Decorative floor tile can give a small kitchen presence or add personality to a minimalist space. Depending on your kitchen layout, you might install decorative tile to create a sense of definition in a galley-style, U-shaped, or open-plan kitchen. Take a look at these kitchens in a range of sizes and styles that utilize floor tiles in both classic and unexpected ways to add style, personality, and functionality to the busiest room in the house....

Luckily, there are a number of ways to cut down on clutter and keep certain items out of view. Still, it’s much easier said than done, especially in homes where organizational space comes at a premium. That’s why professionals are experts in their field after all. The challenges of hiding unmentionables (like that mountain of dirty laundry) may make you sweat, but there are plenty of expert tricks and ideas to make things work....

There are some things that should never go into a dishwasher like wooden pieces, cast iron, and copper; so be a bit cautious and follow manufacturer care tips on specific items. The top rack is always the safest spot for loading because it is farther away from the heating element when drying. And, if you decide to wash those flip flops and rubber boots, you might want to give the dishwasher a good cleaning before the next dinner dishes load!...

Not sure where to start? Knowledge is power! Before you hand over that credit card, take a minute to consider the benefits and drawbacks of these five popular nursery-flooring options. Carpet Soft, comfortable, and forgiving, carpeting can protect your wobbly baby from bumps and bruises, making it seem like the obvious choice for your new nursery. But before you buy, beware. Wall-to-wall carpeting is difficult to clean and can quickly become a haven for dust mites, mold, and mildew—less than ideal for those suffering from allergies or asthma....

Whether you’re a color fanatic who loves to mix things up or you’ve kept the same plain white walls in your house for years, Hellander gave us some advice on picking, painting, and experimenting with color. Hellander suggests starting with what already exists in your space. “I recommend looking at existing design elements that you know you love—like a favorite art print, tile backsplash, throw, or piece of furniture,” he says....

The good news is, it’s not as hard as it seems. Plant pros Justin Hancock, head of brand marketing at Costa Farms, and author and plant guru Hilton Carter, say that being a successful plant parent is easy if you know and follow these basic six guidelines. “The thing that you should think about first is the spot in your home that you want to place the plant,” says Carter....

Whether you opt for something traditional in marble or go for more fun and funky with a pop of color, decorative busts can elevate any room or add a touch of whimsy. “Busts have made a huge comeback in the design world,” Stephanie Purzycki, the CEO and co-founder of The Finish, shares with The Spruce. “They add a beautiful touch of classic sophistication to any interior.” Along with Purzycki, we spoke with some of our favorite designers about the best ways to take part in the decorative bust revival....

Booklice usually ride into new homes on construction materials while the house is being built, and they stay on. They can also take up residence under wallpaper, in older books and papers stored in damp conditions, as well as in wet areas outdoors. Booklice feed on microscopic mold that grows where there’s humidity. Typically the bugs will not survive when humidity levels drop. Although these bugs don’t bite, sting, or bother people or pets, they can be slightly annoying....

A front porch can function as nothing more than a pass-through space or double as a second outdoor living room. It can create a convenient landing space for comings and goings, or simply sit there looking pretty, inviting passersby to wonder what else you have going on inside. Whether you are looking to enhance your home’s curb appeal, create a welcoming portal for both you and your guests, or make life a little more pleasant for all of those hard-working delivery people who visit your doorstep every day, check out these front porches in a range of layouts and sizes that don’t skimp on style for some clever ideas on how to beautify your own outdoor space....

Another cost advantage of vinyl is that it is easy to install, and the process can usually be done even by amateurs. With tiles, you just have to adhere various pieces into straight lines, rows, or whatever pattern is chosen. Sheet versions will be more difficult, requiring precise cutting to fit the material into the space available. Note: Vinyl flooring tends to last for 8–12 years, but after that, the wear layer will begin to fade and the floor may have to be replaced....

With regard to napkins specifically, Ally Ravnaas of the Instagram account The Petite Party has a piece of advice. “Collect fun paper napkins for more casual happy hours, dinners, lunches,” she says. “Then invest in one long term linen set for formal occasions.” As a bonus, there are plenty of chic paper napkin designs on the market to match every theme, holiday, and season, so you’ll have your pick of festive options....

“Thanksgiving is all about coming together, having conversation, and playing beautiful music in the background,” Jung Lee, founder of event planning firm Fête, tells The Spruce. “No one wants to be alone while prepping, and your host can always use an extra set of hands.” Whether you prefer to contribute to cooking, cleaning, or decorating, it doesn’t matter—as long as you’re relieving your host from any duty, big or small, all while being good company....

So, plant some fast-growing vegetables to tide you over while you’re waiting for the rest of your crops. If you sow a few seeds every other week, you’ll have a continuous supply of fresh produce from your garden all summer long. Here are nine plants that can be started early in the growing season and will be ready to harvest in about eight weeks. List of Fastest Growing Vegetables Sow the seeds directly in the ground, and cut the leaves when they’re ready to harvest....

Linoleum is also versatile given that it can easily be transformed to better suit your liking. If the linoleum flooring that is currently in your home doesn’t fit your aesthetic, fear not—it can easily be customized with paint to appear more contemporary and vibrant, if that’s the look you crave. Read on to take a look at some of our favorite spaces that feature different styles of linoleum flooring. If you are installing linoleum flooring in a bathroom for the first time, you are best opting for sheet linoleum, which fairs best in a moisture-filled environment....

Wall Switches in Standard Construction Typically, light fixture wall switches in standard residential construction are set so that wall switch boxes are somewhere between 48 and 52 inches above the floor. There are a couple of advantages to this. First, it puts the switch at a comfortable height for most people in a standing position. Second, it makes for easy installation of wallboard during home construction. Standard sheets of 4-foot wide wallboard are installed horizontally in most new home construction, and if switch boxes are set at about 48 inches from the floor, it allows for easy measuring, marking, and cutting of the wallboard panels to fit....