Learn the key differences The Spruce / Michela Buttignol What do you have more of, time or money? A freezer without self-defrost is known as a manual defrost freezer. With a self-defrosting freezer, the appliance’s heating elements cycle on and off throughout the day. The Spruce / Michela Buttignol A manual defrost freezer relies on the owner to remove the excess frost and ice from the cavity. Key Features Self-Defrosting Self-defrost (or frost-free) is acleaningdesign feature in freezers....

Were highlighting talented Black interior designers who are thriving in the industry today. Studio KT What made you decide that being a designer was your calling? The joy and confidence this experience sparked in me revealed my innate passion for design. The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Design byStudio KT As I transitioned into adulthood, I found myself on the path to law school. However, a desire to break out of my comfort zone and explore my creative instincts prompted a reevaluation....

before you roll your journey into self-sufficient gardening, read what experts have to say about the topic. Meet the Expert What Is Self-Sufficient Gardening? A garden in itself can be self-sufficient when it relies as little as possible on external materials and supplies. zmijak / Getty Images Examples areusing compostinstead of commercial fertilizer,saving seedsfor planting, andcompanion plantingfor natural pest control. Want more gardening tips? Bordessa adds that growing your own food may also reduce your grocery bill....

It helps to know the difference between these two finishes when choosing paint for a room. Semi-Gloss vs. While satin and semi-gloss have similar sheens,semi-gloss paint reflects more light than satin paint. The Spruce / Kevin Norris Semi-Gloss Paint Semi-gloss paint has a sheen that reflects a high amount of light. It isshinier than eggshell, satin, and pearl, yet flatter than high gloss. Semi-gloss is rarely used on walls. The Spruce / Kevin Norris...

Avoid most trees, shrubs, or water-loving plants with deep roots. Aggressively growing roots can damage the septic system. Read on to determine which plants are the best and worst to grow over a septic system. The Spruce / K. Dave Their shallow root systems are less likely to invade the septic system and cause damage. For the same reason, small, non-woodyground coversare a good choice. So, a specimen 50 feet tall at maturity should stand at least 50 feet away....

They both have electrical current flowing through wires, but that’s where the likeness ends. A series circuit is a closed circuit where the current follows one path. If one part of the circuit fails, the entire circuit fails. The Spruce / Michela Buttignol With a parallel circuit, the circuit remains intact. Devices tap into the circuit, and the failure of one gadget will not affect the entire circuit. What Is a Series Circuit?...

Pipe assessment is never an elective activity. Often, the punch in of sewer pipe running through your yard corresponds with theage of your house. Sewer Pipe in Newer vs. The Spruce / Paige McLaughlin In some rare instances, you may find older cast-iron or clay sewer lines at a new house. Older homes might even have newer PVC or ABS plastic sewer pipes. As the years wear on, sewer systems deteriorate....

Margot Cavin / The Spruce Standard vinyl flooring still plays a major role in residential flooring. The two forms of standard vinyl flooringsheet vinyl and vinyl tilesshare many of the same advantages. But there are also key differences between the two types, making each particularly well suited for certain applications. Margot Cavin / The Spruce Both are relatively thin materials, as little as 1/16 inch thick. (Luxury vinyl planks, by comparison, can be as much as 1/3 inch thick....

So whats the best way to proceed? The pieces you do select dont have to be expensive, either. Flea markets and thrift stores are full of gems of all kinds. The Spruce / Michelle Becker Try stacks of two, four, or even five, if your shelf height allows. Stand some books verticallyyou can always cap them off with artful bookends, which add both personality and function. The same rule applies to materialsspread out your metals, glasses, and porcelains....

She sees it working anywhere you need a light and airy touch of joy and happiness. Blues are always really useable, across the globe, Wadden says. People have such positive connections with blue, so it can be used in many, many applications. Sherwin-Williams As seen in the below bathroom, it reads perfectly earthy and light. “Thats what we want to push forward in 2024, and Upward really fits the bill.”...

Sherwin-Williams Beloved paint brand Sherwin-Williams already is coming in with 2025 color forecasting. Meet the Expert Sue WaddenisSherwin-Williams’director of color marketing. Chrysalis Chrysalis focuses on minimalist, raw shades that create a calming ambiance and celebrate simplicity. Sherwin-Williams It represents transformation and growth, which is perfect for new beginnings. This capsule includes wood and earth tones. Expect vibrant bright shades and grounding neutrals. Sherwin-Williams “This palette presents the idea of embracing opposites to create harmony,” Wadden says....

What Is Shiplap? This L-shaped joinery is called a rabbet. Shiplap can be used for many things, but it’s often found on interior and exterior walls. poligonchik / Getty Images Color-match it to your walls to increase its subtlety or choose a contrasting shade to make a bigger statement. Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? What Is Tongue and Groove? The Spruce / Jacob Fox This pop in of joint is called a dado....

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. )are in the mix, too. Prices start as little as $60, and deals are as high as$600 off. The Spruce / David Hattan Did we mention that our reigning favorite vacuum, theLevoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, is also among the deals? This is the vacuum jot down for you if you like to clean in quick spurts. Its even secured a coveted spot in the cleaning closet ofone of our editors whos a vacuum expert....