Even if the fabrics do not appear to be burned but are especially sooty, there may be damaged. If hot embers touched the surface of the fabric, small pinholes may appear after washing. Be sure to check each piece carefully before cleaning to be sure the item is worth saving. Washable Fabrics For clothes that have blackened areas or soot stains, take the clothes or table linens outside and shake off any excess soot....
With most new home construction in the last few years avoiding the classic ranch-style home in favor of more neo-eclectic styles, the ranch-style home has now become an object of historical interest. Many buyers find these homes both affordable and less challenging to remodel than older homes heavy on ornamentation. Tips for Renovating Rambler-Style Homes Maintain or Create an Open Floor Plan The original ranch-style homes often featured an open floor plan in which living areas and dining areas were combined....
Two Rounds of Electrical Inspection The most comprehensive inspections occur when electrical work requiring building permits is being done, such as during construction of a new home or major room addition. Major remodeling work to a kitchen or bathroom also requires permits and electrical inspections. The goal of the inspections process is to make sure that the applicable electrical codes are being followed, to ensure that the installation is safe. In these instances, an electrical inspector will need to visit you on at least two occasions....
Approach demolition with the mindset that it is a project all on its own, not merely the prelude to the “real” project of renovating. There are people who do nothing but demolition, you should take the same kind of professional approach to doing the work yourself. Think of yourself as wearing a “demo” hat for a while, and don’t rush the project. When demolition is completely done and cleanup is complete, you can proceed to renovation....
Trivia DayAppreciate a Dragon DayNational Kazoo Day January is also National Book Month and International Creativity Month. Read in the Bathtub DayWorld Thinking DayTell a Fairy Tale Day February is also Black History Month and includes International Snow Sculpting Week. National Pi DayWorld Meteorology DayTolkien Reading Day March is also Women’s History Month and includes International Brain Awareness Week. National Library DayScrabble DayRichter Scale Day One whole week is just for budding poets, so get writing (or reading) during Young People’s Poetry Week....
Living Room Couch and Furniture Dimensions Although one couch may look very different from another sofa because of style, color, or upholstery fabric, most sofas share the same approximate measurements. This also applies to other pieces of living room furniture such as coffee tables and end tables. When you have an idea of roughly how big a piece is, you can plan how many pieces will fit in the room and where they go so the room flows efficiently....
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) has kept temperature records for decades and published the first recommended growing zone map in 1960. The maps are based on extreme minimum temperatures to typical high temperatures. However, it’s important to note they do not account for extreme maximum temperatures, so some plants may struggle. These hardiness maps are an excellent guide for picking flowers, shrubs, trees, and herbs that are suited to your climate....
Over the course of several days, we tested 27 different solar lights at our Lab in Des Moines, Iowa, including path lights, spotlights, lanterns, wall-mounted, and string lights. After assembling and charging them in sunlight for the time specified by the manufacturer’s instructions, we evaluated their assembly, brightness, features, design, value, and durability. And then we went beyond: We froze them, read under them, and dropped golf balls on their solar panels....
Organizing your go-to hair tools has never been easier, but finding a storage option that also keeps your vanity looking sleek or bathroom clutter-free can be challenging. “Categorize, contain, and label,” says Marissa Hagmeyer, co-founder of the NEAT Method. Her partner, Ashley Murphy, adds that “your needs or belongings change,” so it’s important to select organizers that can fluctuate with you. While it would be a dream to actually have a bathroom with countless drawers, we know that’s not always possible....
Our best overall pick, the Sol 72 Outdoor Aanya Hardwood Dark Red Meranti Potting Bench, is crafted from solid wood and features a work surface, display shelf, and open storage. Here are the best potting benches. Price at time of publish: $250 Price at time of publish: $140 Price at time of publish: $299 Price at time of publish: $236 Price at time of publish: $549 Price at time of publish: $298 Price at time of publish: $169 Price at time of publish: $183 Price at time of publish: $95 Price at time of publish: $109 Price at time of publish: $350...
We researched standout options for every space, decor style, and budget. Available in six chic colors, the tufted velvet House of Hampton Asaad Pillow is our top pick. The sleek, universal design and comfortable feel make it the perfect choice for extra seating for guests or as a pop of color in a living or bedroom. To help you narrow down your choices, we rounded up the best floor pillows below....
What, exactly, makes luxury bedding stand out? “The first thing that comes to mind in bedding differentiation is texture,” says Raili Clasen, interior designer and founder of RailiCA Design. “I consider ‘regular’ bedding to be cotton sheeting with a classic duvet. Once you change out to Belgium linens or soft percale and add a cashmere or alpaca throw, the mood gets much more elevated.” Despite conventional wisdom, Clasen doesn’t recommend looking at thread count when shopping for luxury bedding, as she’s seen 400 count sheets that “feel like cheap satin....
Experts also suggest that materials really count when it comes to American-made furniture. “There are rigorous industrial and manufacturing standards in the natural materials market within the U.S. that aren’t as stringent everywhere else,” explains Robin Burrill, president and CEO of Signature Home Services. To find the best made-in-America furniture, we considered factors such as their materials, craftsmanship, return policies, shipping options, and product variety. Our favorite American-made furniture brands include Floyd and Burrow, which both offer modular furniture for reasonable prices, as well as classic brands like Stickley and Vaughan-Bassett....
Our favorites include big retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’s and buzzy new brands like Brooklinen, Casper, and Parachute. Here are the best places to buy bedding. We’re especially partial to the brand’s Stonewashed Linen Bedding, which is made from organic, Oeko-Tex® certified French flax linen and has a rustic, lived-in look that buyers love. If you’re looking for more than just sheets, the Citizenry also has high-quality wool and alpaca blankets, including the best-selling La Calle Alpaca Bed Blanket....
We researched the best gifts for 7-year-old girls on the market, considering how interactive, creative, and imaginative each option is. Our favorite picks include a STEM-centric puzzle from Brain Flakes, a surprise puzzle featuring famous feminists from Mudpuppy, and the Singing Machine Bluetooth Karaoke System, which is interactive, easy to use, and perfect for parties. Here are the best gifts for 7-year-old girls. Fifty-four dimmable LED disco lights make it easy to make any space feel like a party and create the perfect ambiance....
After evaluating dozens of products for their effectiveness, longevity of protection, and ease of use, we determined that the best overall product is the Picaridin Insect Repellent from Sawyer Products. Here are our choices for the best mosquito repellents to keep the outdoor pests at bay. We determined that Sawyer’s product, which uses 20 percent picaridin, is the best overall mosquito repellent because it is easy to apply, available in a lotion or spray, and has no strong fragrance....
You’ll find small portable generators with just a few hundred watts of power up to large high-power models with 12,000 or more max watts. Many are somewhere in between, with popular portable generators for home use offering 3,000 to 5,000 watts of power. To tap into this power, consider the type and number of outlets the generator is equipped with. You should look for a mix of 120V household outlets and heavy-duty 120/240V outlets if you plan to operate both large and small appliances....
We’ve researched and tested ranges from the top appliance brands, evaluating capacity, ease of care and cleaning, and overall value. The GE Profile PHS930YPFS 5.3 cu. ft. Slide-in Electric Range is our favorite because it has the option to synchronize elements for larger cookware. Plus, it’s a true convection oven, and is equipped with smart features that let you preheat the oven from another room or check on your cake’s progress from your smartphone....
