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Understanding Electrical Wires An electrical wire consists of a solid or stranded metal core and is also known as a conductor. A wire may be a bare conductor (as in the case of a bare copper grounding wire) or it may be insulated with a continuous layer of nonconductive material, usually made of a special vinyl or nylon plastic. In most cases, it is the type of insulation used around the metal wire that makes a conductor suitable for dry, damp, or wet applications....

Since moving into our new home, I knew I wanted to organize my son’s walk-in closet space with a customizable system like the Elfa Classic closet system sold by The Container Store. As someone who follows more professional organizers on social media than I’d liked to admit, I knew I had a lot of unused space and wanted a system with multiple components, like drawers. I also wanted a system to change as my son’s and our family’s needs changed....

Naturally, not every pool built to look like a natural body of water with realistic rocks and boulders is a natural pool. Unlike most sparkling blue swimming pools, natural swimming pools or ponds (NSPs) are filtered organically rather than by chemicals. Another pool called a regeneration zone is built nearby, which is where the water enters either a gravel filter or a constructed wetlands made of plants that clean the water....

If it is time for a new couch, take a look at Floyd, one of the trendiest furniture companies on the market. Established in 2013, this Detroit-based, direct-to-consumer company operates on the principle that furniture should be long-lasting instead of disposable. Its signature couch, The Sofa, is made with materials that withstand stains and wear, so it’s ideal for parents, pet owners, and those who frequently host company. It’s completely “take apart-able” so it can fit through virtually any doorway or stairwell, making it ideal for city dwellers or anyone looking to furnish a small space....

Framed Cabinets vs. Frameless Cabinets Framed Cabinets Traditionally, U.S.-made cabinets have been constructed with rails and stiles that form a 1 1/2-inch wide face frame at the front of the cabinet box. The doors and drawer-fronts rest against the frame, and the door hinges are attached directly to the face frames. There are advantages to this framed style of construction. They create a classic, vintage look, and there is a good deal of style flexibility, as framed cabinets can accept an almost infinite variety of door and drawer styles....

Gorilla Carts is a Minnesota-based company known for its rugged garden and utility carts. The company’s 4-cubic-foot GOR4PS (-C) Poly Garden Dump Cart is built to be a compact, easy-to-use alternative to a regular wheelbarrow. We wanted to test whether or not it lived up to its reputation, so we took it home to Colorado and used it for four weeks as we got our gardens and landscaping in shape....

How Hummingbirds Flight Differs While there are a number of flightless birds, most birds are adept fliers. Many birds have specialized wing shapes and physical adaptations that make them better fliers, whether it is the broad wings of a soaring vulture, the pointed wings of an agile falcon, or the rounded wings of a silently hunting owl. Hummingbirds, however, have far more unique flight abilities than any other bird as they are able to fly not only forward, but also backward, sideways, and straight up....

That’s because some hydrangeas bloom on what is called “old wood”, or branches that are at least a year old. Others bloom on “new wood”, which is the new growth of the current season. This is not a problem with the many new hydrangeas on the market. They take the guess work out of when or if you need to prune your hydrangea, because most bloom on both old and new wood....

The furniture deemed Mid-Century Modern that meshes with this art includes pieces that were often sculptural, yet very functional. The Eames Lounge Chair, for instance, is said to be one of the most comfortable loungers ever made, yet its extraordinary design sets it apart from the rest. Art objects created during this period were also as distinctive as the furniture deemed Mid-Century Modern. Some drew on Modernism principles defined earlier in the century by famed artists such as Henri Matisse (1869-1954) and Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944), while others reflected the post-war “atomic” style of popular culture of the 1960s....

This is no simple matter, even in a basement that appears to be dry. It doesn’t even take catastrophic flooding to ruin the floor: Concrete basement floors can wick moisture up to anything that happens to be touching it. Laying down a basement subfloor is the most effective way to isolate the living area from moisture below. Basement Subfloor Panels Pros and Cons What Basement Subfloor Panels Are As long as there have been basements, homeowners and contractors have been experimenting with ways to keep basement flooring dry....

After launching his channel, @DearModern, Tan went viral almost overnight. Now, he has more than 1.4 million followers on TikTok, 211k followers on Instagram, and most recently, a new book. We connected over Zoom with the debut author of Feng Shui Modern to discuss his tips for practicing the centuries-old art of feng shui and why he thinks these ancient principles of harmony between people and their environments are resonating so much in the modern world....

Water Requirements for Lawns As a general rule, lawn grass needs about one inch of water per week. This figure may change, though, depending on your soil type. Proper drainage in goes in hand-in-hand with meeting the water requirement of a lawn. To achieve proper drainage, a balance must be struck: If the composition of your soil is too sandy, water will run right through it as if it were a sieve....

Before you decide to hire an interior designer, it’s important to understand the financials. Here, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the costs associated and how to decide if it’s right for you. How Much Does an Interior Designer Really Cost? The most important thing to remember is that the cost of hiring an interior designer will vary dramatically based on where you live and how extensive your design needs are....

Pool decks and paved surfaces in the yard such as paths, patios, or steps are functional landscaping elements, adding usable space, creating a smooth transition from one area to another, providing drainage, and covering the bare dirt. When it is near or surrounds a pool or spa, decking creates a frame while providing a safe path around its edge. If backyard space allows, the deck can be enlarged to accommodate poolside furniture for relaxing or dining....