Welcome to The Money Pit Blogs!

Share ideas and learn about the latest in home improvement and décor from Tom and Leslie.

Money Pit Blogs

Home Improvement, White House Style

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 10:55 - Tom Kraeutler

We cannot tell a lie…Every home needs maintenance and occasional improvement, no matter how famous the address. As we approach President's Day, it's a good time to consider the construction and renovation history of America’s “Money Pit” at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C!

Like any...

Beat the Winter Blahs with Simple Home Spruce-Ups

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 00:44 - Leslie Segrete

The long, dark, cold days of winter tend to give project-loving homeowners the blues. But you don’t have to wait for spring to add cheer. A few thrifty home improvement projects can spruce up your home and your spirits. Here are some ideas on how to beat the winter blues.

First of all—this may...

Man Builds House from 1.4 Billion in Cash: The Ultimate Money Pit!

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 09:58 - Tom Kraeutler

You may put a lot of money into your home, but how about building a home out of money? According to IrishTimes.com, an artist in Dublin, Ireland, has done it, using 1.4 billion in decommissioned euros to create a three-room apartment in the lobby of his studio.

Frank Buckley obtained two...

Chase Away Winter Blues with Pops of Color

Tue, 01/24/2012 - 16:14 - Leslie Segrete

Winter isn’t a favorite time of year for many folks—you can get cabin fever and the winter blues. But I’ve got some ideas on how to brighten your mood and your home.

Don’t underestimate the effect color can have on your mood. Psychologists have been studying the effects of color for decades and...

Home Technology: The Next Big Thing

Fri, 01/20/2012 - 18:41 - Tom Kraeutler

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of attending the International Consumer Electronics Show, the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow. It takes place every year in Las Vegas, and what happens at this show definitely does not stay in Vegas. Many groundbreaking gadgets that have gone...

Christmas Tree Storage Tips

Thu, 12/29/2011 - 21:21 - Tom Kraeutler

Your artificial Christmas tree performed its duty beautifully this year, providing a lush backdrop for your treasured ornaments and lighting up your home with stately grace. When you decide it’s time to pack the tree away again until next year, follow these artificial Christmas tree storage tips...

5 Bright Ideas for Holiday Light Repairs

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 15:36 - Tom Kraeutler

It’s that time of year again--when neighbors wage war against each another in the battle to set up the most eye-popping holiday light display on the block. Whether you intend to go all-out or count yourself lucky if you can just get the darn things hung without breaking your neck, these five...

Decorative Panels for Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Thu, 12/01/2011 - 10:56 - Leslie Segrete

Decorative panels made with fabric or paper-wrapped hardboard make it simple and affordable to change the look of an outdated kitchen or tired piece of furniture. Just cut hardboard panels to cover a portion of a door or drawer front, and dress them up with your favorite fabric of patterned...

Applying Chair Rail and Crown Molding

Thu, 11/24/2011 - 13:33 - Leslie Segrete

A room is just a room until you add some amazing trim details that completely change the look of your space.  Crown molding, baseboard, chair rail, decorative trimming panels, and wainscoting all fall into that icing on the cake that is your home category and can really make your home look...

Thinking About Cleaning Your Oven? Bad Idea!

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 13:35 - Tom Kraeutler

Thinking about cleaning your oven in advance of a pre-holiday baking bonanza? Don’t! While self-cleaning ovens may be one of this century's finest advances in cooking technology, running the self-cleaning cycle just before a big baking day might end up with you running to the bakery to buy pies...