Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images You want to be a good neighbor. If anything, you want the same treatment in return. But certainlandscaping featureslike fire pits, motion lights, and water features are guaranteed toannoy your neighbor. Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images We spoke with real estate professionals to learn the top landscaping features that annoy neighbors. “The problem is generally how they are used and maintained,” Chervenka says....

Avoid these common landscaping pitfalls. tab1962 / Getty Images Gardening and landscaping can be a rewarding endeavortransforming outdoor spaces into beautiful and functional retreats. He advises setting clear budget expectations and avoiding premature celebrations before the landscape is fully completed. tab1962 / Getty Images I have never heard anyone regret ordering a survey, he said. It saves a lot of heartache, costly revisions, and potential work stoppage from inspectors or angry neighbors....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you hit links we provide, we may receive compensation. One of those key ways is using a laundry odor remover. The Spruce Theseodor eliminatorsoften have probiotic or enzymatic-based formulas that break down stains, removing stubborn odors at the root. During testing, we loved how it not only deodorizes garments, but also sanitizes them as well. Plus, the crisp linen scent lingers on your clothes post-wash....

We spoke to several designers to find out what lighting choices they hope we’ll all reconsider in 2025. Meet the Expert Want more design inspiration? Matching table lamps on either side of a bed or couch dont need to be the default. Andreas von Einsiedel / Getty Images Besides thinking about function, Bakshi-Khurana recommends incorporating statement fixtures to add personality and warmth. Gasparovic recommends keepingyour lightbulbsbetween 2700K and 3000K in your home....

Luckily, curbside appeal doesn’t have to cost a fortune. “Perennialsand native plants return year after year, providing long-term beauty and sustainability,” she says. Want more gardening tips? Design byDana Lee Creative/ Photo by Gianna Christina Photo “Organic mulches like bark, wood chips, or compost enrich the soil as they decompose.” you could enhance your outdoor ambiance in an instant withlandscape lighting,Lichtenstein adds. “There are many DIY options available that are affordable and easy to assemble....

didecs / Getty Images You dont need to blow your budget to beautify your tired bathroom. We asked the experts for their top low-lift, high-impact makeover tips to save money without sacrificing style. Want more design inspiration? didecs / Getty Images There are lots ofbathroom paint colorsto choose from. Thebest types of paints for bathroomstend to be damp- and mold-resistant semi-gloss varieties. Switching Out Hardware Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images...

“They are more than just flavor boosters for your cookingthey’re also natural defenders in your garden.” Want more gardening tips? “The smell of mintwards off ants and aphids,” Spoonemore explains. The Spruce / Randi Rhoades “Plus, this herb is easy to grow, and makes your garden smell amazing.” Like rosemary and mint, the scent is a natural bug repellent, effective on a variety of insects. “Nasturtiums make a great trap crop,” Chapman says....

To learn more expert-backed tips for scoring amazing finds,check out our full guide here. Embrace out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to decorating with unique items. Several secondhand-loving interior designers offer tips and advice onhow to avoid mistakeswhen thrifting. Trent Lanz / Stocksy Here are eight mistakes to avoid when shopping for secondhand items and styling with preloved finds. Sourcingvintage piecesis often an ongoing process. Take your time sourcing your furniture....

“I actually find small rooms get under-furnished sometimes,” she says. Want more design inspiration? “Multifunctional pieces likestorage ottomansor wall-mounted desks can make a world of difference in functionality,” Brophy adds. Patrick Perkins / Unsplash “Having a surplus of decorative objects tends to disrupt thebalance, scale and flowof a small space.” Instead of occupying precious space with larger sideboards, book cases, or chests, Brophy recommends working upwards. “Use light, neutral color palettes to create an open and airy feel....

“Dark green also pairs well with a wood door if you want a nature-inspired feel.” Want more design inspiration? “It works beautifully with modern and traditionalarchitectural styles.” Kate Marker Interiors “A black exteriorwill forever be my favorite,” Calabrese says. I live part-time in the mountains, and the contrast with the pines and snowy peaks is breathtaking." “Some colors never go out of style,” Lichtenstein says. Design byDana Lee Creative/ Photo by Gianna Christina Photo...

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Our favorites cover products for a wide range of needs. The Spruce The slides need to be greased to feel really smooth, but that isn’t a huge issue. This is a great option if your space requires sliding one side or the other against a wall. We like that the lower right drawer is set up for battery-powered tools likecordless drills....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Adding under-cabinet lighting helps illuminate your prep space or add a little ambiance toyour kitchenfor your early morning coffee. The Spruce It is also helpful to pick lighting based on lumens, the measurement of visible light. This isn’t ideal if you are looking for under-cabinet lighting that functions as a night light. Plus, the lights take three hours to shut off automatically....

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you tap on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Before buying wood filler, know that there are different types to choose from, including water-based and epoxy. The Spruce We love the strong adherence this forms that won’t shrink, crack, or crumble. This 8-ounce tub is perfect for DIYers looking to repair wooden surfaces inside their homes quickly and easily. It doesn’t shrink and bonds well to the wood once applied, which is perfect for small repairs....