Voles vs. Moles: What's the Difference?

A vole burrows below the surface and can also mess up your yard. These two small animals both resemble rodents and live underground, so it’s easy to get them confused. Here’s how to tell the difference between voles and moles. Illustration: © The Spruce, 2018 So, how do you know if it’s a vole or a mole? Both are furry little creatures that burrow underground and can damage landscaping. They are not rodents like voles....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 577 words · Meghan Sparks

Wait, Are Chrome Fixtures Really Back in Style? We Asked Designers for the Scoop

We surveyed four designers to get their take on whether or not chrome is coming back in style. “I have started to see an uptick in orders of silver-toned hardware this year,” she says. Want more design inspiration? Erin Williamson Design Zhang partially credits chrome’s comeback to another design trend. “Were definitely seeing silver finishes like chrome making a comeback in hardware,” he says. “More and more people arechoosing to mix finishesrather than limit themselves to just one throughout their space....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 186 words · Brian Copeland

Wait, Are Circular Beds In? What Designers Really Think About Curved Furniture

Visually, they soften a space and make a house orapartment feel cozier. asks designer and color consultant Daniela Araya. Wavy curves and shapes may pique your interest but it might be hard to put your finger on why. Laura Brophy Interiors However, there is scientifically-backed reasoning behind these feelings of delight. “Curved furniture creates a shift in how we experience space,” says principal interior designer Christine Jahan. “Science backs it up: soft, organic shapes naturally put you at ease....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 284 words · Seth Kim

Wait, Do Sunflowers Really Kill Other Plants? What a Plant Expert Recommends

But lately, there’s been an idea circulating that these flowers are essentially garden vampires. Meet the Expert Do Sunflowers Kill Other Plants? That’s not just limited tocompanion planting for sunflowers, though. Adèle Beausoleil / Unsplash When you put any plants together that aren’t well matched, chaos can ensue. Warner says that if non-companion plants are planted together, it can increase the likelihood of pests and diseases. Want more gardening tips?...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 131 words · Lisa Randall

Wait, Do You Need to Wash Towels After Every Use? A Laundry Pro Weighs In

However, should you be washing your towels after every use? How often is often enough? Does the answer depend on the key in of towel? The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala We spoke to a laundry and cleaning expert to address these common questions. Meet the Expert Elizabeth Shieldsis the Operations Manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville. How Often Should You Wash Towels? How often you should wash your towels depends on their key in and use....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 353 words · Wayne Anderson

Wait, Is Your Living Room Actually a Drawing Room? Designers Explain the Difference

Kate Marker Interiors Originating centuries ago, drawing rooms were traditionally adult-only spaces for receiving and entertaining guests. Meet the Expert Mary Patton Design What Is a Drawing Room? “It would be decorated to show off wealth and opulence.” Kate Marker Interiors While drawing rooms have evolved, their purpose remains similar. Being more formal in nature, drawing rooms reflect this in their decor. Luxurious fabrics, chandeliers, and ornate furniture are often part of the decor....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 153 words · Megan Thompson

Wait, There's Even a 2024 Scent of the Year? Hear It First from Febreze

If your nose wants to know, Febreze has you covered. Febreze has been pegging a defining scent of the year since 2022 with their selection,ember. Febrezes Romance and Desire scent has notes of pink rose petals and citrusy sparkling wine. The Spruce / Letícia Almeida It encourages camaraderie and brings people together for personal bonding and closeness. Like most Febreze scents, it comesin air fresheners, wax melts, or plug-ins. After all, we arent only focused on scents for our significant others....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 144 words · Lisa Miller

Walk-In Shower Costs, Styles, and Pros and Cons

They also make your space feel larger. Thanks to stain- and moisture-resistant tile, they’re easy to keep clean. Installing a walk-in showeroffers many possibilities, from rainfall showerheads to steam baths. The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto And, most of all, they’re beautiful in any bathroom, no matter your style. These showers significantly benefit people with mobility issues or impairments, older people, or children. What Is a Walk-in Shower? Chelius House of Design...

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 572 words · Todd Davis

Wall Oven vs Range Comparison Guide

You may not need much oven space. or, you may be an avid cook or baker who entertains weekly. Whichever the case, let’s dig into the specific pros and cons of each choice. The Spruce / Leticia Almeida Many view this as a huge “pro,” especially when transporting hot foods. Range Ranges have as many features as wall ovens. However, you’re free to easily find a gas range versus a gas wall oven....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 453 words · Daniel Kent

Want a Carnivorous Plant Terrarium? Now Is the Best Time to Make One—Here's How

Katrin_Timoff / Getty Images Carnivorous plants are some of the most fascinating species in nature. What is a Carnivorous Plant Terrarium? Terrariumsprovide an attractive way to display plants that trap insects as their food source. Katrin_Timoff / Getty Images Want more gardening tips? Otherwise, plan to feed your plants every two weeks or so. Here are some options forfeeding carnivorous plants. The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala Carnivorous plants with similar growing conditions can be grown in the same vessel....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 108 words · Erin Saunders

Want a Kitchen Island But Short on Space? Here's How to Get the Look for Less

xavierarnau / Getty Images If youre short on space, you often have to get creative with your layout. In thekitchen of a small apartment, an island might not fit or feel the most practical. However, many designers and decor influencers have opted for a different choice: modular kitchen islands. xavierarnau / Getty Images These furniture pieces are easily movable, often set on wheels. Curious about the new trend? Want more design inspiration?...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 229 words · Sheila Meyers

Want Delicious Green Beans? Here's the Exact Right Time to Pick Them

Brytta / Getty Images Green beansare one of the most popular vegetables for home gardens. They grow quickly, produce heavy yields, and don’t need much attention. But you do have to know when to pick them. Brytta / Getty Images They have edible pods with different shapes and sizes of edible beans on the inside which are actually seeds. Once the actual beans inside plump up and get fully ripe, pods can can get tough or pithy....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 221 words · Randy Oneill

Want Softer Towels? Wash Them With These Household Ingredients Next Time, Pros Say

We were curious to know if they could be usedfor cleaning towels as well. Meet the Expert Can You Wash Towels With Vinegar & Baking Soda? Vinegar kills bacteria, while baking soda removes odors and softens fabric, explains laundry pro Ocean Van. John Keeble / Getty images This makes vinegar and baking soda a particularly great option for washing hand towels and kitchen towels. Want more cleaning and organizing tips?...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 131 words · Andrew Austin