last episode of home improvement

Home improvement issues were the 2nd biggest source of complaints in 2022
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Home improvement issues were the 2nd biggest source of complaints in 2022

Home Improvement

Here’s how to file one in Massachusetts — and how to avoid getting into that mess in the first place.

Home improvement issues were the 2nd biggest source of complaints in 2022

The Globe’s Ask the Remodeler writer offers tips for vetting contractors. Adobe Stock

For the seventh year in a row, auto sales and repair complaints ranked first in the 2022 consumer complaint survey report, conducted by the Consumer Federation of America.

Home improvement/contractor issues and consumer debt/credit rank second and third, respectively.

Here’s what to know if you want to file a complaint in Massachusetts.

Start at the Attorney General’s Office. There, you can file a consumer complaint

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Beautiful Vintage Wine Glasses – French Country Cottage
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Beautiful Vintage Wine Glasses – French Country Cottage

Have I mentioned I have an affinity for vintage place setting elements? Or maybe you already noticed that. From dainty detailed plates to vintage linens and lovely etched glassware- I am always on the lookout for a beautiful piece to bring home.

Vintage Wine Glasses & Other Glassware

The other day, we went out thrifting and stopped by several different thrift stores to find some treasures. I walked in and made a beeline to the kitchen and home area and stopped in my tracks when I saw stacks of beautiful vintage dishes, bowls, glasses and more. My daughter looked at

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getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME
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getting grand with flowers – MY FRENCH COUNTRY HOME

I was recently lucky enough to spend 24 hours in the Loire Valley. We have a tour there at the end of August, and I need to check some addresses – never a hardship!

I had heard about the amazing flowers at the Chateau de Chenonceaux, and was determined to see what all the fuss was about.

I was not disappointed. They know a lot about getting grand with flowers!

Chenonceaux itself is a truly stunning chateaux that spans the Cher river from bank to bank. The history of the place dates back to the 16th century, and each age

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Tips on hiring contractors for home improvement projects
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Tips on hiring contractors for home improvement projects

Before reaching out to any contractor for an estimate, the Better Business Bureau of Washington recommends you do a few things first.

SEATTLE — With warm temperatures in the forecast, homeowners may be ready to start home improvement projects. Some larger projects may require hiring a contractor to get the job done. The Better Business Bureau of Washington is sharing reminders for consumers to avoid falling for contractor scams.

Before reaching out to any contractor for an estimate, it’s recommended you do a few things first.

“You should look to plan your project from start to finish,” said Logan Hickle,

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7 Things for a Beautiful English Cottage Room Makeover
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7 Things for a Beautiful English Cottage Room Makeover

Oh those English cottage rooms with layers of lovely patterns get me every time. When we visited the Cotswolds in summer last year, I felt even more in love with that quintessential English cottage charm and I started dreaming up a new design that brought in all those layers of beauty.

7 Things for a Beautiful English Cottage Room Makeover

English Cottage Room

Though I am sourcing the elements for the new look yet-and there are many more elements in designing a room- there are 7 things I am planning on incorporating. Sharing a bit of inspiration today for Friday Favorites along with some elements to get the look.

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Home equity loans and home improvements: What owners should know now
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Home equity loans and home improvements: What owners should know now

Home equity loans and home improvements: What owners should know now
For homeowners looking to finance major repairs and improvements, a home equity loan may be worth it.

Getty Images


Looking for an affordable way to fund your next home improvement project amidst elevated interest rates?

Home equity loans can be a good option thanks to their relatively low costs and lenient eligibility requirements. Plus, when you spend the loan funds on qualifying home improvements, the interest can be tax-deductible.

Explore your home equity loan options here now to see what you can qualify for.

Home equity loans and home improvements: What owners should know now

If you’re a

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How to create open kitchen cupboards
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How to create open kitchen cupboards

The kitchen… always an ever changing and evolving space over here it seems. But there is one thing we did when we first moved into this house that was a game changer in the kitchen. It involved the kitchen cupboard doors and paint.

How to create open kitchen cupboards

Slow Changes

Slow changes and renovations were pretty much the motto here when we moved in. Partly because of design changes and ideas that I got on a whim and partly because over the years we updated the kitchen to be as functional as budget allowed – rather than remodeling to achieve the style we would like.

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Summer Style- Floral Table Linens
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Summer Style- Floral Table Linens

Floral table linens on repeat over here and I think they are such a pretty look for spring and summer.

Any vintage patterned floral is a beautiful layer on a table but the faded looks really speak to me. I got a ton of requests for more details on the blue floral cloth and pink lattice floral cloth I used in recent garden table styles. Sharing more about those and a few tips when choosing your table linens.

Floral Table Linens

Summer Style- Floral Table Linens

What I love

What I love about this table cloth? I mean…everything. I love the big floral, the faded

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