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Designer Furniture and Furnishings Timeless designer furnishings include pieces by well-known designers like Ray and Charles Eames, Le Corbusier, or Isamu Noguchi and also by well-known design manufacturers like Knoll, Herman Miller, Heath Ceramics, or Vitra. Their furniture and decor are not only incredibly well designed but also have aesthetic integrity that withstands criticism. Year after year, manufacturers continue to produce these original designs to fulfill the needs of design aficionados who know that, although expensive, these classics can be handed down to the next generation....

A Place for Everything Shira Gill, author of “Minimalista” and next year’s “Organized,” is the mom of two girls, ages 11 and 13, whom she says are “quite messy in the car.” She says that giving kids a place to actually put their trash keeps them from just tossing it wherever it lands. “My No. 1 parent tip for driving with kids is to have a garbage bag that they velcro on the back of the adult seat so kids each have their own reusable garbage bag,” she says....

The biggest issue you’ll probably run into when trying to replace your toilet handle or lever is making sure you choose the right replacement part. There are various types of toilet handles to choose from, so like with any other plumbing part purchase, it’s a good idea to be prepared when going to the hardware or home improvement store. Your best bet is to remove the old handle and bring all the parts with you....

In order to increase your chances of selling your home, a few upgrades and home improvements may be in order. For your home to be the one to be picked out of tens or hundreds of homes on the market, sweetening the pot may be the answer to selling your home. Of course you can do major remodels to increase the value, but this list gives you tips of simple home improvements that are relatively easy to complete....

It is a great feeling to have all-new walls in a room where before you only had crumbling plaster or moldy, saggy wallboard. All you need are a few simple drywall supplies: drywall panels, mud, tape, corner bead, and drywall screws. As an option, you may also want drywall shims and drywall nails. Drywall can get a bit more expensive if you purchase a specialty product like ultra-light drywall or sound-proof drywall....

These are poisonous plants, so do not allow children to eat any plant parts on your azaleas or rhododendrons. Rhododendrons vs. Azaleas How to tell the difference between azaleas and rhododendrons? Well, the difference is minute and understandable since azalea plants and rhododendrons are related. All azaleas belong to the Rhododendron genus, but not all Rhododendrons are azaleas. So if you read the botanical name of a common azalea on a plant label at the nursery, you will likely see the word, “Rhododendron....

Overlooking Small Plumbing Issues A small drip in the kitchen sink, a slow-draining bathroom sink, and a toilet that runs continually can all be irritating. They don’t seem to be a big problem, but they will be if you don’t attend to them promptly. Clogged toilets and pipes can overflow or burst. Small puddles from leaks can encourage mold and rot away wood flooring and support beams. The Solution Regularly clean sink and shower drains to remove hair and grease clogs....

We’ve spoken with designers to gather a list of eight bathroom trends that will soon be all the rage. Whether you’re interested in making a small upgrade or taking on a full remodel, you’ll want to check out their pro insight below. 1. Fluted, Reeded, or Slatted Features Those who are all about eye-catching textures are in luck: These will become more mainstream in 2022, designer Rosanna Bassford notes. Just note that at the moment, achieving such a look may involve a bit of work with a pro....

Higher cost mixes often have more popular and desirable seeds, such as sunflower seeds or even sunflower hearts, pumpkin seeds, and nuts or nut hearts. These mixes may even contain bits of dried fruit, dried mealworms, or other exceptional treats that appeal to some bird species. Elaborate mixes are often marketed as bird-specific, such as a “songbird mix” or “finch mix” depending on what seeds are included. Below, we’ll break down the different types of birdseed and what to consider when choosing which is best for your outdoor feeder....

“Tiles marry form and function perfectly, and because they are waterproof they won’t swell or degrade when wet or exposed to steam,” Abbas Youssefi, the director of independent tile specialists for Porcelain Superstore, explains to The Spruce. “Plus, they are easy to care for and keep clean—so from a homeowner’s perspective, they’re a dream.” But, there are some truly beautiful tiles out there, and relegating them to only the shower floor doesn’t seem fair....

Build a simple window box or the ultimate cat enclosure with these free catio plans. They’ll show you how to build a catio from the ground up as well as offer suggestions on how to make your catio more enjoyable for your cats by adding fun little extras like tunnels and perches. There are all sorts of styles of catios here and a wide variety of materials are used for the cat enclosures....

Some varieties perform best in part shade, but others can profit from a bit more sunlight. A most intriguing fact about hydrangeas is that, with some types, a single plant can bear either pink or blue flowers, depending upon the soil in which it’s growing. 5 Popular Hydrangea Species Hydrangea is a large genus containing more than 70 species, but only a handful are commonly grown as landscape plants. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): These deciduous shrubs have a rounded habit and typically grow 3–6 feet high, with large, serrated leaves that are oval or elliptical....

There’s a few caveats when choosing and growing hostas, however. Alas, if deer like to roam in your garden, they are very likely to eat your hostas before you can enjoy them. Hostas are susceptible to damage from slugs and caterpillars. In unusually hot summers, hostas might suffer from sun or heat damage. Be sure to divide your hostas every 3-4 years to keep them at a manageable size and to keep the root systems healthy; divide in fall just as they’re going dormant....

Or do you? For instance, what is the highest temperature for setting the water safely? Is it ok for pets or kids to enjoy a dip? And what about some of the things you can do to keep your hot tub clean and hygienic? If you are not in the know regarding any of the above, have no fear. These tips will get you up to speed STAT. Pets and Hot Tubs are Not a Good Mix You love your dog, so of course, you want to bring the pup everywhere when possible....

This annual plant is useful in flower beds for the large masses of bright purplish-blue flowers that bloom reliably from late spring until the first frosts of fall. At one time, only very low varieties were available, making this primarily an edging plant, but now there are now more upright varieties available, growing as much as 30 inches tall, making it also useful for the middle of the flower garden....

Two characteristics of carpet are primary considerations when choosing a carpet: the type of natural or synthetic fiber used in the construction, and the pile—how the loops of fiber are attached to the carpet backing. These characteristics determine the comfort of the carpet, how it feels underfoot, and its wear characteristics. Here are the common carpet fibers and pile options to consider. Pure wool carpet is made with no chemicals or additives, which makes it an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to chemicals....

Is low-maintenance or drought-tolerant Grows to a specific height and/or width Has a fast growth rate In general, different arborvitae shrubs score pretty well on one or more of these criteria, but no type is exceptional on all three counts. If your heart is set on arborvitae for a specific application, you can likely find a plant that will suit your needs, but you may need to compromise, including the possibility of going over your budget for landscaping....

Your throw blanket, like anything else, requires regular washing. But how much? How often? And are there specific care instructions? Are you washing your throw blanket enough? To be honest, probably not. We consulted with bedding and cleaning experts to get the details. How Often Should You Wash Your Throw Blanket? The short answer to this question is that your washing frequency should largely depend on use. If your blanket is being used almost every day or week by guests, pets, and people in your home—then you should wash often....