Houzz is Best for Getting inspired to make changes big (overhauled kitchen) to small (paint color ideas) — and seeing how hundreds of other people have done those very things.
RetroRenovation is Best for Anyone who doesn’t think of a 1960s living room as a bad thing. Whether you’re looking for resources for restoring your old home, adding a retro flair to a newer place or just looking for the best midcentury-inspired sofa, this is your heaven. I visit it daily.
Porch is Best for Actually committing to the whole renovation thing. Here, you can easily find professionals in your area and look over their best work.
Remodelista is Best for: Plotting your new, high-end dream home. Though the site has broadened its mission away from simply providing remodeling ideas (who would have thought?), you can still find great images waiting to be added to your “Dream Life” pinboard.
This Old House is Best for Fantasizing about a simpler, self-reliant life in a meticulously restored Victorian that was once nearly uninhabitable. It’s specific, but you know what we mean. We imagine the editors finding their bliss at salvage yards, or trading recommendations about screwdrivers all while turning an old found door into a stately table. And we look up to them for that.
DIY Network is Best for Finding practical advice and finding projects by budget. The network that brought you multiple Vanilla Ice-pegged reality shows has an exhaustive website that borders on overwhelming at times — but they know their stuff.
Dwell Best for: Imagining an impeccably tasteful life filled with ridiculously functional (but incredibly designed) surroundings, alongside men with architectural glasses and women with indie-chic short haircuts.
Remodelaholic is Best for Seeing how a real family renovated (and continues to renovate) on a tight budget. While the blog can be a little wonky at times, the content is good.
HGTV Remodel is Best for Figuring out what’s actually doable versus what projects will have a bigger commitment
Young House Love is Best for: Those with more traditional design tastes, especially those in need of family-friendly advice. The couple behind this blog has made a mini-empire based on their love of remodeling homes.
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