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But times have changed. Thanks to the invention of smart fabrics, an influx of weather-resistant materials, and sleek silhouettes, it’s become harder to tell the difference. Furniture can now play a more adaptable role in and out of homes, which makes decorating for both even more exciting. From jute-like poufs made of element-resistant materials to squishy chairs that would look perfectly placed in a living room or patio, below are pieces that blur that line and fluidly shift between indoor rooms, outdoor spaces, and the places that straddle both....

But whether you’re a plant parent to many or just have one or two that brighten your day, we have some bad news. There’s a chance your houseplant obsession may be causing some environmental issues, according to experts. The reason it’s unsustainable is that peat moss is formed when organic material (mostly comprised of moss and plants), “is broken down over thousands of years [and] have decomposed, forming a brown type of mud called peat,” said Nathan....

Handmade Tile Handmade tiles shot to fame back in 2019 with the zellige tile craze, and there’s no evidence of this trend slowing down anytime soon. “The kitchen backsplash and tile trends for 2023 are handmade and natural elements," says Lyndsey Moore, Principal Designer at The Lynden Lane Co. No two handmade tiles are the same and this results in an organic and artisanal look that’s both comforting and inviting. Sarah Barnard, owner and principal designer at Sarah Barnard Design LLC agrees, stating that handmade tiles “have a more personalized look that celebrates the craftsmanship and process of tile making....

Cork Mat, $23 and up, She’s a Cork Dork via Etsy

These DIY laptop stands also come in so many different designs. Some are designed as tables, other as trays, and some are constructed as shelves to get the laptop screen out of the way while you’re working. You’ll find that these are easy-to-build projects that are perfect for a beginner. Because they are simple and straightforward DIYs, they will only take a limited amount of tools, too, meaning most are also rather budget-conscious....

One of the biggest issues with disorganization is clarity, not just with your own goals but also with your limitations. We can’t always mimic what we see others doing on social media or elsewhere. But we can use some time-tested products to help us tame the chaos in any room: even in our cars. Professional organizers offer some insights into their favorite things to use to make car clutter manageable....

Cleaning Laminate Floors Without Damage The best way to clean a laminate floor is to use a flat-style mop with microfiber socks or pads that go over the head and collect dust and dander. Doing this just about daily will minimize dirt that can grind into the seams or scratch the surface. It will also the lesson the times you need to use water to clean the floor. Here are more common mistakes to avoid when cleaning laminate so you can keep your floor looking new longer....

Raising air humidity levels to at least 30 percent can improve symptoms of breathing-related issues caused by dry air.Skin irritation caused by dry air can be relieved by humidifying the air.Wood furniture and woodwork are less likely to dry out and crack if the home’s humidity levels are kept in the target 30 to 50 percent range.Moist air feels warmer and conducts heat better. In the wintertime, humidified air will feel warmer than bone-dry air....

If you need one resource to get your home packed and moved, start here—you can find information on efficiently packing up the furniture and belongings in each major room in your house. Follow the various article links explaining how to pack each room of your house. This article provides detailed information on how to sort, select, and simplify the vast array of kitchen items when packing them up. It also includes advice on how to select and pack a box or two of essentials—the items you will need right away when you arrive at your new home....

Also keep in mind that while the Alocasia maharani is a flowering plant, its flowers are generally not as prized as its magnificent foliage and it is not uncommon for them not to flower when grown indoors. So don’t panic if you aren’t seeing any flowers. Some growers even choose to cut the flowers off of the plant when they do bloom to redirect that energy back into producing foliage....

Fast Facts Scientific Name: Turdus migratoriusCommon Name: American Robin, Robin Red Breast, RobinLifespan: 1-3 yearsSize: 10 inchesWeight: 2.5-3 ouncesWingspan: 15-16 inchesConservation Status: Least concern American Robin Identification These thrushes have a long, straight yellow bill with a slight hook at the tip and an upright posture with a deep belly and classic passerine shape. Both genders look similar, though females can appear fainter or less colorful. The back is gray or brown-gray, and the chest and abdomen are red or red-orange....

How Wires Are Sized If you’ve shopped for electrical wire, you have likely noticed that there are many types and sizes of electrical wire to choose from. Different types of wire are intended for different uses, but with any of these wire types, knowing the right wire size, or wire gauge, determines amps, which is the key to making the right choice. Wire is sized by the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system....

Why We Love Cardinals With their brilliant red plumage, northern cardinals are easy to see and recognize, and even the more subdued females have lovely red highlights in their fawn-colored feathers. Because these birds do not typically migrate, they can be welcome guests in yards throughout the year. Cardinals are often stunning decorations in otherwise bare winter trees and bushes since these birds keep their brilliant color year-round. Both male and female cardinals sing varied songs, adding a beautiful voice to their beautiful appearance, and giving birders one more reason to want to attract cardinals....

The botanical name of the genus gives away how deadly, but alluring, the plant is to human life. Atropa comes from Atropos, the Greek goddess who, as one of the three goddesses of fate and destiny, holds the shears to cut the thread of life. The common and species name, belladonna, comes from the Italian words for a beautiful woman, “bella donna”. Ladies of the Venetian court used eye drops made of belladonna to dilate their pupils, viewed as a sign of special beauty at the time....

Here are the best shrubs with pink flowers. But if your goal is vibrant color, it will be worth your while to take the extra time and look for D. cneorum. The bush is evergreen and attains a height of about 1 foot, with a spread twice that. Grow it in partial shade and in USDA planting zones 4 to 9. This is a sensational plant in warm climates (zones 9 to 11), where the mild weather allows it to grow to its full potential....

Best for Overall Product Quality Flooring Utilizing Teragren Optimum 5.5 Moso It pays to stay on top of things. Teragren, with its hand in the entire process of making bamboo flooring—from cutting the bamboo culm (stalk) to sending planks off to distributors—is able to quality-check its products in rigorous detail. One of the best examples of Teragren’s higher quality is a special species of bamboo called Optimum 5.5 Moso (Phyllostachys pubescens)....

No matter your age, bean bag chairs are always fun and comfortable. Beyond this, they are typically lightweight and super versatile, so you can set them up in a number of different orientations for ultimate comfort. We tried out the Big Joe Original Bean Bag Chair and tested out its comfort, ease of cleaning, price, durability, overall look, and recommended age range. Keep reading to see what we thought. Material: Durable polyester, long-lasting filling The Big Joe Original Bean Bag’s outer cover is made of tough and durable polyester....