The Spruce / Jacob Fox For many homeowners, a soothing bath provides unmatched comfort. On the other hand,small bathtubslike drop-in and alcove options may be more suitable when space is tight. As far as space goes, free-standing bathtubs require more room than others. The Spruce / Jacob Fox They also need the right kind of plumbing to function. Overall, freestanding tubs tend to cost between about $700 and $4,000. When the walls are tiled or fitted with panels, the enclosure can be used for a tub/shower combination....

The Spruce / Sarah Lee Tossing a dryer sheet into the automatic dryer is routine in most laundry rooms. But there are alternatives that leave your clothes feeling just as soft, perfumed, and static-free. “We are not fans of dryer sheets,” says the Pozniaks. The Spruce / Sarah Lee “While not perfect, we love dryer balls to reduce static and wrinkling.” Learn how each choice works to help you in the laundry room....

Todays wallpaper is a far cry from the difficult-to-hang, impossible-to-remove paper you might remember from your childhood. This can be a great way to update those out-of-style mirrored sliding closet doors. Craft stores, paint stores, and online retailers all sell an impressive array of stencils. SimeonDonov / Getty Images Read more about ourDiversity and Inclusion Pledgeto make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome. Now the surface is ready for your budding Picassos scribbles and alphabet practice sessions....

Fortunately, baseboards are relativelyeasy to clean. Here are 10 simple baseboard cleaning hacks to help you keep your baseboards clean for the long haul. Sweeping and evenvacuumingcan kick up dust, which often settles on the top of baseboards. FotoDuets / Getty Images Tackle those chores first, then you could finish up with your baseboards. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Start With a Vacuum Baseboards are notorious for collecting dust....

To learn more tips for settling into a new space,check out our full guide here. We asked pros to share the best home essentials everyone needs for their first home. A third essential for this space is bedside end tables ornightstands, according to Vernazza. House Plan Zone Want more design inspiration? And don’t underestimate the cutting board: it can help prevent damage and scratches to your countertop. This can be abreakfast nookif your home has a larger eat-in kitchen or on thekitchen islandor peninsula....

Create a colorful scene outdoors this season. In fact, you could plant several summer-blooming flowers for a custom floral scene that lasts all season long. Want more gardening tips? Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images These delightful flowers begin to bloom in the later summer months but have a lasting season into the fall. Peonies The Spruce / Grant Webster Arguably one of the summer classic florals isthe fan-favorite peonies....

Build a simple window box or the ultimatecatenclosure with these free catio plans. There are enough choices of plans that you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. What Is a Catio? Chirpy Cats A catio is an outdoor enclosure that’s meant for house cats to enjoy the outdoors safely. It’s apatiofor cats. Easy DIY Cat Enclosure Cuckoo4Design You’ve got to see this catio to believe it. Cuckoo4Design It all started out with a simple window box so her cats could enjoy some fresh air....

These plans below come in various sizes for a one-car or two-cardetached garage. You’ll find everything you gotta get started: blueprints, building directions, photos, and diagrams. All you’ll need to do is add the materials, tools, and hard work. The Spruce / Michelle Becker The benefit of this garage plan is that it’s easy to follow. The garage plan includes a materials list, tools list, step-by-step building instructions, and diagrams....

Some are also tailored for certain uses such as for a hot tub or as a screened-in area. All the free gazebo plans below include everything you gotta build a wooden gazebo for your backyard. There are some alternatives if you don’t feel a gazebo is right for your yard. The Spruce / Almar Creative Apergola planordeck planmight work better for you and your space. You might like to try other outdoor woodworking projects forarbors,sheds,porch swings, orchicken coops....

Smart sprinkler controllers use real-time weather data to water plants only when they need it. Mobile apps also allow users to adjust and monitor watering schedules to save water and money. Ecology lawnseco lawns for shortreplace grass with clovers, herbaceous plants, and other drought-tolerant and disease-resistant plants. Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images Home gardeners might create a bulb meadow in the front yard or native, maintenance-free planting to larger yards....

To learn more tips for settling into a new space,check out our full guide here. That’s why Lewis suggests taking stock of your home first by measuring each rooms usable floor space. This means measuring from skirting board to skirting board, if applicable. Jessica Nelson Design/ Carina Skrobecki Photography Want more design inspiration? In fact, if you could, look for these elements during your house hunt. Other elements to look out for includefireplaces, beautiful French doors, andan interesting entryway....

JLFCapture / Getty Images Armadillos are unique animals vital to the environment, helping control insect and grub populations. Start by eliminating food sources that attract themthis includes fruits and vegetables left unattended on picnic tables and porches. According to Qiai Chong, a chief behaviorist at Pet Coach SG, armadillos are opportunistic feeders. JLFCapture / Getty Images Hence, the animals will even snack on cat or dog food left in pet bowls outside....

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly With regular use, bed and throw pillows can flatten and become uncomfortable. Before you donate a pillow, be sure it is in good condition and clean. Solid foam pillowscan be spot-cleaned andfiberfill, down, and feather pillows can be washed. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Evendecorative throw pillows can be freshened by vacuuming away dust and cleaning the covers. Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Make a Pet Bed Animal shelters and rescue groups welcome pillows to create bedding for animals....