Home ideas

Having a robot vacuum zooming around your house and effortlessly keeping it clean is a great idea but: Will it replace your upright or canister vac? Does it eliminate the need for regular vacuuming? Will it clean all types of floors? How much does a robot vacuum cost? Robot vacuums have improved a great deal since they were first introduced over two decades ago. Is it enough to make them worth it? Types Of Floors Regardless of the type of vacuum you purchase, the type of floors in your house and the layout of your rooms are a big consideration. Robot vacuum cleaners have problems with certain types of floors, changes in elevation, and stairs. Some models can scratch hardwood floors. Shag Rug . Or any long knap carpet is difficult for robot vacuums to clean effectively. The long fibers get stuck in the vac’s brushes and even though it weighs only 13 pounds the machine may sink too deeply into the rug to clean or move properly. Stairs . Robot vacuums do not clean stairs. The...

Mold and mildew thrive in damp, dark environments. Bathrooms, especially those that lack proper ventilation, are some of the most humid spaces in the house, offering prime growing conditions for mold or mildew to develop. While it’s common to find mildew spots on the bathroom ceiling, wet towels thrown in a pile on the floor are just as likely to be the source of a bad smell. If your bathroom smells damp and musty 24/7, you need to eliminate the source of the problem to get rid of the odor. Here’s how. Locate the Source of the Problem Mildew can appear in white, gray, or green spots. It’s usually flat in its early stages but can have a fluffier appearance as it ages.  Common places to find mildew in the bathroom include on the bathroom ceiling or walls near the shower, on the caulk lines in the shower or bathtub, and on any damp rugs or towels.  Kill the Mildew  Once you’ve found the mildew, you need to kill it so that it doesn’t continue to spread. You can remove...

Stone walls combine rustic design style with distinctive texture to create a timeless look in bedrooms. Stone walls add an authentic touch to any bedroom space, whether you are decorating a mountain retreat or an English cottage. They work equally well with modern minimalist or cozy industrial decor, acting as both a stunning focal point and a subtle backdrop. Decorating a bedroom with stone walls provides limitless options, from pairing them with soft textiles to create interesting visual contrast to highlighting their nooks and crags with strategic lighting. With the right choice of materials and a creative vision, a stone wall can transform any bedroom into a stylish and serene haven. Stone walls add an earthy, organic texture to bedroom walls. There are many different types of stone to choose from, which has a significant impact on the style of the room. Small stones or those with a consistent pattern feel more understated and have a more contemporary style, while large stones o...

Backsplashes are a big part of kitchen design. They are no longer just a four-inch part of a countertop that attaches to the wall and sits on the countertop. Most designers prefer completely covering the wall between upper and lower cabinets and above sinks and stoves with a backsplash that compliments the kitchen style and design. Backsplashes are made from many different materials and hundreds of designs and colors. Inexpensive to very pricey. Each of these seven backsplashes offers multiple options that match your kitchen design. 1. Marble Marble is a classic elegant, beautiful material that has been used in kitchens since the Roman Empire. Marble backsplashes are used to match marble countertops or as a contrasting material. They are heat resistant but expensive and difficult to install. Marble tends to scratch and stain more easily than some other materials. 2. Stone Stone backsplashes are naturally beautiful. They are durable and easy to clean. Stone looks more natural in r...

Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, many kitchen islands are the heart of the kitchen space. As a result, they become a resting place for a wide range of items that do not belong there. A cluttered kitchen island detracts from the overall look and functionality of the space. To maintain the practical and aesthetic appeal of this vital kitchen focal point, it is essential to be mindful about what does and doesn’t belong on its valuable surface. By knowing what to avoid, you can keep your kitchen island functioning as a versatile and inviting space for your culinary and household requirements. Most of us strive to create a kitchen that is usable as well as visually striking. The majority of the items that should be avoided on the kitchen island should have their own designated area in the kitchen rather than taking up valuable counter space. Making sure that everything has a place in your kitchen will help you work more efficiently and feel more organized. Excessive Applianc...

House hunters usually decide if they like a house in about 15 seconds. What can they see in 10 or 15 seconds? The house, the lawn, flowerbeds, trees, and fences.Yards with a run-down look, poor maintenance, and a poorly kept garden. Curb appeal can make or break a home sale in 10 seconds. Or potential buyers start reducing their offer. Knotweed infestation–deduct 10%. A messy lawn costs you 1% – 2% of the asking price. Large water features can cost you up to $10,000.00. Here are other garden features that cost you money. Artificial Grass Artificial grass seems like a good idea to keep your lawn green without mowing. Much of it looks fake and worn after a few years. You are probably looking at a 5% reduction in your selling price if you have artificial grass. Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs Maintenance costs for a swimming pool can be over $3000.00 per year. Having a swimming pool reduces your potential customer base because not everyone wants one. Or is willing to pay the upkeep. Ma...

Lack of water. Too much water. Watering at the wrong time. Watering leaves, not roots. These, and more watering mistakes can ruin your garden and make all your hard work a failure. Watering plants is likely the single most important maintenance job a gardener does. Outdoor watering accounts for about 30% of the average household’s water use. Half of that is wasted because of poor watering practices. Here are some of the watering mistakes you could be making that retards, damages, or kills plants and wastes water. Underwatering It is easy to underwater plants. You pour water around the plant and it sits on top for a couple of minutes and looks like plenty of water. Often this is not near enough. Push your finger into the soil. If it is still dry an inch deep, keep watering. The soil should be moist 3 – 6 inches deep so the entire root structure can absorb water. Overwatering Plant roots need air as well as water to perform properly. Too much water causes root rot which prevents pr...

It should come as no surprise that purchasing furniture can be difficult; however, because furniture is expensive and making poor decisions is costly, it is well worth the extra effort to find the best options for your space. Many shoppers become engrossed in the excitement of buying furniture in the moment, overlooking critical factors that will ensure that their purchases meet their needs. Mistakes, whether in terms of practicality, proportion, or personal style, can be frustrating, but by approaching this process with careful consideration and a clear plan, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a space that you will enjoy for years to come. The majority of furniture purchases require careful thought and planning, but this doesn’t mean you can never buy on the spur of the moment. Keep a running list of the ideas listed below with you so you can snag that perfect mid-century sofa you discovered while browsing your local antique store. Before you buy it, go through your checklist...

Nobody looks forward to cleaning the toilet. However, it should be cleaned every week for the obvious reasons and to prevent mold growth. Mold spores are everywhere. They grow and thrive in wet or humid locations where there is an organic source of food. Bathrooms–especially toilets–provide everything mold requires. Especially if it is not cleaned regularly. The Importance Of Cleaning Mold Mold growth is not only unsightly, but it is also unhealthy. Mold releases spores that can cause allergic reactions and breathing problems. Some types of mold release mycotoxins that are toxic to humans and could produce some of the following reactions . Sneezing . Runny or Stuffy Nose . Cough and Post-nasal Drip . Itchy Eyes, Nose, and Throat . Dry Scaly Skin . Severe Asthma Attacks . Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness. 3 Ways To Clean Mold From a Toilet Base The most likely location for mold to grow on a toilet base is in the bowl. Don’t ignore the outside–especia...

Your mortgage, property tax, and homeowner’s insurance aren’t the only ongoing costs you’ll incur when you leap into homeownership. Aside from regular maintenance and repairs, you’ll also be responsible for electric, gas, and water bills.  Depending on the size of your home, you may be in for a real surprise during hot summers or frigid winters when your first heating or cooling bill arrives. If you’d like to avoid forking over thousands of dollars per year on your utilities, it’s essential to ensure the house you’re purchasing is energy efficient. Here’s what to look for. Must-Haves for Energy Efficiency While some things, like energy-efficient appliances, are nice to have and can save you a few dollars on your utility bills, your windows, insulation, HVAC system, and roof are non-negotiable if you want an energy-efficient home. 1. Properly Fitting Double or Triple-Pane Windows According to the Department of Energy , your windows are responsible for as much as 30% of your he...

When I moved into my current house about ten years ago, the water heater was too small for my family’s needs. As a family of five, only a couple of us could take showers without waiting at least an hour for the water to heat back up. Since I didn’t want to waste our precious hot water on anything other than showers and baths, I started washing laundry in cold water . At first, I was skeptical of whether my clothes would come out clean compared to hot water cycles. But I soon discovered that I preferred washing in cold water. Not only did my clothes come just as clean, but there was no shrinkage or damage to delicate items. Now, I’m a decade strong into cold water washes. If you’re considering making the switch, there are a heap of benefits. The Benefits of Washing Clothes in Cold Water Washing clothes in hot water used to be the norm for one main reason: older laundry detergents weren’t effective in cold water. The high water temps were necessary to activate the laundry detergent, ...

Open floor plans have recently fallen out of favor in some design circles as more homeowners look for ways to make their homes feel cozier and more intimate. Regardless of niche trends, open floor plans are still one of the most popular types of living space designs because they offer spaciousness, flexibility, and a seamless flow between rooms. Open floor plans undoubtedly present certain challenges. Without careful planning, open floor plans can devolve into spaces with no functional or cohesive design elements. Understanding common problems and prioritizing thoughtful design will allow you to make the most of this versatile layout while maintaining both style and functionality. Open floor plans are still popular because they allow light to flow freely between the rooms and make the space feel brighter and more welcoming. They also encourage social connection, which is ideal for both family time and entertaining. Lack of Defined Spaces Open floor plans have the potential to feel...