Were highlighting talented Black interior designers who are thriving in the industry today. Lauren Ashley is a Houston-based designer and the founder and CEO ofLauren Ashley Experiences. While growing up, my fascination with design was evident early on. The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Design byLauren Ashley Experiences/ Photo by Krytondra Mamou How would you describe your style and approach to designing spaces? It’s a client-focused approach that ensures the design represents their unique needs and aspirations....

Unless you have buried power lines, your house will have no electricity without the service drop. The service drop is the key element that funnels all of theelectricityinto your home. If your home does not have a service drop, it is supplied by similar cables running underground. Huntstock / Getty Images What an Electrical Service Drop Does All electricity to your home comes through the service drop. If the service drop goes down, allpower in your homewill shut off....

This “earth ground” is a very important part of yourelectrical systemto ensure electrical safety. What Are Ground Rods? Another option is to add a second ground rod. Kwangmoozaa / Getty Images Note:Most local jurisdictions and local power companies require the 2-ground rod method to pass inspection. Some counties also allow or require a footing or foundation ground connection for new construction. Whenever possible, ground rods should go into moist soil around your home....

Improve your windows without replacing them. Retrofit windows include ways to cut energy loss and save money without changing your existing windows. What Are Retrofit Windows? Hero Images / Getty Images Retrofit windows are modifications to existing windows that improve the windows' energy-saving capabilities. Retrofit window solutions can include modifications such as storm windows, interior window panels, and interior thermal blinds. Retrofits provide cost and energy savings whenreplacing windowsis not a viable option....

But there are a few things you should keep in mind when reusing potting soil. Meet the Expert How Do You Reuse Potting Soil? Made from in-ground soil,potting soilcontainsdirt, just like youd find in your yard. FangXiaNuo / Getty Images However, all is not lost just because your potting soil has celebrated its second anniversary. One of the easiest ways to reuse potting soil is to add it to existing flower beds andcompost bins....

Like most shrubs and trees,pruning can benefitthe health and appearance of rhododendrons as they mature. Heres everything you oughta know about rhododendron pruning including how and when to prune rhododendrons. This is especially true if you are just doing some light maintenance and thinning out. Martin Wahlborg / Getty Images Ask yourself what the end goal is (thinning out, reshaping, etc.) and determine how you will accomplish this goal. For the most part, rhododendrons respond best to thinning cuts versus heading cuts....

Use ribbon decorations as the main event or include them alongside lights and ornaments for a lush look. Check out these Christmas tree ribbon ideas in a range of sizes, styles, and colors for inspiration. Want more design inspiration? Design byKibler & Kirch/ Photo by Lucy Call Inspired By Charm used the ribbon to decorate this holiday lodge-style Christmas tree decorated with kitschy ornaments. Ribbon Garland Wrap your Christmas tree in a wide ribbon garland to tie your decor together....

chictype / Getty Images House interiors build up heat and moisture, especially in the attic. Keeping the attic dry andwell-ventilatedis important for preventing mold and for preserving the lifespan of your shingles. A ridge vent and anattic fanare additions that can ventilate and cool down attics. chictype / Getty Images Unlike attic fans, ridge vents are passive, not mechanical, ventilation devices. Next, cap shingles are often installed over the ridge vent for better appearance....

Home improvement storescarry two major classes of insulation: fiberglass and rigid foam. Both are designed for residential use. For example, rigid foam is commonly used forbasement wallinsulation because it resists the moisture from basement masonry walls. The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Fiberglass batts are typically insulated between wall studs, floor and ceiling joists, and roof rafters. In contrast to rigid foam, fiberglass is soft and flexible. The batts' thicknesses range from 3 1/2 to 12 inches....

The Rodgeria genus consists of six species and several cultivars. Somewhat comparable toastilbe,these plants grow taller (to 5 feet) with more decoration in the foliage. Rodgeria plants start to fade and take on a straggly appearance after five or six years. David Fenton / Getty Images Dividing healthy, mature plants and removing old foliage improves performance. Light To get the most from your rodgersia, provide the light recommended for your variety....

This philodendron is a hybrid of thePhilodendron tateiandPhilodendron imperial redthat was developed in Florida. In fact, both of these philodendrons are commonly referred to by the nickname red congo philodendron. Position it within a few feet of a bright window to ensure it gets enough light. The Spruce / Cori Sears While bright indirect light is best, this philodendron can also grow in medium indirect light. Soil Like most philodendrons, the Rojo Congo appreciatesairy, well-draining soil....

Still, it’s a good temporary roofing option for residences or serviceable roofing for functional structures like outbuildings. Dimensions Rolled roofing comes in rolls of 100 square feet. One MSR roofing roll is usually about 36 feet long by 36 inches wide. Doralin Tunas / Getty Images A roofing roll is about the size of one composite shingle square. Square is a roofing term that refers to one roofing unit of 100 square feet....

It is used for nearly all residential electrical devices such asGFCI outlets,lights, and walloutlets. Learn the similarities between NM wire and Romex wire. What Is Non-Metallic (NM) Electrical Cable? The Spruce / Kevin Norris Here’s a more in-depth look. Older NM cable may use a white outer jacket, regardless of the wire gauge of the individual conductors. Tomake connectionswith devices, cablesheathing is ripped laterallywith a metal rig called a cable ripper....