To conceal the gap between different and unlike floor surfaces, a wood threshold has long been the tradition; but a threshold made of marble can be a nice touch of class. Because of its long-lasting quality, marble is an excellent choice to create safe footing in a passageway, particularly where ceramic, stone or marble tiles…

Whoever thought of the curved shower rod is a genius, because it expands the space in a typical 5-foot bathtub for taking a shower. We first noticed these space-expanding rods used in the small bathrooms of old motels. If you want to stretch the space in a bathtub for a more comfortable shower, this ingenious…

Loose crumbling mortar between the brick joints of a chimney indicates its exposure to weather extremes have taken its toll so it’s a good idea to inspect it once a year. Tuckpointing is the process of repairing mortar brick joints and it’s an important preventive maintenance project. If mortar is left unchecked and continues to…

Anyone who stumbles in a dark hallway knows the value of a sensor night light. Sure, you can use a plug-in version, but having one wired into your electrical system is a nice upgrade. We’ve enjoyed the safety of having one that combines an electrical receptacle with an LED (light emitting diode) night light. The…

Wind chimes—instruments producing mystical sounds when played by the wind—have existed in some shape or form since at least 3,000 B.C. Originating in Southeast Asia, the first wind chimes were made from bones, wood, or shells with sinew, primitive cordage, or other materials. They originally functioned to scare birds away from early farms (a purpose…