The Spruce / Margot Cavin Developing an orderly process is crucial inhome remodeling. Process is an easy call for some tasks: insulation beforedrywall, for example. What aboutinterior wall paintingand floor refinishing? The Spruce / Margot Cavin Should you paint or refinish floors first? Generally, you should paint first, refinish floors second. By painting first, you avoid dripping wet paint on a refinished floor. So, look at both sides and come to the conclusion that works best for you....

Kantz notes that painting trims a dark color can be easier within a smaller, enclosed room. When working with a larger, open-concept layout, she offers some additional considerations. “Different styles may have specific color palettes and design conventions,” McCollum says. Design byTaylor Johnson/ Photo byEmily Bolt “Consider how the chosen trim color aligns with the overall style and character of the room.” Design byTaylor Johnson/ Photo byEmily Bolt @we3dwellingsokc/ Instagram...

So,shouldyou paint your fridge? The short answer is maybebut our design experts say to proceed carefully. These are the pros, cons, and considerations to keep in mind before you pick up that paintbrush. John Keeble / Getty Images Just like in the rest of your home,kitchen design and decor stylesare very personal choices. Want more design inspiration? “Painting a fridge can definitely be a bold and budget-friendly way to bring character to a kitchen....

One question that usually leads to debate is whether or not silverware should be loaded up or down. As it turns out, there is a right answerand it might not be what you think. Its best to load them facing down or facing away from us to avoid accidental cuts, she says. The Spruce / Dera Burreson Celebrity chef Marcela Valladolid agrees. I recommend positioning handles up and sharp edges pointed down, she says....

Learn when, why, and how to prune a Japanese maple to keep your tree healthy and beautiful. Pruning at this time reduces the risk of subjecting the tree to stress or disease. Avoid major pruning in the late spring and summer during its active growth period. kornyeyeva / Getty Images The new growth is more susceptible to extreme weather and pest damage. Fall is theworst time to prune treesas it makes them more vulnerable to frost damage....

Not all suckers need to be removed from mature plants. Pruning indeterminate tomatoes also allows more space forextra plants in the garden. If you let all the suckers grow, your plants will become heavy and out of control. The Spruce / Michele Lee Determinate In contrast, determinate varieties of tomatoes dont require any pruning at all. When to Prune Tomato Suckers Pruning can take place throughout the growing season. At planting time, remove the lower leaves and bury the stem deeply in the soil....

It will depend on the exact shape of your room plus the specific goal you want to achieve. It opens up the area behind your headboard for storage possibilities. While a dresser behind your bed will work, think bigger if your room lacks a built-in closet. vicnt / Getty Images “There are several reasons to have a floating bed in your room,” McKay says. Putting your bed at an angle to accommodate the best view may make bedside table placement tricky....

Butshouldyou store a microwave on top of the fridge? While storing your microwave on top of therefrigeratormay seem convenient, most microwave manuals advise against it. From efficiency to aesthetics, there are many reasons to avoid keeping your microwave on top of the fridge. Jacek Kadaj / Getty Images “I wouldn’t say that it would start a fire, but it’s certainly not safe.” In fact, refrigerators often require their own dedicated circuit, because they can draw up to 20 amps....

The right rug will complement existing flooring to give your dining room a finished look. Should You Put a Rug Under the Dining Room Table? Having a rug underfoot will enhance comfort, protect flooring, and absorb sound. Mary Patton Design Want more design inspiration? What Size Rug Should You Put Under a Dining Table? Here are the minimum sizes of rug that you should choose to put undercommon dining room table dimensions....

The Spruce / Jason Donnelly We all want what is best forour beloved houseplants. Here, we ask three experts to explain why and what you’re free to do instead. Meet the Expert Should You Put Rocks at the Bottom of a Planter? The Spruce / Jason Donnelly Putting rocks in the bottom of a planter is a bit of a hot topic in the houseplant world. She notes that salt builds up in this water and creates an overall toxic environment for the roots....

One way to jumpstart seeds is to rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water. But is soaking every jot down of seed really necessary? Meet the Expert Do Seeds Need to Be Soaked Before Planting? The Spruce / Brie Goldman Not all seeds need to be soaked before planting, but some types will definitely benefit from this treatment. Want more gardening tips? The seeds should not remain in water for more than 8-12 hours....

The answer is no, but if composted properly, it won’t hurt the plants. We share everything you better know about using coffee grounds for tomato plants in the garden. But,scattering coffee groundson the top of the soil or even working it in slightly is not effective. Getty Images / ChiccoDodiFC The caffeine residues in the used coffee grounds can actually suppress germination and slow the growth of some plants. Want more gardening tips?...

Houses are the same. This is a big decision that requires careful consideration. How Long Will You Stay in Your Home? The Spruce / Margot Cavin Physical elements of a home are on a timer. The minute the hammer strikes your house for the last time, that timer starts ticking. Exterior paint might last up to seven years, but more like five years in inclement climates. As a bonus, you had the pleasure of living in a new house during those 15 years....