Cozy, Colorful Makeovers

before + after: kitchen

A new layout and period touches bring efficiency and style to a once clunky cook space
• Find 22 of our editors' favorite kitchens

get this look for less

Festive farmhouse dining room

budget redo

Custom cosmetic touches make a plain bath special

Photoshop redo

A front porch and old-house touches boost a Neocolonial's curb appeal

fit for a family

An innovative redo transforms a dark 1830s farmhouse into a modern family's perfect place

built-ins that make entertaining easier

Twelve home-enhancing ideas designed to work hard so that you don't have to

read this before you insulate your attic

Get the know-how you need to stay comfy and save dough
• On fixing air leaks using the old smoke trick
• Fix leaks and save on cooling costs
• Pinpoint the R-value zone you live in
• Do you need a vapor barrier? And which way should it face? Check the map

TOH tv: upgrades that slash energy costs

Cash savings and comfort are the goals in the latest project house's efficiency makeover

the TOH top 100

All the coolest new products to make your home smarter and more stylish

home solutions

Make a Christmas tree from salvaged molding; 10 uses for wine bottles; give a plain table a style boost with nailheads; protect outdoor decorations; keep surfaces safe from holiday spills; and more
• Find more smart uses for leftovers
• Learn to make tea lights from wine bottles

paint ideas

Six ways a colorful ceiling can transform your rooms

salvage style

Dress up your entry with a coat rack you can make from a reclaimed wood column
• Watch a video of this DIY coat-tree project

weekend remodel

A pro shows how to turn prefinished planks into a classic herringbone parquet floor
• Watch a video of this project

Q + A

Get the right recip-saw blade for the job; to prevent rafters from cracking, don't keep layering new roofing over old; make sure fireplace smoke goes up the chimney, not into your house; and more

step-by-step

Patch plaster

Norm's tricks of the trade

By joining two cabinets, you can hang them safely as one

letter from This Old House

A homeowner's work is never done
• Email the Editor

digital

Easy upgrades for a handsome holiday home
• Spruce up your fireplace
• Paint before guests arrive
• Pick the perfect Christmas tree
• Featured video: How to Install a Dishwasher

reader mail

• Email This Old House

checklist

Easy ways to improve your home right now

save this old house

An Italianate cottage in Wilson, N.C., for a buck
• Got a house to save? Tell us about it