upgrades

ALL ABOUT Quartz Countertops

With the look of natural stone, minus the maintenance, these surfaces give granite a run for its money. This Old House explains why you should consider easy-care quartz

By AMY R. HUGHES10 min

Ask THIS OLD HOUSE

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VINTAGE COTTAGE, TIMELESS APPEAL

A classic redo brings a simple 1910 house up-to-date with an attic hangout for kids and an expansive kitchen ready to welcome family and friends

By JILL CONNORS8 min

weekend remodel

Build a cedar ice chest

Make a handsome cooler enclosure to update a backyard essential

By JOHN CASEY7 min

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THE ULTIMATE BONUS ROOM

...just might be a shed you add outside. Here’s how one couple built a sheltered workspace with a traditional look that enhances their home’s vintage charm

By Jeanne Huber7 min

before + after: bath

Opening up for better function

Knocking out a walk-through closet and rethinking fixture placement bring more space, and good flow, to a master bath

By SARAH ENGLER6 min

landscaping

Meet late summer’s drama queens

In a showstopping array of colors, sizes, and shapes, dahlias can play a leading role in your garden’s finale

By DEBRA PRINZING5 min

ON THE COVER

FLAIR UNERFOOT

FIVE WAYS TO ENLIVEN APORCH FLOOR WITH PATTERN

By DEBORAH BALDWIN4 min

Ask THIS OLD HOUSE

TOH TESTED

By DOUG MAHONEY4 min

before + after: backyard

A guest room—and more—outdoors

An overgrown lot gets a generous deck and an open-air structure to become a three-season entertaining space

By SARAH ENGLER3 min