5 Types of Paint Finishes: How to Actually Choose the Right One?

What Is a Paint’s Sheen? The lower the PVC, the glossier the paint’s sheen will be. Flat paint should never be used for high-traffic areas or on objects that see high use. Manuta / Getty Images Additionally, flat paint can’t stand up to frequent cleaning or moisture exposure. Tip Many ceiling paints are flat. This helps to hide imperfections on ceilings, which are notoriously difficult to finish smoothly. Eggshell is a gold standard for interior wall paint, as it offers enough durability without too much gloss....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 206 words · Michael Davies

5 Types of Sponges You Should Own to Clean Any Household Mess Fast

The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Cleaning sponges are not “one size fits all.” Review these five main types of cleaning sponges to determine the right one for your next task. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Cellulose Sponges Cellulose sponges are some of the most common, low-cost sponges on the market. Cellulose sponges are inexpensive, provide good absorbency, and last through tough chores. Best for:Most household chores and messes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 250 words · Andre Miranda

5 Underrated Cleaning Hacks You Should Use More, According to Pro Cleaners

Best of all, these hacks are inexpensive and easy to adapt overnight. Better yet, she adds, unlike ammonia and bleach, vinegar is non-toxic. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? The Spruce / Ana Cadena Microwave Your Sponge Most people will throw away their sponges every week or two. It’s also a sustainable way to reduce waste, Brown says. “This small effort adds up over time, keeping your home consistently tidy.”...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 91 words · Ashley Jones

5 Underrated Paint Colors Designers Always Use in Kitchens (and You Should Too)

White Sands Gone are the days when all-white kitchens were the norm. However, this happy hue doesnt need to be intimidating. It is particularly well-suited to kitchens, where it evokes an inviting, charming, and cheerful atmosphere. White Sands From sunshine yellow to muted mustard, there’s an array of yellow shades to choose from. Want more design inspiration? However, Barnard says these cheerful hues are definitely an underrated kitchen paint color....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 161 words · Noah Stephens

5 Underrated Paint Colors Designers Always Use in Their Projects (and You Should Too)

Instead, be a trendsetter yourself and turn to the professionals. Janelle Patton is the lead designer at Lark Interiors. While teal isn’t one of her go-to wall colors, she loves using it on trim and cabinetry. Studio Peake She suggests pairing this underrated paint color with yellow, green, blue, or pink. Want more design inspiration? Chartreuse is a cross between yellow and green, and Peck says not to sleep on it....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 163 words · Susan Richard

5 Underrated Ways to Use Diatomaceous Earth in Your House for Natural Pest Control

It has seemingly endless useswater filtration, insulation, and insecticide, just to name a few. Warning Not all DE is the same. Before buying some, determine if what you’re looking for is insect-, food-, or filter-grade DE. MonaMakela / Getty Images For pest control, food- or insect-grade should suffice. Do not substitute one for the other without researching first. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Be sure to check where these guys are coming from so you’re targeting the right areas....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 222 words · Jesse Velasquez

5 Upgrades Designers Don't Regret in Their Own Homes (and Would Do Again)

Want more design inspiration? “There is nothing more jarring or unpleasant than harsh overhead lighting,” she says. “Dual shower heads are a total game changer as far as luxury upgrades go,” she says. Alvin Wayne Interiors “Great plumbing fixtures can be like jewelry for the room,” Cole says. She has opted to invest in higher-quality plumbing fixtures, which she sees and appreciates every day. Her favorite material to use? Mary Patton Design...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 138 words · Connie Ward

5 Upgrades Pros Would Always Skip for Their Bathrooms, Even Though They're Popular

Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Instead, she specifies functional accessories that can hold personal screens such as tablet computers. Tech is changing so quickly and can look dated. ExperienceInteriors / Getty Images Chung explains how they dont get used often enough to warrant the price of implementing one. Instead, Chung suggests considering a steam shower that can be used on a daily basis. Ggem, for one, would avoid usinglarge-format marble on floorsdue to slip risk....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 146 words · Roberto Cooper

5 Warm Paint Colors You Should Never Use in Your Bathroom, According to Designers

Keep reading to learn more about what shades to skip in the bathroom and why. “A bathroom should feel airy, clean, and serene,” she says. zhihao / Getty Images Want more design inspiration? YvanDube / Getty Images “Dark red is overwhelming and can make your bathroom feel smaller and more closed-in,” Holly says. “It just doesnt work.” Try a brown in aliving roomor dining room instead, where the color can look super sophisticated and welcoming....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 102 words · Jennifer Wood

5 Ways Leftover Eggshells Can Bring Big Benefits to Your Garden

They carry essential nutrients that can benefit your soillike a fertilizer does, helpingplants grow fastand manage soil acidity. Why Use Eggshells to Fertilize the Garden? Eggshells are beneficial for a garden because they act as a natural fertilizer for plants. Fajrul Islam / Getty Images Want more gardening tips? How Do Eggshells Benefit a Garden? Also, plants that prefer a less acidic soil will benefit from this alkaline additive. L Alfonse / Getty Images...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 97 words · Misty Smith

5 Ways to Degrease Kitchen Cabinets and Finally Get Them Clean, According to Pro Cleaners

It’s easy to spot these grimy remains on the stovetop and sink, but cabinets are often ignored. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Dish soap, and especially Dawn dish soap, is designed to cut through grease quickly without causing damage. The Spruce / Kelsey Hansen In fact, many other DIY degreasers include a little dish soap. However, ensure you dilute the vinegar, as the acidity may dull the finish of some cabinet materials....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 173 words · Nancy Franco

5 Ways to Finally Stop Your Sofa From Moving and Damaging Your Floors

Morsa Images / Getty Images Does your sofa slide around when you use it? Furnitureshiftingover time is a common problem, especially for those with sleek floors such as hardwood or laminate. However, its not just an annoying inconvenienceit can cause real damage to your floors over time. Morsa Images / Getty Images Luckily, shifty furniture is a simple and inexpensive problem to fix. Here are six expert-approved ways to stop your moving sofa in its tracks, once and for all....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 317 words · Denise Smith

5 Ways to Fix Saggy Couch Cushions Before Guests Arrive, According to Furniture Pros

So, how can you ensure your sofa stays fluffy and comfortable all the time? Start with taking the fabric down and apart from the couch. Want more design inspiration? Michelle Berwick Design Give Your Cushions a Flip Laquita Tate Interiors A saggy couch doesnt necessarily require a complete overhaul. Use the Right Stuffing Studio Peake Making sure yourcouch has the right fillcan help ensure its longevity. The choice depends on how firm you want your sofa....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 137 words · Kimberly Robinson