Magazine

In This Issue

• September 2012 Issue No. 162

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  • Tell Us Your Story

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  • Editor Spotlight

    
    Scott Omelianuk, Editor of This Old House magazine, began his long relationship with home improvement at age 15, when he started working after school as a carpenter's gopher. After years of jobsite toil and practical jokes—including being s
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    More Editor Bios:

    • Alexandra Bandon
    • Amy Hughes
    • Mark Powers

• Cottage Style Special

  idea file

  before + after: kitchen

  A cramped space gets a total revamp, with extra room to move, sunny cabinets, and a checkerboard floor

  before + after: bedroom

  Bright, functional built-ins transform a lackluster guest room
  

  • Find step-by-step instructions for built-in bookshelves
  

  budget redo

  A messy coat closet becomes an open, organized drop spot

  planning a cottage garden

  Create an eclectic, inviting outdoor space with our tips
  

  • Check out our favorite cottage-garden flowers
  

  Photoshop redo

  A gable-roofed portico and tasteful trimwork boost a Cape Cod's curb appeal

  true to form

  Period-style renovations restore a 1913 Craftsman bungalow's vintage character

  cheery charmers

  Colorful casual furniture and accessories get a clean-lined update

  cozy by design

  From built-ins to planked walls to painted floors, TOH highlights the classic elements of cottage style
  

  • Find instructions on painting a checkerboard floor
  

  upgrades

  build it or buy it

  Upholstered storage ottoman

  shop smarter

  Beadboard panels

  all about

  Window seats
  

  • Find a step-by-step for a niche and window seat similar to this one
  

  home solutions

  home solutions

  Use paint to give your walls the plank-paneled look; 10 uses for pipe insulation; keep vintage furniture in shape; turn a shutter into an inspiration board; DIY kitchen-cabinet makeovers; and more
  

  • Get a detailed how-to on this type of paint project
  

  • Find more ways to use leftover items
  

  • Find instructions for painting kitchen cabinets and shelving
  

  how-to projects

  paint ideas

  Matte paint and sandpaper are all you need to age wood furniture to perfection
  

  • Master the three-step art of sponge painting
  

  home center project

  Build a wall-mounted coatrack with TOH general contractor Tom Silva’s step-by-step
  

  weekend remodel

  Our how-to for installing a cotton runner will step up your staircase’s style
  

  • Watch a step-by-step video of this project
  

  ask this old house

  Q + A

  Replace door weatherstripping; preserve and protect exposed wood beams; control slugs and snails; get a brushstroke-free polyurethane finish; board-and-batten basics; make aluminum wiring safe; and more

  step-by-step

  Hang a flat-screen TV

  TOH tested

  Pressure washers

  Norm's tricks of the trade

  Safely remove old cabinet hinges

  in every issue

  letter from This Old House

  How a redo deadline is born

  reader mail

  thisoldhouse.com

  Get ready for Back-to-School
  

  • Make room to work
  

  • Banish distractions
  

  • Organize supplies
  

  Checklist

  Easy ways to improve your home right now

  Directory

  Sources for the products and services in this issue

  save this old house

  An 1895 brick home in Anaconda, Montana