I write about: Design, Home, Garden, Home Improvement, Lifestyle, Profiles, Genealogy, Consumer Issues, Real Estate, Historical, Architecture, Preservation, Interviews. I'm an expert researcher.
Lost Amusement Parks of Southern California: The Postwar Years (Images of America)
Capitalizing on the postwar baby boom and expanding suburbs, amusement parks sprang up throughout Southern California. The crown jewel was Disneyland, which focused on themed sections and changed amusement parks forever. Other parks followed, transforming Southern California into one of the world's top vacation destinations.
Save This House
Meet Brett Waterman, the host of the DIY Network series "Restored" and an Indiana Jones of historic preservation--saving one house at a time!
15 Gorgeous Victorian Homes
Various architectural styles came out of the Victorian era and often blended features from each style. Transitions to or from the Victorian era resulted in houses that might have combined Richardsonian arches on Stick-style homes, or Greek Revival (which came before) features on a Queen Anne. Enjoy this collection of diverse Victorians from coast to coast.
50 Great Backyard Landscaping Ideas
A backyard is an extension of what's going on inside our home, maybe more colorful, casual, fun, and without a ceiling to put a lid on our needs and desires. Enjoy 50 backyards to spark ideas for your own outdoor space.
Industrial Design at Home
Interior designer John Wooden (grandson of the legendary coach) offers ways to incorporate the popular industrial look into your home decor.
Get Inspired: 26 Stylish Shed Designs
Sheds have become multipurpose, must-have buildings that compete with pergolas and gazebos as your next backyard project. Pictures on social media only grab people's desires more. Before going any further, do your research. Figure out what you need it for and why, and whether you will built the shed yourself, or hire a pro.
Drought Tolerant Landscaping: What You Should Know
Drought-tolerant landscaping has become more popular and even mandatory in regions that experience little or sporadic rainfall. Learn how to create a drought-tolerant garden and design a water-wise landscape.
24 Landscape Design Ideas for Mid-Century Modern Homes
A renewed interest in the era and iconic architects like John Lautner, A. Quincy Jones, and Jones and Emmons has made mid-century modern homes hot properties. Many new homeowners restore these architectural gems, while others update them to meet contemporary needs and lifestyles. Discover 24 different ideas for landscaping a mid-century modern house.
Garden Remodel: Drought-Tolerant California Coastal Front Yard
Witness the transformation of a Santa Barbara home's garden as it goes from bland to beautiful.
32 Luxurious Bathroom Designs
Your love for decorating doesn't have to stop at the bathroom door. Continue your style into this traditionally private place by enhancing with high quality materials and features that transform it into an elegant and restorative space.
11 Front Yard Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid
Those gnomes, the farmhouse table, and hot tub--move them to the backyard, please!
Garden Makeover: A Chic Front Garden for a Vintage Chicago Cottage
Witness the transformation of an old house on a narrow lot in Chicago's Albany Park as it becomes a home and office with a show-stopping yard.
Identifying House Plants
What's the name of that green plant hanging from your shelf? You know, the green one with the oval leaves. I researched, photographed, and wrote about 30 popular house plants to help familiarize readers with what they are and should be growing indoors.
Here’s How We Remodeled Our Entire Bathroom for Under $500
My bathroom was in dire need of a remodel. With some sweat equity, resourcefulness, and less than $500, we made it happen.
15 Ideas for Landscaping Around Trees
The ground underneath and surrounding a tree is often neglected, resulting in bare dirt, exposed tree roots, and a few volunteer plants that aren't necessarily welcome. Discover ways to landscape a forgotten area that will make the tree and what it shades much more appealing.