The Herald-Dispatch Life: Homes RSS

Couple builds home to reflect needs, desires of a busy family

2008-11-30T00:00:00-05:00

MILTON -- Eric and Robin Leonard wanted room for their large family to run and play when they bought a farm in the eastern part of Cabell County six years ago.

Jean McClelland: Nothing says Christmas collectibles like rocking horses

2008-11-30T00:00:00-05:00

Many folks can fondly remember a fabulous rocking horse from their childhood. More than one person would say the toy created countless happy adventures. Sometimes those recollections can prompt one to become a collector of such toys.

Long treasured tree houses cater to all ages

2008-11-30T00:00:00-05:00

Families have long treasured their tree houses, with parents and their children working together to build one in the backyard and building memories as the kids enjoy it as they grow up. From the famous tree houses belonging to "Swiss Family Robinson" and "The Simpsons," to the ones in the movies "Stand by Me" and "The Sandlot," tree houses are also part of pop culture.

How-to workshops

2008-11-30T00:00:00-05:00

10-11 a.m., Energy Efficiency in your home

Karen Hysell: Use simple rule of thumb to get chandelier at right height

2008-11-29T22:55:04.164363-05:00

QUESTION: How high above a dining room table should a chandelier be hung? -- Lisa, Huntington

'Green' demand drives home tech

2008-11-23T00:00:00-05:00

LOS ANGELES -- Robert Mechielsen's designs for environmentally friendly homes often include cutting edge features such as high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and solar panels to convert sunshine into electricity.

Finding alternatives to common household cleaners not always easy

2008-11-22T23:05:42-05:00

LOS ANGELES -- Even the most environmentally-friendly home falls short if it's cleaned with many of the most commonly used household products on the market today.

How-to workshops

2008-11-22T23:06:19.381520-05:00

Click here for a look at home improvement and decorating workshops throughout the region.

Your home could be featured here

2008-11-22T23:05:42-05:00

Do you have a house that you would like to showcase or a room that you would like to display?

Green options plentiful for renters

2008-11-22T23:05:42-05:00

LOS ANGELES -- Environmentally conscious condo and apartment dwellers can't be blamed for feeling a bit, well, green over those living in detached homes, free to make just about any Earth-friendly renovations they like.

Tip for homeowners

2008-11-22T23:05:42-05:00

Planning a kitchen remodel and want to keep costs to a minimum? Start by becoming an informed kitchen cabinet buyer because that's where a lot of your budget goes. A simple thing like knowing the price difference between cabinet doors and drawers will help. Cabinets with lots of doors are the cheapest way to go -- and with each drawer you add, the price increases. This is because a door is cut from one piece of material while even the simplest drawer has five pieces. They have four sides and a bottom plus drawer slides which are far more expensive than hinges. So, to control costs, keep drawers to a minimum. A cabinet with a door and a drawer costs more than one with a door alone and a pullout drawer hidden behind a door is even more expensive. When a contractor or dealer suggests adding drawers, expect the price to increase accordingly. On the other hand, if they're going for a low bid, you can bet drawers and pullouts will be kept to a minimum. Remember: using more doors keeps cash in your drawers.