Apron Sink vs. Farmhouse Sink: Everything You Need to Know

It can range from one being wider or more ergonomic than the other. Think of it as wearing an apron or smock that juts out a bit in front of the cabinetry. Generally, theyre larger than most other kitchen sinks, be they drop-ins or undermounts. Tyler Karu/ Photo by Erin Little The farmhouse sink is the progenitor of the apron-front sink. These factors give the farmhouse sink its distinctive quaint and homey look....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 402 words · Jason Lawrence

Arbor vs. Pergola Explained: Uses, Plants, and History

Both are built with posts that support an open roof of beams or lattice. And both often support vines or climbing plants. Basically, an arbor looks like a smaller version of a pergola. The Spruce / Randi Rhoades The Spruce / Randi Rhoades What Is an Arbor? An arbor is an outdoor structure in a landscape or yard that provides shelter from the elements and privacy. It can also serve as an accent, separating different garden areas an directing traffic....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 348 words · Stephen Jordan

Are Accent Walls Dead? We Asked Designers, and They Did Not Hold Back

People either absolutely love or loathe the bold look, and interior designers are no different. So, are accent walls a stylish, timeless, choice, or a dated home design decision? Spoiler alert: all four of our designers agreed, and their take might surprise you. Amy Leferink ofInterior Impressions Meet the Expert Want more design inspiration? The Short Answer? “Instead, abeautiful wallpaperin a small nook can create a chic moment in the space....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 137 words · Rebecca Tyler

Are Ants Nesting in Your Plant Pots? 8 Ways to Get Rid of Them ASAP

Meet the Expert Why Are Ants in Your Potted Plants? The most straightforward method is removing or changing your plants soil. you might do this by taking your plant outside and eliminating all the dirt. panida wijitpanya / Getty Images Next, repot your plant using a fresh bag of potting soil. Another method is encouraging the ants to leave your plant. First, determine if your plant can go without water for many days....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 357 words · Emily Martin

Are Ants Swarming Your Car? How to Get Rid of Them ASAP

Start by vacuuming your car out regularly to clean up any leftover food bits. Even an empty drink can be ant food. Use Ant Bait Near the Car Over-the-counter ant baits might help address the problem. The Spruce / Yurle Villegas Never place ant baits inside your car. Put the ant baits along already-established foraging trails. Ants communicate with pheromones. Artur Debat / Getty Images When your car has been thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed, clean up the scent trails, too....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 187 words · John Davis

Are Bats Taking Over Your Attic? How to Get Rid of Them ASAP, Backed By Pros

Unlike other pests, there are species of bats that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Call a pest expert immediately if you suspect bats are in your home. Theyll be able to eradicate the issue quickly and correctly according to your state and federal laws. imageBROKER/Dieter Mahlke/ Getty Images Want more cleaning and organizing tips? You might also notice staining on the siding. Bat droppings are small black pellets or cylinders that are about the size of a grain of rice....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 250 words · Juan Sanchez

Are Blue Orchids Real? Here's What to Know

The orchid, itself, is real. Unfortunately, the blue color of the blossom is not. Attempts by botanists and horticulturists to genetically modify plants to produce blue blooms have largely been unsuccessful. LUNAMARINA / Getty Images Dye is transported to the flowers via water through the xylem of the stem. Water-based dyes are not fixed, which means they can run and stain material they contact. Be sure to keep the flowers from getting wet if you purchase a blue phalaenopsis orchid....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 259 words · Samantha Roman

Are Candle Warmers and Burning Candles the Same? Why One Is Safer and Lasts Longer

Candle warmers have seen a rise in popularity in recent years and present an alternative to burning candles. What Is a Candle Warmer? Candle warmer lampscome in a variety of sizes, styles, and designs. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Should You Burn Your Candles? But should you burn your candles? Here are the pros and cons of lighting a candle. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Burning is still required for tea light, taper, and pillar candles unless you opt forflameless versions....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 151 words · Christina Hanson

Are Cleaning Products Harming Your Septic System? 5 You Should Skip, Plumbers Say

Meet the Expert Why Is It Important to Use Septic-Safe Cleaning Products? “You should completely change your cleaning habits if you have a septic tank.” FotoDuets / Getty Images Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Anna Puzatykh / Getty Images Powdered detergents contain surfactants and phosphates which can harm your septic tank. “Antibacterial soaps are not compatible with septic systems, and you should avoid them,” says Pen. That said, antibacterial soaps and cleaners used in moderation are tolerable for septic systems....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 178 words · Daniel Hall

Are Cleaning Vinegar and White Vinegar the Same? Why One Is Better for Tough Stains

The Spruce / Ana Cadena Distilled white vinegar gets high praise as anatural cleaning agent, and it should. Keep reading to learn about how the two can each be used to maximize efficiency and cleaning power. What Is Cleaning Vinegar? The Spruce / Ana Cadena Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Cleaning vinegar is the stronger, more concentrated version of distilled white vinegar. Specifically, cleaning vinegar contains approximately 6 percent acetic acid and 94 percent water....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 249 words · Courtney Diaz

Are Closed-Concept Layouts Back? Designers Say Yes

Theyre coveted for creating light and bright spaces where everyone can move about freely. Heres what to know about the latest design trend. “Add kids into the equation, and the noise amplifies. Mindy Gayer Aside from pure practicality, closed-concept layouts also create more unique environments throughout the home. Still, this doesnt mean open-concept living is gone for good. It’s all about balanceboth open and closed spaces can and should coexist in harmony,” she says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 195 words · John Flores

Are Dahlias Perennials or Annuals? We Share Everything You Need to Know

Read on for their advice and tips for growing dahlias. Are Dahlias Perennials or Annuals? Want more gardening tips? Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images Can Dahlias Be Grown as Perennials? The variety of dahlia does not matter. Rather, it is the growing conditions and environment that do. Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images Only if your growing zone does not freeze. Remember to always check your growing zone before determining whether or not to remove your dahlias from the ground....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 106 words · Matthew Bailey

Are Formal Dining Rooms Out of Style? Why Pro Designers Say They Might Make a Comeback

To find out whether formal dining rooms are unnecessary, we turned to three designers. Meet the Expert Are Formal Dining Rooms Back in Style? Niche Interiors According to Los Angeles-based designer Victoria Holly, formal dining rooms are experiencing a renaissance. Design byStudio Wellington/ Photo byLauren Chambers “Formal dining rooms are here to stay, and theyre experiencing a resurgence,” she says. Want more design inspiration? However, she notes that in contemporary homes, open-concept spaces are more fitting....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 133 words · Melissa Wilson MD