Home ideas

Shag carpet and popcorn ceilings were both popular home decor trends in the 1970s, but they are among a long list of design elements that will age your space. Like these, elements that were once considered modern may now give a tired or overly themed look, diminishing the fresh and timeless appeal that we want for our homes.  Design decisions that rely too heavily on past trends can create a sense of stagnation rather than evolution, making it more difficult than ever to achieve a contemporary aesthetic. Updating key features, incorporating more versatile pieces, and balancing classic elements with modern touches can help to refresh the look of your home and create a timeless style.  We are the first to say that if you love your home as it is, you should embrace your own style; however, if you are ready for an interior makeover, consider addressing the home decor trends we have highlighted that date your home to a bygone time or design era.  Tuscan and Faux Rustic Ove...

Bathrooms play a big part in our daily lives, and because of this, they can be one of the hardest rooms to keep clean and organized. If you’re on a mission to simplify your morning routine and organize your house (but in an aesthetically pleasing way), these Amazon bathroom essentials are must-haves. Moforoco Adhesive Shower Caddy Organizer Stop dirtying up your shower and bathroom ledges, and try this super inexpensive (but high-quality) shower caddy organizer from Moforoco. It comes in a pack of five shelves and is available in seven colors, making it easy to customize to your current bathroom design. AmazerBath Bamboo Over-the-Toilet Storage Shelf Keeping organized in a small bathroom can be a real challenge. If you lack cabinets or closets to keep your bathroom stockpile, take advantage of vertical space with this over-the-toilet storage shelf. It comes in four colors, including natural bamboo, and is available in a two or three-tier shelf system. LAMU Acrylic Lazy Susan ...

Masonite, hardboard, and pressboard are names used interchangeably for a type of manufactured siding. Masonite is the name of the company that made most of the product. It discontinued production in 1998 after losing a billion-dollar class action lawsuit. No product manufactured by Masonite is available anywhere. A few other companies still manufacture hardboard siding. It is inexpensive and popular with tract housing builders. What is Masonite Siding? Masonite was patented in 1924 by William H. Mason and began mass production in 1929. It is manufactured using wood chips–often recycled–resins, glue, and pressure. The mixture is heated and compressed into hard siding. Masonite siding is available in multiple designs, sizes, and colors. It has a hard smooth or woodgrained finish and comes prepainted or primed. Masonite has other uses including doors, countertops, flooring, furniture, cabinets, pegboards, and many other applications. Advantages Of Masonite Siding Masonite siding ha...

Everyone appreciates a genius hack; after all, it is a simple way to transform a seemingly difficult task into one that is manageable. Simple hacks can save you time and frustration and extend the life of your household items. These small changes, ranging from clever storage solutions to quick cleaning tricks, can have a significant impact on your efficiency and organization. Many of these solutions repurpose everyday items in unexpected ways, providing low-cost alternatives to expensive store-bought fixes.  Whether you are tackling stubborn stains, optimizing limited space, or streamlining your daily routines, these genius hacks are the ideal solutions to turn minor inconveniences into an effortless win.  Keeping your home clean, organized, and beautiful can be a full-time job. Hopefully, these household hacks will make your “to-do” list a little bit easier to tackle. Removing Furniture Dents From the Carpet   Carpet becomes condensed under heavy furniture, mak...

Shower valve height is probably not something you think about–unless yours is inconvenient or uncomfortable to use. Shower valves regulate water temperature and flow rate to your shower head and in many cases to your bathtub filler spout. The handle or handles should be safe and easy to reach and use. Why Shower Valve Height Is Important Shower valves should be conveniently located to provide ease of access and safe operation. Too high and the valve is difficult for children to adjust–increasing the possibility of scalding. Everyone using the shower should be able to reach the handle without straining–from both inside and outside the compartment.    Shower valves should be located directly below the shower head. Shower heads, shower valves, and filler spouts usually form a plumb vertical line for ease of installation and use.   Shower valve placement depends on various factors: Building Codes . The International Residential Code (IRC) does not regulate shower valve ...

Protecting wood’s natural beauty requires the right sealer or finish. Two of the most popular options are polycrylic and polyurethane, both offering durable protection for wood, floors, concrete, and metal—whether indoors or exposed to the elements. While their names sound alike, they differ in application, finish, cleanup, and longevity. What Is Polycrylic? Polycrylic is a water-based product used to finish wood, metal, and concrete. Available as a liquid or aerosol spray, it is less toxic than oil-based polyurethane. It dries faster, cleans up easier with water, and has a lower odor because it contains fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). When dry, polycrylic provides durable rich satin or glossy finishes. Minwax is the only company that manufactures polycrylic. What Is Polyurethane? Polyurethane is made from synthetic resins. Originally developed as a protective finish for wood, it can be used over painted surfaces, concrete, and metal. It is highly flammable and should on...

A vault toilet is a non-flush waterless toilet system installed in remote locations that don’t have access to a municipal sewer system. A vault toilet is a type of pit toilet where human waste deposits underground. You may have run into vaulted toilets at forest service campgrounds. Most park services use privacy vault toilets. These are single units and are for only one person to use at a time. Most vault toilets have a filled hand sanitizer dispenser in the unit. Some have sinks with running water. How Does a Vault Toilet Work? Waste is deposited into a reinforced, sealed underground tank , typically made of concrete or cross-linked polyethylene plastic . A toilet riser and seat are installed above the vault, allowing direct waste collection. A venting system helps control odors by directing gases outside through a properly placed 12-inch vent pipe , which extends at least 3 feet above the roof . Vault toilets require regular pumping,  to remove waste and maintain san...

Most home decor trends will eventually become outdated, but for some, sooner is better than later. When they are first introduced, certain trends create a lot of buzz but soon lose their appeal. Whether it is a home decor trend that sacrifices function for aesthetics or a fad that has been relentlessly copied, certain styles reach a point where they must be abandoned. If your space feels stuck in a style that no longer works for you, now may be the time to reconsider it. The following is an explanation of home decor trends that you might want to ditch as soon as possible for a refresh that will elevate your space to a new level.  Home Decor Trends to Phase Out Some homeowners are more interested in keeping up with the latest trends than others. Whether you are a fervent follower of interior style trends or a more casual observer, this list will provide you with ideas for making your interior more timeless and resistant to changing trends.  Fast Furniture While inexpensi...