What Is a Gazebo Used For?

These free-standing pavilions provide shelter in public spaces and large yards. A gazebo is a freestanding, open garden structure, sometimes hexagonal or octagonal, with a roof. Mostgazebosare constructed of wood or metal and have built-in seating inside the sheltered area. The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova To add a sense of enclosure and privacy, latticework or outdoor curtains or drapes are sometimes used. Read on to learn more about this unique structure....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 317 words · Andrew Morales

What Is a Granny Flat?

It is commonly designed to host aging relatives, long-stay friends, or as an income-producing rental unit. What Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit? It is a separate additional living unit, including kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities. Design byMarie Flanigan Interiors/ Photo by Julie Soefer These structures are generally more budget-friendly and sustainable since they rely on existing architecture rather than building from scratch. They generally take less time to renovate than a new build....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 107 words · Robert Carter

What Is a Humidistat and Do You Need One?

It automatically turns ahumidifierordehumidifieron or off based on whether the room is meeting the desired humidity setting. Read on to learn more about a humidistat and if you need one in your home. What Is a Humidistat? Alex Tihonov/Getty Images A humidistat is a humidity switch. It has a sensing element made of alternate metal conductors on a flat plate. Humidity sensors have an average lifespan of around 10 years....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 403 words · Ebony Allen

What Is a Jib Door? What You Need to Know Before Installing This Hidden Feature

They’re functional, pragmatic, and can blend in seamlessly with any design aesthetic. Meet the Expert Why Should You Choose a Jib Door? Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? AhA!nteriors Any general contractor can install conventional doors on butt hinges. A jib door is a door made flush with a wall without dressings or moldings. It’s often hidden or camouflaged by finishings or decorations of the wall across its surface....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 91 words · Michael Spencer

What Is a Junction Box?

These metal or plastic boxes house and safely protect a structure’s electrical connections. Theelectrical casingscome in many sizes and types for various applications. National and local building codes necessitate the key in of junction boxes needed for certain applications. The Spruce / Ana Cadena An encasedRomex wireruns from the main electrical panel (or a subpanel) to the junction box. Wires connect to the original Romex wire and get distributed to other fixture boxes....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 253 words · Michael Henry

What Is a Keeping Room?

Looking to learn more about keeping rooms and possibly design your own? Below, designers chime in with the historical background, furniture suggestions, and more. Meet the Expert Karen Wolf is an interior designer and the Creative Principal and owner ofk+co LIVING. Design:Case Architects & Remodelers/ Photo:Stacy Zarin Goldberg Noel Gattsis an interior designer and HGTV personality. She’s also the owner of New Jersey-based design firm,beam & bloom interiors. Caroline Moore is a designer and interiors specialist atCase Architects & Remodelers....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 201 words · Thomas Lang

What Is a Kitchenette? The Difference Between a Kitchen and a Kitchenette

They can be just as efficient and have everything you should probably make some simple meals. Despite their small size, they’re surprisingly space-efficient. Blanco Bungalow Kitchenette vs. The Spruce / Joules Garcia Kitchen: What’s the Difference? Think of the kitchenette as thekitchen’spint-size sibling. Arbor & Co. How Big Are Kitchenettes? Blanco Bungalow They’re often tucked in corners or into awkward nooks, making use of otherwise-wasted space. Where Are Kitchenettes Found? In the home, kitchenettes often serve as additional cooking space in areas far away from the main kitchen....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 251 words · Richard Gomez

What Is a Lally Column: Everything You Need to Know

What Is a Lally Column? A lally column is a steel column used to temporarily or permanently support anunsupported joistor beam. Temporary Lally Columns Lally columns can be temporary or permanent. photovs / Getty Images The scope of your project and structural needs will determine which one is necessary. When in doubt, consult a structural engineer for guidance on choosing a temporary or permanent column. Brace the joists of floors with temporary columns when removing a load-bearing wall....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 328 words · Jennifer Church

What Is a Lanai vs. a Porch, Patio, or Veranda?

Meet the Expert What Is a Lanai? A lanai is a roofed porch, sometimes screen-enclosed or with one wall open to the outdoors. Because they’re mostly enclosed, lanais are usable for a larger portion of the year. Diana Lombard Interiors “They offer shade and protection from the sun.” The term “lanai” means “roofed porch” in Hawaiian, where the concept originated. Tip What Is a Porch? Design:Nesting Place Interiors/ Photo:Muriel Silva...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 283 words · James Gibson

What Is a Loft in a House?

Meet the Expert What Is a Loft? A loft is an elevated area inside of a home that is accessible via a flight of stairs. Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images Where Are Lofts Found? The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto Lofts are most commonly found in contemporary or industrial-style homes. A home’s architectural style will influence a loft’s specific appearance. They may be accompanied by exposed brick walls as well as exposed beams or ductwork as well....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 232 words · Christina Lynch

What Is a Loggia?

A loggia is an Italian word for a covered outdoor corridor or gallery usually attached to the main residence. The space would typically incorporate architectural columns and arches into its design. The word’s origin is from the mid-18th century from the Italian word for “lodge.” Otto Stadler / Getty Images Some loggias faced a central courtyard which made the airy spaces easily accessible from inside the home. Lengthy loggias allowed for strolling, sitting, and dining in both residential and commercial structures....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 190 words · Thomas Medina

What Is a McMansion? History, Characteristics, and Criticism

McMansions are the architectural equivalent of fast foodgeneric, mass-produced, dubiously constructed, and inexplicably popular. Image Source / Getty Images How much does it cost to buy a McMansion? The cost of a McMansion varies according to its size, location, building materials, and features. hikesterson / Getty Images you could find McMansions for sale for as little as $300,000 and up into the millions of dollars. What’s the difference between a mansion and a McMansion?...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 92 words · Gary Johnson

What Is a Parlor Room? How to Make the Most of This Living Space

They can be used to welcome guests and, as such, often feature the home’s best furnishings. Why is it called a Parlour Room? This is fitting as a parlour is a room in a house where people can meet and greet. Design:Case Architects & Remodelers/ Photo:Stacy Zarin Goldberg In Turkey, it is actually called a kiosk. Due their lack of a television, the parlor room shouldn’t feature lounge-like furniture, Cole says....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Micheal Kelly