This Old House

This Old House gives you the inspiration, information and instruction you need to take on home improvement projects of all sizes and succeed. In every issue, find fresh design ideas for every room, creative DIY solutions, step-by-step projects, and tips from the pros.

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A saga of quirky closet space

This tile only looks tricky

Go big with container plants • On a lot that has more hardscape than planting space, container gardening is one way to indulge your green thumb. In fact, you can grow seriously sizable plants in pots—even trees. Here, three surprisingly XL options that take to an XS footprint.

Kitchen duty made easier

TLC for garage floors • With warmer weather on the horizon, now’s the time to whisk away winter’s salt and sand—and while the floor’s clear, clean up any oil spots and rust stains, too.

Rearrange your furniture with zero lifting • Using what you already own lets you refresh a room for free, but carrying the sofa to one new spot, then another, quickly loses its appeal. Luckily, apps and websites make it easy to create and preview new layouts—virtual drag-and-drop leaves no dents or damage.

Art you can afford • Put the finishing touch on your remodeled rooms—and stay on a budget— with exclusive, signed prints that have the cachet of fine art at more accessible prices. Here, five sources for quality, wallet-friendly pieces.

What’s that wood? • If you’ve bought furniture lately, you may have come across some not-so-familiar woods being used in mass-market pieces. Wondering about their origins and relative strengths? Here’s a quick look at three species being used to meet consumer demand for affordable solid-wood furniture.

Revive rusty pruners • Inadvertently leave a pair of shears outside all winter (as one of our editors did) and, come spring, you’ll uncover a rust-encrusted mess. But all is not lost! With just five straightforward steps, months of neglect can be undone by the next day.

Be smart about appliance fires

IN MEMORIAM

Beauty on a budget • A design-savvy couple update their cook space using cabinets and appliances from a big-box store, and durable vinyl tile

Office makeover for $619 • An unused bedroom becomes a stylish, storage-packed work zone with a DIY desk and custom-built shelving

Towel rings • Add an element of style to any bath with an accessory that takes up minimal space while allowing you to hang a hand towel right where you need it

Winning the turf wars • Start growing a lusher, healthier, less-weedy lawn with these smart strategies

How to paint a room like a pro • Just about anyone who’s handy can paint, but are the results up to snuff? Here’s how to take your painting skills to the next level

ask This Old House

Norm’s tricks of the trade

Welcome to the Country... • …where ravaging rainstorms, deep freezes, and an eagle-eyed building inspector can turn a simple little old-house reno into an epic journey

Closet Envy • Neat and tidy shelves, bins, and boxes all in a row… If only every wardrobe were so orderly and calm. They can be! Read on for ways to carve out closet storage that tames the chaos

Built to Last • This Old House lends a hand on the renovation of an 1840s “single house” in Charleston, South Carolina, with the goal of preserving its unique character while creating a comfortable family home

ALL ABOUT   Garden Sheds • These...