On the Homefront

Breaking stories on home improvement and real estate tied to our communities

Power on the Cutting Edge
Eichler owners' energy-storage battery runs cars and home from rooftop solar
Keeping the Flame Alive
Twelve fireplace designs that'll reignite the passion in your mid-century modern home life
New CA-Modern Is in the Mail
Fall ’16 issue explores culture, construction as the basic components of today’s MCM life
Thoroughly Mod Long Beach
University Art Museum there to host tour of nine modern homes, party, lecture Oct. 15
Phenomenal Modern Listing
Grand residential design by architect Aaron Green makes market debut for first time ever
A. Quincy Jones Tour Oct. 1
Doors open to five Crestwood Hills homes— Jones' venture before he designed Eichlers
Is a 'Monster' in Your home?
Professional removal of in-home asbestos is a critical health decision for homeowners
Ground Floor of Authenticity
How investigating Eichler roots led couple to VCT and cork tile as their flooring picks
Complain 'bout the Neighbors
Some Eichler owners take neighborhood issues to the Internet—but does it help?
Reroofing's Multiple Choices
Favor energy-efficient cool-roof systems, stylistic consistency and a quality installer
Had Your 'Radiant' Checkup?
Keeping alive in-floor heat takes an 'ounce of prevention'—plus the occasional repair
It's Paint and Caulk—or Else!
You don't have to be a contractor or painter to protect your home's beams from disaster
Is Painting Paneling a Crime?
No shortage of emotion surrounds the do's and don'ts of treating Eichler interior walls
Don't Rush to Remodel
Experts agree: grow into your new Eichler space—and let time bring timeless results
Evolving State of Solar Today
With some incentives gone, owners must weigh long-term benefits (and nix leasing?)
Too Much Clutter at Home?
That’s the question explored for ways to 'clean up your act' in the new CA-Modern
Strange Home, Strange Land
One of East Coast’s three bonafide Eichlers hits the market—but still befuddles buyers
When Refrigerators Go Retro
From hot pink to orange—trio of companies bring back stylish mid-century appliances
Is Elrod House Sale for Real?
One of several multi-million-dollar Lautners on the market actually has a buyer in hand
'Cool' Golf Course Setting
Roger Lee’s very original Wilkinson House of Orinda hits the market for first time ever