100,000 newspapers in the 1920s by a mechanical engineer from Sweden, still stands and is open to the public.</em></p>
All the News That’s Fit to … Build?
Right up the road, in Rockport, an under-the-radar museum is the enduring marvel of engineering, with newspapers. Visitors and residents alike are familiar with the dramatic perimeter drive around …
<p><em>Signs of BLD include puckered, distorted leaves, with dark striping between the veins. (Courtesy images)</em></p>
Beech Trees Under Threat
One of our favorite properties for a beautiful walk in Manchester-by-the-Sea is Coolidge Reservation. We are awed by this property with its scenic marshy pond and the trail that leads to the vast …
<p><em>(Photos Anna Kasabian)</em></p>
Local Gardens: Turning Your Lawn into a Flower Garden
  Last Spring (2022) we agreed the grass in our backyard needed to go.  The mowing, raking, weeding, no longer were of interest!  The lawnmower was left at the end of our driveway and was …
<p><em>Joseph Solman, Ruth Wintner - Summer Reading, oil on board, 1937, 22x20</em></p>
Joseph Solman: Overlooked Paintings at Mercury Gallery in Rockport
Joseph Solman (1909-2008) was a seminal figure in the modernist art movement that flourished in 20th century Manhattan. He drew critical praise for his expressionist paintings of people, street …
Home improvement coverage from around the web
Germs, pollution and allergens can be spread around your house by an ordinary HVAC system.

Prepare Your Place for the Next Pandemic

(NAPSI)—While more than 1.1 million Americans lost their lives due to COVID-19, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, emerging HVAC technology is now available to protect homes …

Are heat pumps worth it? Debunking 6 common heat pump misconceptions

(BPT) - Heating and cooling often make up the bulk of utility bills — and the right HVAC system can make a world of difference in both energy bills and home comfort. Recently, heat pumps have …

The birth, life, death, and afterlife of the sofa

Made Trade explored the life cycle of the sofa, from its beginnings to its journey after the living room, using various sources on the internet.

How to repair 4 common types of wall damage

(BPT) - Maintaining the walls of your home is essential for both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. Over time, walls can suffer from various types of damage, whether it's from everyday wear …
Outsmart the Outages: Expert Advice on Power Loss Preparedness

Outsmart the Outages: Expert Advice on Power Loss Preparedness

(NewsUSA) - A need for reliable backup emergency power will be more critical this fall and winter season. Experts warn that extreme weather could bring additional power outages as temperatures surge …

Simple Ways to Add a Touch of Luxury to Your Home

You don’t have to break the bank to feel a little fancy and up your home’s “relaxation quotient”—and these tips prove it.

(NAPSI)—Home sweet home. It’s called that for a reason: Home is where you can go to relax, refresh, and reset. No matter where or how you live, adding a touch of luxury to your living space is a …

8 On-Trend Deck Railing Styles

(BPT) - Railing is a necessary part of any deck: not just for safety, but also to make an immediate style statement. Here are eight on-trend railing styles sure to enhance any outdoor space:1. Cable …

More ideas for your home
Labor less this Labor Day with Glidden Master Finish Spray Paint
(BPT) - Easy-to-use Glidden® Master Finish™ spray paint, available at Walmart, allows DIYers to complete projects faster, leaving plenty of time to still enjoy the long holiday …
How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Weather: 4 projects that provide high ROI
(Family Features) As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler months.
From molten rock to modern architecture – celebrating 90 years of Thermafiber
(BPT) - Summer is peak season for residential and commercial construction. Advances in material science and novel technologies are contributing to safety and efficiency on the jobsite as they help …
Four Ways to Transform Your Backyard into a Secluded Haven
(NewsUSA) - In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility at home is more important than ever. Here are four simple ways to turn your backyard into a serene …
6 Ways to Get Extra Enjoyment from Outdoor Spaces
(Family Features) If you enjoy spending time outdoors, fuel those adventures with clean, safe, reliable and versatile propane. Consider these ways to get a little extra enjoyment out of your outdoor spaces.
More Home Improvement News

7 ways to ensure your structure stands up to the elements

(BPT) - Did you know that last year alone, the U.S. saw 28 weather-related disasters exceeding $1 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration? While no one …

7 home security to-dos before your summer vacation

(BPT) - As temperatures have risen and summer has arrived, the anticipation of vacation has filled the air. Whether you’re planning a local getaway or an international adventure this summer, …

How to DIY A Deck Drainage System

How to DIY A Deck Drainage System

(NewsUSA) - If you plan to add an elevated deck to your home, there’s one element that will greatly increase its value and function: an under-deck drainage system. These systems, which divert …

Outdoor Power Equipment Helps Weather A Storm or Power Outage

With a little forethought and the proper equipment, you and your home or business can stand up to just about any natural disaster.

(NAPSI)—Storms are growing more powerful and frequent, so having the right outdoor power equipment on hand and using it safely is important, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). Home …

Caring for your home and family

Former firefighter builds home with new fire sprinkler system

(BPT) - Jesse Faust originally became a firefighter and an EMT to help people. Then, in the summer of 2022, the unthinkable happened.Faust was involved in a severe car accident that left him …

Extreme heat, wildfires and weather events: Prepare for the unexpected this summer, inside and outside the home

(BPT) - Wildfires and extreme weather conditions have brought greater attention to poor air quality, and while some areas may be more affected than others, air quality and pollution are still a major …
Home ideas

Workin' 5-9: Make the most of your morning hours for more productive days

(Family Features) How you spend your hours from 5-9 each day can ensure you're well prepared to tackle whatever your 9-5 throws your way. Get a jumpstart on your day with these tips to make the most of your morning routine.

10 Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient and Sustainable

(Family Features) Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and sustainable way involves several steps that not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact.
Planning to improve your home can be easier when you know you can cover the costs.
Tips for Homeowners to Make Summer Home Projects More Affordable
(NAPSI)—If you’re like most American homeowners, you are eager to enhance and update your living space. According to a 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home study, the median planned budget for most …
You can save cold cash and still keep your home cool.
Navigating the Heat to Keep Power Bills Cool
(NAPSI)—The heat of summer doesn’t just mean it’s time to drink more water or eat ice cream to keep cool. It also means an increase in air conditioning and energy to cool your home. The U.S. …
You can learn how to save money and protect the environment from a new online tool.
The EPA Can Help You Save Big On Energy Efficient Upgrades For The Home
(NAPSI)—If you’re like most homeowners, there’s probably a laundry list of major upgrades you’d like to make to improve the efficiency, performance, and functionality of your house. However, …
Here’s hot news on saving cold cash: Window film may cut your home’s cooling costs.
Cutting Summer Cooling Costs
(NAPSI)—When monthly utility bills arrive, many Americans are getting hot under the collar.   In fact according to the National Energy Directors Association, this summer’s residential …
How To Update Your Deck For The Perfect Summer Outside
(BPT) - Summer is here, and that means it’s time for a home maintenance refresh. With record-high temperatures hitting across the country, it’s important to pay attention to your …