As we learn at a young age, water and electricity don’t play nice together. In fact, water is a conductor of electricity. This means “you can become electricity’s path to the ground if you are touching water that touches electricity,” warns the electric utility Edison International, adding, “It’s important to keep all electrical appliances...
For years, homeowners in coastal areas have experienced the disappointment of salt air corroding and pitting the finishes on their outdoor lanterns, detracting from the beauty of their homes. Some of the things we love about coastal areas, such as bright sun and briny air, can be detrimental to outdoor products. Color fading from...
The last two years have been filled with not-so-happy news, from the COVID-19 pandemic and mask mandates to product shortages, rising inflation, and the war in Ukraine. Our homes are where we feel safe and secure. Here’s some good news. How we decorate our homes can boost our mood and it doesn’t have to...
There are two schools of thought when it comes to decorating rooms: go completely neutral for a universally appealing, timeless look, or add spirited personality through bold color. Both approaches have their benefits and drawbacks. Too much of a neutral palette generates aesthetic blandness, while too much color can create visual overload. Fortunately, you...
If there’s one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s to embrace relaxing and entertaining in our backyards and front porches. As the days get longer and the temperatures warmer, you can enhance your enjoyment of your “outdoor living room” with some well-placed lamps and lighting fixtures. First, Set the Scene Check out your...
Going au naturel – opting for a bare face instead of makeup, choosing natural curls instead of chemical straightening – isn’t just a beauty trend, it’s also a growing preference in home décor. From the popularity of eco-friendly paints, sealants, and adhesives to sustainable and fast-growing natural materials such as bamboo, rattan, and water...
No matter where you live on the planet, the winter months show us just how dark our living spaces can be when there is less natural light available. Table and floor lamps bring visual comfort to seating areas, but if they’re the only sources of light in the room, there will be pockets of...
For decades, Americans entertained guests in a designated “living room,” which was more formal in look and feel, while families did their everyday relaxing in the more casual “family room.” As lifestyles became more casual and family activities grew, traditional living rooms and dining rooms fell by the wayside and larger open living spaces...
This year, the holidays are going to feel more normal as we go back to welcoming extended family and friends into our homes. We’re looking forward to football watching parties and other fall get-togethers just as much as we’re excited for the more formal gatherings over Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. The fall and...
Nothing says, “Come on in, we’ve been expecting you!” like a well-lit, welcoming entryway. Fall decorating starts in September with simple harvest-themed wreaths on the front door. By October, seasonal décor becomes more elaborate as Halloween approaches. Besides the playful addition of bundled cornstalks, bales of hay, or skeletons and ghosts, there is a...
