Urban Discoveries Blog

There are many eco-friendly countertops on the market today that hold up well under heavy use.  They combine natural and man-made materials in composite slabs, and usually integrate recycled materials as well, while remaining very attractive and utilitarian alternatives to mainstream countertops....

Kitchen remodeling is one of the most popular home improvement projects and is an excellent investment.  However, before diving into a large kitchen remodel, carefully consider both budget and design.  When planning your initial kitchen remodel budget, it is useful to allocate 40-50% of your budg...

It's Just Lunch (IJL) is a specialized dating service for busy single professionals in D.C.  A Chicago woman founded It's Just Lunch more than 15 years ago after her engagement was suddenly called off.  Only 5 months after founding IJL, she attended her first IJL wedding, and has been working to ...

It's wise to consider your technology needs carefully when moving to a new home.  Be sure to research a new neighborhood's technology choices and problems by talking with service providers and other residents to ensure that high-speed internet access is available, or that a local monument doesn't...

1.  Find a purpose. First, determine exactly how you want to use the room in question.  Do you want a great room that combines dining, television, and family space?  Or do you have extra rooms and want one casual family room and one formal living room?  A room's purpose should be one of the stron...

Doorknobs are small details that can have a large impact on a space, while remaining within a budget.  Doorknobs come in many shapes and sizes, but be careful not to go overboard when shopping for new doorknobs; they should complement the room, but not be the focal point.   To replace your doorkn...

Owning your home is always desirable than renting. But these days, the bleak outlook on heavy mortgage and foreclosures are driving home buyers away. The government has intervened with the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/12/20071220-6.htm...

1. Buy efficient appliances.  Appliances like the Kenmore Elite Dishwasher and the Kenmore Elite Refrigerator are designed to conserve energy and function efficiently while also looking sleek and modern.   Many companies now sell high-efficiency washing machines and dryers that save water and ene...

A trip to the spa is always a wonderful experience. Both mind and body get pampered, and the lavish treatment leaves one feeling very special.  But a spa treatment can be costly. When the bills come in and the frequent visits to the spa are translated in figures, the word extravagance just might ...

In many areas of the world people use step-farming, or vertical farming, to efficiently utilize awkward terrain or limited flat spaces in order to grow food.  Now a new eco-friendly urban garden concept is on the horizon that may begin to change the face of urban food production and proximity to ...