The real reason I’m so dismissive of trends is that I’m lousy at spotting them until they’re nearly over. Those in the know have been using subway tile for a few years, and I wonder: Is it still trendy or over? Should I make this economical choice for my own remodel? In the top left…
The world inside my head is very simple: I know what I know and assume the rest of the world is on the same wavelength. But maybe not. Whenever I put up a remodeling poll, I have my own ideas about how the voting will go. And I’m often surprised by the results. For instance:…
**UPDATE: Jan. 16: “State officials have ditched a plan to require remote-controlled thermostats in homes and businesses.” (San Francisco Chronicle) But you may be able to request one if you’re so inclined. Read more** Here’s one way to prevent blackouts during times of high power demand: Equip homes and businesses with remote-control thermostats that allow…
Pleased with my new bathroom light, I naturally wanted to blog about it. Then it occurred to me: Was I supposed to get a permit for this? I can’t very well be a blogger for the L.A. Times and be a scofflaw at the same time. So I looked it up on my county’s website,…
A reader sent in this question and I’m glad because I’m having the same quandary. The question: I’ll be purchasing lighting for above a bathroom mirror. Which is better? Mounting the fixture so the lights point down or point up? Currently there is a bar fixture so I have no experience with this lighting issue.…
A CNN story today on Al Gore’s new green remodel in Nashville gives some tips on going green. No. 1 tip: Give up baths in favor of showers. The story intones: "Take a shower instead of a bath. Showers use considerably less water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a five-minute shower requires 10 to…
The story you are about to hear is shocking, so don’t fall off your chair when I tell you: The remodel of this 1948 Hawthorne home was designed by a 16-year-old, David, and built by him and his father Norbert, a schoolteacher, during a summer break. Since then, David has been accepted into the respected…
The red I’ve chosen for my house is absolutely awesome. Perfect. Fills me with joy. But the green trim? I’m not sure it’s the perfect color. But there’s something I like about it, love it actually, but in limited amounts. Here are the three scenarios we’re considering: 1. Lots of green, on the fascia, around…
So the Hollywood writers’ strike is on and we’ve all to do our part, fill in the gap, step up to the plate, pull up our bootstraps and all the other clichés that pop up when there are no real writers on the job. Some of us on the Pardon Our Dust Blog have come…
With winter supposedly coming our way, thoughts may turn to fireplace upgrades. Here are three fireplace remodels readers have been kind enough to share with me. I’d like to know which is your favorite, based on all criteria, including cost. 1. Craftsman: The top left fireplace is in San Diego, and the owner tells me…