In our new weekly series called 10 Things Nobody Tells You, we unpack remodeling basics that first-timers might not know… and reveal a few things even seasoned renovators might find surprising. In this week’s installment, we’re tackling one of the biggest projects homeowners might face: the kitchen remodel. Here are 10 things to consider, down to the outlets. Above: Photograph by Matthew Williams and styling by Alexa Hotz for Remodelista, from A Luminous, Euro-Style Row House in Washington, DC, Courtesy of Studio Oink. 1. It’s (really) expensive. According to Remodeling magazine, the national average cost for a full, midrange kitchen remodel is—brace yourself—about…

We discovered La Maison du Figuier, a three-bedroom AirBnB on the Île de Ré (an island without cars in southwestern France) a while back; and we’re ready to move in. You too? Here are some ideas to re-create the look. Above: Living room furniture at La Maison du Figuier is centered around the old fireplace while extra pillar candles are stashed to the right on an inset shelf. Above: A view from above shows a humble set up of mismatched favorites. Materials Above: For a bright white paint, use Benjamin Moore’s Super White paint. Furniture Above: The Hans Wegner CH37 Armchair in oiled oak…

Built on Russian Hill at a time when the neighborhood was rebounding after many of the ritzy homes were destroyed by the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, the large Tudor Revival home of 6,305 square feet spans four floors, all with spectacular views of San Francisco Bay. It is only two blocks from the zigzagged Lombard Street near parks and some of the city’s most beautiful homes in all styles of classic architecture - a perfect location for leisurely scenic strolls. The open and airy main floor includes a large foyer with classic staircase, formal living and dining rooms, library, powder…

Home Inspection Nightmares: Gardening Edition 2 × New Definition of “Raised Garden” New Definition of “Raised Garden” Courtesy of ASHI Reporter Note the rooftop sprinkler system. The roof only leaks when the plants are watered. Jim WhiteSuperior Home InspectionsHomer, Ill. 3 × Pop! There’s Corn in the Roof Pop! There’s Corn in the Roof Courtesy of ASHI Reporter This proves corn can grow anyplace in Nebraska. Ted RabenbergAdvanced Home Inspections Fairmont, Neb. 7 × Hedging On the Chimney Hedging On the Chimney A team of landscapers was sent in to try to locate this 'alleged' chimney." Paul StaronValley Building Inspections,…

The legacy of patriot musician John Philip Sousa, who died in 1932, is indelible to the fabric of this country. Referred to as the "American March King" known for Stars and Stripes Forever, March of the United States Marine Corps and The Liberty Bell, which was later used as the theme for Monty Python’s Flying Circus, Sousa may not be with us any longer but his spirit lives on at "Wildbank," in Sands Point, Long Island.Sousa, the conductor of The President’s Own Band under five American presidents (Hayes through Harrison), purchased the house in 1915 and lived there until his death…