Looking to get more living space out of your home and don’t know whether to go up, down, or out? We asked Anne DeWolf, co-owner and designer of Arciform LLC for her advice on what a homeowner needs to know before you “go below.” If you’re like most people who own older homes, your existing basement is a dark twisting maze of ductwork, low-hanging pipes, and wires, with limited headroom and a jumbled assortment of water heaters, furnaces, and chimneys (maybe even your... more

For three days in November 2007, over 900 vendors of green and sustainable building materials and services converged on Chicago’s McCormick Place. According to the US Green Building Council’s website (www.greenbuildexpo.com), the “USGBC’s Greenbuild Conference and Expo was an unparalleled opportunity to connect with other green building peers, industry experts, and influential leaders as they shared insights on the green building movement and its diverse specialties.” Many new products... more

One of the first places that many people look to make eco-conscious changes to their homes is right under foot. “Green” flooring has been widely known, until now, as bamboo or cork because of their renewable harvesting properties. But while they are beautiful materials, there is an ever-expanding assortment of different products hitting the market, giving rise to new looks and trends. Linoleum — Old Is... more

American Clay Plaster What? A can-do-it-yourself plaster product. Bring elegance to your bedroom with a smooth Venetian surface. Surround yourself in your kitchen with the rustic colors of the Southwest. Bathe in the hues of Provence. Or travel to Tuscany each time you enter your dining room. This interior finish is a 100% natural earth plaster, which provides an environment that is... more