Those handsome cabinets, snazzy appliances and well-equipped island may make you beam with pride as a homeowner. But the kitchen area that’s most likely to catch the eye and impress visitors is actually that small stretch of wall hovering above the sink – better known as the backsplash. To skimp on this important design element and vertical plane of practicality is to miss out on an opportunity to make a grand statement in your home’s most important room, experts believe.
Truths and Myths about Native Plants: You may have heard a lot about native plants and their benefits to pollinators and the environment. We’re here to help decipher what is true and what is not in regard to native plants.
Homes are typically designed and built around one animal at the top of the food chain: the homo sapien. So that usually means that our feline and canine companions get the short end of the stick when it comes to interior accommodations, architectural layout, room flow and pet-friendly furniture and décor.
You could harvest your next meal from your expansive vegetable garden, but what if you’re someone who gardens solely on a balcony or don’t have room for a dedicated veggie patch? Good news! You can grow plenty of herbs, small fruits and vegetables in containers, and you might find a few edible flowers growing in your landscape, too. Here are five tips to get you started.
An updated kitchen would be heavenly. A bathroom redo is probably long overdue. And installing new wood floors would add instant class to your interiors. Problem is, these and other indoor remodeling projects don’t always offer the best return on your investment these days—particularly if you plan to sell your home soon. Instead, consider emphasizing your exterior with upgrades that are more likely to recoup a bigger portion of your renovation dollars.
When it comes to renovation projects, your primary residence comes first. But if you own a vacation property or second home, needed improvements shouldn’t necessarily take a back seat. Not keeping up with recommended remodeling there could cost you in the long run.
Why the right shade will help you stay safe in the sun – in style – this summer
Backyard sheds are useful assets. Sheds can create storage space in the garage, basement or other areas of the house that have become gathering spots for gear typically used outdoors
Smart home technology doesn’t have to be limited to the boundaries of your interior living space. Today, you can automate tasks and easily control key security and entertainment features outdoors, too. This is thanks to the increasing availability of intelligent devices built to withstand the elements and managed by your smartphone and voice assistant.
Work out a plan to conserve two of your garden’s most precious resources: your time and energy. For most people, an ideal garden would be full of flowers and require no maintenance at all. But short of using silk flowers, that type of garden just doesn’t exist.
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Nearly everyone can enjoy the beauty, fun and ease of container gardening. Containers are a great way to bring the garden to a doorway, balcony, terrace, rooftop or practically any outdoor location. It is especially ideal for those with a limited gardening space and all that is really required is adequate light and accessibility to water!
If you’re a dog owner, the first thing to consider is the temperament of your pet. Does it often chase rabbits or deer when out on a walk? How does your dog react to birds in the garden? If your hound tends to lose control in these situations, this behavior is likely to carry over into their relationship with chickens. Equally, if your dog is of a more relaxed temperament, they may show little if any interest in your coop.
Prospective home buyers are widening their home search areas to find new places to live. The National Association of Realtors says the median distance that buyers traveled to their new homes was 50 miles in 2022, which was triple the median distance that most people clocked in the 30 years prior. Still, the NAR 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers also indicated one-quarter of buyers studied traveled more than 470 miles to find new homes.
Your front door serves several purposes. It lets in sunlight and guests, and keeps out the cold. It’s the backdrop for your holiday wreath and your first line of home defense. It contributes to overall curb appeal. Because it does all this in the face of constant outdoor exposure and daily use, your front door may be well past its prime and within a few slams of needing a replacement. Here are five tips to help you select the best door for your home and lifestyle.
With spring and warmer weather in full force, you want to venture more regularly beyond your back door and bask in the splendor of Mother Nature on your patio or deck. The catch? The sun can get awfully bright and hot, and it’s no fun being exposed to rain or other unwanted elements.
When you think of the word dust and bath that may not seem like a spa day to you but for your chickens this is the best way for them to preen their feathers and maintain cleanliness. You might not think it is necessary to actually make a dust bath for your chickens. For example, whenever there’s a dry spot of earth they’ll peck and scratch at it, and then crouch down, fluff out their feathers, and shake their wings to cover themselves in dust.
Chickens aren’t especially difficult to care for, but before you dip your toes into backyard chicken keeping, there are a few things you need to consider to be sure you raise a happy, healthy flock that’s best for your family and home.
We started our little backyard flock back in 2009 with six baby chicks and two ducklings. And I’ve had ducks living in (mostly) complete harmony with my chickens for more than a decade. Ducks are hardy and low-maintenance, but whether you’re just starting your backyard flock or thinking of adding some ducks to your chicken flock there are some important things to know about raising ducks.
That costly custom crystal chandelier you’ve been eyeing would look perfect in the foyer. You’re convinced that dark quartz countertops would really make your kitchen pop. And your kids keep asking you to install that in-ground swimming pool you’ve hinted about. All these wish-list upgrade items make perfect sense to you. But they may not be so well-received by your home’s next owner, according to the experts. You may never recoup the costs you pay for many remodeling projects when it’s time to sell your home.
They’re easy to take for granted, but the walls and ceilings in your home are asked to do a lot — from setting your interior color palette and displaying décor to weathering the pounding and pressure they take from kids, pets and adults alike. It’s no wonder why the experts recommend repainting your walls every few years.
While stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops receive most of the admiration in a kitchen design, cabinets have become look-at-me stars, too. Modernizing them can change a kitchen's personality or vibe. Here's a rundown of six trends in kitchen cabinets today.
Nothing announces the coming of spring quite like budding vegetation, flourishing flora, and grandly growing greenery. Only you don’t have to wait for your outdoor flower beds to bloom or garden to blossom before you can benefit from an overdue dose of Mother Nature’s majesty.
Tackle these tasks to ensure a better-looking yard. We may be in the thick of winter, but here’s a warm and welcoming thought: It won’t be long before the flowers begin budding, trees start blooming, and the grass goes into a green-up mode.
Upgrade your home’s outdoor living features in 2024. You’ve had your fill of holiday regaling and hosting guests indoors over these cold winter months, and you’re eager to take your entertaining ambitions outdoors once the weather breaks. Problem is, your backyard isn’t adequately equipped to accommodate alfresco get-togethers.
Millions of people cannot imagine life at home without their cats. Cats make wonderful pets, bringing their own unique personality into a home and providing companionship to their owners.
That roof is starting to leak. Your basement foundation is showing some troublesome cracks. The furnace doesn’t fire up quickly when you adjust the thermostat, and your pothole-pecked driveway has seen better days. Each of these worry spots can come with a costly repair or replacement price tag. So where are you going to get the greenbacks to pay for these priorities?
As a homeowner, it’s often tempting to bite off more than you can chew. Particularly, that DIY bathroom redo that you were hoping to save money on, that sagging garage roof crying out for your magic touch or that new foyer light fixture waiting to be hung. Fact is, savvy and skilled weekend warriors can march into the home improvement battle with confidence. But the rest of us are usually better off enlisting experts for a fix-it or remodeling project.
Take a look around your home. Are the kids grown and moved out and now you have more house than you need? Maybe your elderly parents are ready to sell your childhood home and move to a senior center? It might be time to consider downsizing.
Sometimes it seems an insurmountable task to keep up with home maintenance. No need to worry. Take the advice of these cleaning experts, who have sketched out 10 quick-and-easy shortcuts that’ll help you fake the fact that you haven’t dusted in weeks:
To get organized in the kitchen, it's best to start on space that will have the strongest impact as it's a room that affects everyone in the house.
Small spaces and large spaces alike have one major thing in common – it seems there’s just never enough storage space! With the right planning, you can de-clutter and optimize an unused storage haven to create invaluable and invisible storage space – that nether region under the bed where stray socks, various clothes and dust bunnies pointlessly accumulate.
Say goodbye to tripping over toys! Our blog on playful organization has the solutions you need to get your kid's business in order today. Your child will take pride in keeping toys under control, and you'll love the clutter-free house. Discover expert tips for a seamlessly organized haven with a touch of playfulness.
Home improvement projects ramp up when the weather warms up, as you channel your inner weekend warrior and prepare to tackle those home to-do lists. Large-scale renovations can greatly affect a home, but smaller projects can yield impressive results and be completed over the course of a single weekend.
Whether or not you host a holiday party, to really capture the magic of the season, you’ll want to spend some time making your home warm and cozy and get your guests into the holiday spirit. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune, or even that much time, with these tactics:
Every year, holiday lighting manufacturers introduce more varieties of bulbs, strands, colors and accessories. Luckily for the seasonal lighting industry (and those who love cruising the neighborhood, looking at lit-up houses), nobody seems to be willing to forego Christmas lights altogether, no matter their financial woes.
Holiday get-togethers with family, friends and even your co-workers is fun. You’re eating, drinking, and opening gifts, so how about playing some games too? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Looking to make some extra money each month? There are so many ways you can, from taking on an extra job or starting a side hustle, but Devon Kennard urges you to consider investing in real estate.
The holidays are a time to spend with friends and family. Celebrating and entertaining are large components of what makes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, and New Years festivities so enjoyable. Holiday hosts with pets must consider companion animals when planning the festivities.
A festively decorated holiday dining-room table can put even the Scrooges among us in a good mood. Anchoring the table: a fabulous centerpiece. Whether you’re having the whole family over for Thanksgiving or keeping the guest list cozy at Christmas, the centerpiece sets the tone for the meal. Here are some suggestions that are affordable and easy to put together:
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are far from the only major holidays celebrated around the world once the weather gets colder and the year comes to a close. Several other days on the calendar serve as important festive celebrations for different cultures inside and outside America that are deserving of increased awareness.
Holidays are all about decorating, eating, opening presents and enjoying the company of your family and friends. You probably don't give too much thought to these activities impact on the environment – that's a holiday buzzkill, right?
Shopping for a mattress involves more than just jumping on floor models for one that feels right. Customization, trendy fabrics, and convenient designs all contribute to your mattress experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind before buying a new one.
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Every August numerous catalogs arrive from bulb companies, only to be placed into a rainy day pile that often never arrives. Part of the lackluster appeal could be the tiresome focus on Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacinths, plants we have repeatedly seen and planted. It is time for something new – the minor bulb!
What is good for human beings also may be good for pets — within reason, of course. Domestic companion animals can benefit from time in the great outdoors. It provides them new sights and sounds, opportunities to explore, and new ways to exercise. Their owners just need to take precautions to make outdoor ventures safe for domesticated animals. The good news is there are steps to make time outdoors safer for pets.
Ever tried representing yourself in a court case, climbing a steep mountain minus a guide, or coordinating a giant wedding without a professional planner? While you may not be required to have an expert for some key events in life, navigating them is a whole lot easier when you’ve got a pro on your side.
Why transitional design is so popular in kitchens today
Teresa Tumminia of At Home Custom Interiors shows us how a well designed bathroom is a true investment in yourself and your home.
Collaboration is defined as the action of working with someone to produce or create something.
Dogs have solidified their places in many families. Nowadays, more and more dogs accompany their pet parents on trips to the store, vacations and various recreational pursuits — including trips to the beach or the backyard pool.
While the back deck or patio has long been home to the occasional charcoal smoker or gas grill, things are changing for many homeowners. For an increasing number of U.S. grill owners, a complete outdoor kitchen – complete with food prep areas, outdoor kitchen cabinets, outdoor sink, and multiple sources of heat – is becoming a must-have.
Going it alone in life can have its advantages. You don’t have to depend on others who can let you down. You can set your own schedule and agenda. And you call the shots, of course. But when it comes to a home improvement project or home renovation diy, the do-it-yourself projects can sometimes backfire if you are not cautious or prepared
Indoor plants for the home can be beautiful additions and provide a natural way to filter interior air. Many homeowners prefer to enhance their spaces with green house plants and various flowers. Though that is a great way to design a home’s interior, pet owners must exercise caution with pet-safe indoor plants.
Yearning for a place to get away from the everyday? Looking for a property in a warmer climate you can flock to when Old Man Winter arrives? Want the flexibility to travel and vacation without having to find a place to rent or stay at a resort or unique hotel? If so, look closely at buying a second home or vacation home.
Before embarking on a road trip, it’s helpful to scan a map (online or on paper) so that you have proper directions, a good idea of how long it will take to arrive, and an estimate of how much your trip to the fuel pump will cost (especially nowadays).
It’s never too early to give thought to your home’s curb appeal and the condition and cosmetic appeal of your yard and grounds. If you want to be prouder of the home you own and catch the eye of visitors and passersby, it pays to devote extra focus to landscaping improvements and front of house landscaping in 2023.
You’ve always wanted a garden in your backyard with beautiful flowers to enjoy while also giving your home a boost in curb appeal. While a garden can also bring you a great deal of enjoyment, the costs of starting one from scratch can add up depending on how elaborate you want to get
Do you want a garden that bursts with life and color, but you don’t have time for all the fuss and muss that often attends gardening?
FROM FLOWERS TO VEGGIES TO MULCH, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL, PET-FRIENDLY GARDEN
“Interior design” can be a misnomer. Now, more than ever, stylish, functional elements for the exterior are as equally important as those indoors.
Accidents happen at home, especially in the bathroom. Water is often the culprit – people slip in the shower, tub, and in puddles on the floor and get burned by scalding temperatures.
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All gardeners wrestle with the design of our home garden. The challenge comes from our familiarity with the property, making it difficult to visualize alternative designs.
We’ve got you covered. Five Monmouth-based designers share tips for wow-worthy walls.
The home improvement industry has been booming for years, but forecasters are projecting a deceleration in 2023 and perhaps beyond.
A leashed dog can be restrained from sniffing the waste of other animals, which may help curb the spread of diseases like distemper or parvo. Leashing also can reduce the propensity for the dog to run away from an owner and get lost.
Want to give your forthcoming foliage an extra boost this spring? Applying plant food and plant fertilizer can help. But don’t overlook the magical benefits of mulch, which can help your garden and grounds survive and thrive.
Build this easy DIY chicken salad bar in your run to give your flock fresh greens even when they can't free range.
Put your chickens to work for you in the garden for healthier chickens and a more bountiful garden. Gardening with chickens is a win-win.
