CONNIE OLIVER: Easy techniques for creating a focal point

Got ilk? If you're renting, this column might be of particular interest because these ideas are not permanent and can be easily incorporated into a rental unit. The majority of rental apartments are lacking in architectural detail, so creating focus is even . . .

Posted: 2012-06-23

Comfort is key to setting up first new home

A good night's sleep is essential for students

Dear Debbie:I'm out of town to university and will be away for four years. My "room" budget is small, but I would like to be smart about purchases so they will go the distance. What are the priorities? Thanks -- . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Hang seasonal wreaths to store

Question: I own several Christmas wreaths, which I pile into plastic totes in my basement when I put them away. Every year I waste hours fluffing up each wreath before hanging them. Do you have any idea of how I . . .

Posted: 2016-12-24

ASK THE INSPECTOR: There are different ways to heat crawlspace

QUESTION: Our addition is cold and we need help! The original part of the house has a full basement but the addition has only a crawlspace beneath. There is a two-foot by four-foot opening between the two underground spaces. The . . .

Posted: 2010-02-13

Serving a cold salad without refrigeration

Question: I am invited to a potluck and have been asked to supply salad for a large crowd of people. I was told that there is no room in the fridge for the salad. Do you have any tips for . . .

Posted: 2017-05-27

SOLUTIONS: Ring in 2013 with helpful tips for the home

Life just got easier! To save real snowflakes, wait until the temperature is -10 C or colder outside. Collect snowflakes on microscope slides (do not use your fingers). Cover the snowflakes on the slide with a drop of super glue (not . . .

Posted: 2013-01-05

The new rock stars of home decor

Stones roll into fashion as accessory, art

We've all toted home an interesting stone or two from a good walk. We appreciate the eons it took to shape them; we admire the composition, the shading. But the cosiness? Today's rocks -- or close facsimiles -- are getting all . . .

Posted: 2008-07-06

Check with officials when insulating basement

Question: We are planning on finishing our basement and want to use two inch thick Dow styrofoam rigid insulation between the floor joists, with Great Stuff from Dow to seal any cracks around this insulation. We will eventually drywall the ceiling and . . .

Posted: 2016-06-25

Look to insulation for a quieter suite

But ensure noise-damping materials allowed by condo board

QUESTION — Can you give me any advice on how to sound-proof a shared wall in a condominium? Part of the wall is concrete and another part of the same wall is drywall. Thank you. Debbie Smith ANSWER — Preventing noise . . .

Posted: 2020-10-16

Renos not always as simple as they seem

Potential project obstacles can be hard to predict

There are repeat clients who have kept me extremely busy throughout the years. So much so, I sometimes forget about certain projects, and how many have ultimately been completed. One of these projects came to mind the other day, while I . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17