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Marble is appropriate for many decor styles: contemporary, traditional, modern, classic, and many more. Using marble in the bathroom has two important caveats: you need to seal it, and you need to watch out for slip resistance. A lot of marble finishes have low slip resistance, which makes them dangerous in potentially wet spaces like bathrooms. To counter this problem, use a finish with higher slip resistance, or add rugs in high-traffic areas....

And what is more luxurious than a fireplace? A double-sided fireplace that functions as a bold architectural room feature while adding warmth and atmosphere to adjoining rooms and allowing light to pass between spaces even when the fire isn’t lit. Double-sided fireplaces can work as practical and aesthetic room dividers that link living and dining, primary bedroom and bathroom or break up the expanse of a double living room. Take a look at these double-sided fireplaces in a range of styles to inspire your home and hearth fantasies....

To solve this age-old dilemma, we’ve sourced a few experts to share their opinions. From a lack of true practicality to the inconvenience of an extra, unneeded layer, here’s why some bedding experts are saying ‘no’ to top sheets. “The top sheet normally ends up bunched up as a messy ball towards the end of the bed in the mornings,” she says. If this is the end result, are top sheets really making our beds look better, protecting our sensitive skin, or creating a barrier layer between us and our duvets?...

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Having fewer possessions is easier on the wallet, kinder to the planet, and makes everyday life simpler and less overwhelming. Creating an unencumbered room that focuses on space, light, materials, shapes, and creating an effortless flow that makes it natural and instinctive to use is one way to quiet the noise of the outside world and build an oasis of calm and order over the things you can control. While minimalist design can be applied to every room in the house—from the kitchen to the bathroom, or nursery—one of the easiest places to start is the living room, that collective gathering place whose purpose is to connect with friends and family, to relax and recharge, and that requires only a handful of key elements to become a functional and beautiful space that leaves room for all kinds of living....

When dealing with mice, the first and most crucial step will be identifying with 100% certainty that you’re dealing with mice and not some other critter. The activity and evidence left behind by mice can easily be confused with other animals, especially rats and bats. How do you know whether you’re dealing with mice or something else, and what are the best natural methods to get rid of mice?...

Combat this by taking an extra few seconds to hang up or fold the clothes that do not need to go in the laundry hamper and put those that are dirty into the hamper. Spending a little time on front-end maintenance makes decluttering easier and less time-consuming. The best way to avoid clutter in the form of clothing, shoes, and accessories is to buy less. If the ship has sailed on that, make an effort to get rid of items you don’t regularly wear rather than putting off those decisions for another time....

Chenille and Animal Claws Chenille is durable and soft, both of which make it an appealing choice. It also has a very nubby pile (made up of tiny little loops), which is great for hiding dirt. Beware though, that same pile can be completely destroyed by animal claws (cat claws in particular). Once the loops are pulled (even just a little), they can’t really be fixed. Velvet and Pet Stains There’s something wonderfully luxurious about velvet, which is probably why the pets always want to curl up on it....

Any outdoor party should always be planned with a weather contingency in mind. While panic may lead you to believe you have to cancel your party (and thus, waste all your hard work and planning), that’s simply not true. With a few simple tips and a backup plan in place, you can still celebrate—rain or shine. Move It Indoors When rain threatens an outdoor party, your first instinct may be to move the party indoors....

We spoke with several plant experts and influencers who shared stories of their worst plant infestations and how they resolved them. Hopefully their unfortunate incidents will help you deal with any pesky bugs that may find their way into your plants. Types of Plant Pests First, there are many types of plant pests. The most common pests for indoor plants usually include, but are not limited to, spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale....

Zucchini plant varieties fall into two categories. Some are vining and require room for sprawl or the addition of trellis varieties. There are also bush types which are more suitable for small space gardening and planters. Zucchini needs about six to eight hours of full sun and consistently moist, fertilized soil. Here are five tips to help you get a more reliable harvest throughout the growing season from your zucchini plants....

Kitchen islands are among the most in-demand features for new or remodeled kitchens, as they can make the space considerably more functional and enjoyable. But choosing the right island can be complicated since your options can range from simple, portable units to very complex permanent structures that incorporate built-in appliances, and plumbing or wiring service. Your most important choice will be between a portable/mobile type of island, and some form of fixed, permanent island that is served by utilities....

The jaws of the pliers come in a number of different patterns and designs, according to the specific type of pliers and their intended purpose. Some jaws are great for gripping smooth metal surfaces, like water-pump pliers, while others are better for cutting or stripping, like needle-nose or lineman’s pliers. The handles and pivot point are similar to scissors, though the construction is significantly more heavy-duty, giving these tools the durability they need for a busy job site....

However, while shopping for a rug is just as common as selecting a sheet set or picking out a pair of curtains, there are a handful of key elements to keep in mind before making a purchase. We spoke with five designers who weighed in on the main mistakes that consumers make when rug shopping so that you can avoid such errors. 1. Not Weighing Cost Versus Quality Rugs can truly run anywhere from $25 and $25,000, making any search an expansive one....

The skill level for most of these projects is beginner, although there are a few intermediate projects that may require that you already possess a few crafting or DIY skills. Most of them are also quick projects that you can do in an afternoon—and some just take minutes. With all these wonderful projects, you have no excuse not to add some DIY Halloween decorations to your home this October. Halloween Spooky Lantern Sign Post from Mom Endeavors Bat Branch Halloween Centerpiece from The Sweetest Occasion Boo Banner from A Beautiful Mess Halloween Candy Shop Sign from The Navage Patch Easy Black and White Halloween Topiary from Tatertots and Jello Skull Planter from The Merrythought Mummy Halloween Luminaries from Mod Podge Rocks Mustache and Googly Eyes Door Decor from The Paper Mama Halloween Punch Bowl from No Biggie Witches Broom from Tastefully Frugal Easy Halloween Window Decor from A Beautiful Mess Skull Candle Holder from Endlessly Inspired The Ultimate Fake Fire Prop for Halloween from Make Life Lovely Halloween Candy Door Hanger from Cherished Bliss Skeleton Snack Board from Almost Makes Perfect Moon and Witch Glass Globe from Sadie Seasongoods Boneyard Lantern from Oh My!...

While these may require a few basic items for getting the job done, you won’t need to whip out a saw or cordless drill for any of them, much less learn how to use a new tool if you don’t have the time. Read on for six different expert-picked projects that need very few tools—if any. Square Away Those Curtains and Drapes Linda Haase, an NCIDQ-certified senior interior designer, says that there are plenty of home renovations you can complete without tools or completely draining your budget....

Not sure a bright, bold laundry room is for you? Designer Stephanie Lindsey suggests thinking again. “It’s a smaller space and typically out of the way, so going bold can be a fun, unexpected surprise," she shares. “It’s also a place where chores are done, so the bright patterns and color can be a happy boost of energy to your day.” We turned to the experts to ask for their best advice, and they delivered—from adding pops of color to the walls to dressing up your windows to having fun with tile....

Here are seven different kitchen flooring options to consider for one of the highest-traffic areas of your home. You still need to have caution when choosing hardwood flooring for a kitchen. Whether it’s solid hardwood planks or engineered wood flooring featuring a hardwood veneer, the material will naturally be more susceptible to moisture problems and stains than other flooring materials. Here are a few other pros and cons to hardwood in the kitchen:...