Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2025-10-02T14:01:00

(BPT) – In the U.S. today, low-income families face a shortage of over 7 million affordable homes. This housing shortage, coupled with the scarcity of low-income rental opportunities, is leading to a crisis that has caused homelessness to increase nationwide.

The crucial need for families to find safe, affordable homes spurs the urgent efforts of a number of non-profit organizations around the country, such as the well-known Habitat for Humanity. The organization is driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live. Habitat homeowners are also empowered by helping to build their own homes alongside volunteers, and they pay an affordable mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity benefits from sponsorship by companies that can provide sustainable, resilient and climate-resistant building materials. For example, James Hardie Building Projects, a North American leader in fiber cement exterior design solutions, shows its ongoing support through sponsorship of the Habitat for Humanity 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project and their Habitat Strong efforts.

Impacts of climate on the housing market

From causing homes to be more vulnerable to damage to dramatically increasing insurance costs, extreme weather events are exacerbating the housing crisis in many areas of the country. This makes it even more important for the Habitat Strong initiative to concentrate its efforts on climate-resilient housing.

To help support this aim, James Hardie is focusing on constructing homes that can withstand extreme weather events while maintaining their affordability and energy efficiency. James Hardie’s durable siding products play a critical role as they are noncombustible* and provide unparalleled protection against moisture, pests and severe weather. Together with Habitat, the company is helping families thrive in their homes while also preparing for the increasing impacts of climate change.

Meeting local affordable housing needs, one project at a time

With continuing focus on sustainable, resilient and affordable housing, the Habitat Strong efforts aim to empower families and communities in the U.S. and internationally, while also advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing housing challenges, project by project.

For example, in Austin, Texas, the flagship event for the Habitat for Humanity 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project represents the organization’s legacy of bringing people together to build homes and communities by focusing on the urgent need for affordable, sustainable housing.

As a Dream Builder sponsor, James Hardie will support construction of safe, affordable homes in Austin, and contribute to the project’s larger goal of uplifting the lives of homeowners who face housing insecurity.

Giving back through focused fundraising

To continue making a difference toward easing the housing crisis, the 2025 inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational event raised significant funds to support the work of Habitat for Humanity, with donations contributing directly to the construction of new homes.

The fundraising efforts of the Invitational have made lasting impacts, including construction of a home built in collaboration with the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2024. This positive momentum continues as James Hardie looks forward to the 2026 Invitational and anticipated contributions to affordable housing initiatives.

World Habitat Day and beyond

James Hardie celebrates World Habitat Day on October 6 with renewed support for Habitat for Humanity at a time when finding affordable housing is becoming increasingly challenging for many families. Through financial donations, volunteering or building awareness, Habitat and its corporate sponsors work to help families achieve greater stability and self-reliance through affordable, safe, climate-resilient housing.

The commitment from James Hardie helps Habitat for Humanity continue their life-changing work in communities around the country, through projects and initiatives that meet the needs of the moment — from their focus on affordable housing to using more energy-efficient and climate-ready modern materials like Hardie^® products.

Learn more about James Hardie’s ongoing support for Habitat for Humanity and their Habitat Strong program, as well as the company’s products, by visiting JamesHardie.com.

*Hardie^® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden a home against external fire.

2025-10-01T11:01:00

(BPT) – Have you considered installing a solar generator? Whether you want to be prepared for power outages and other emergencies, live off-grid or want to reduce your monthly energy bill, a solar home generator can get the job done.

However, if you’ve been sitting on the decision for a while, you could be missing out on thousands of dollars of savings. Read on to find out why now is the perfect time to purchase a solar generator and claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit.

What is the Residential Clean Energy Credit?

Solar home generators can be expensive, making them cost-prohibitive for many homeowners. Thanks to the Residential Clean Energy Credit, investing in this reliable, sustainable energy source for home use has become more affordable. The tax credit allows homeowners who purchase and install a qualifying solar generator to write off 30% of the purchase and installation costs.

However, homeowners will not be able to claim the tax credit after this year. Due to recent legislation, homeowners who want to save money on purchasing a solar generator need to act fast and purchase and install their generators before Dec. 31, 2025.

Am I eligible?

If you have purchased a new solar generator, you may be eligible to claim the tax credit. Not all products qualify, so it’s important to find models that meet the criteria.

Jackery — global leader of innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions — offers many solar generators that qualify for the Residential Clean Energy Credit. When you purchase a qualifying Jackery product of over 3kWh capacity and have it professionally installed via a manual transfer switch, automatic transfer switch, or smart transfer switch, you can claim a 30% tax credit, reducing your overall cost. Depending on the price of the model, you may be able to claim the tax credit to cover the installation fee for the generator setup.

For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is one of the most trusted solar generators for homes. It can power almost all household appliances. It has 12 output ports to power multiple appliances, such as fridges, computers, home servers, routers and more, and can be connected to a home’s crucial circuits through Jackery’s Smart Transfer Switch. According to Jackery, the standard price of this particular solar generator bundled with the Smart Transfer Switch is currently $2,799. If you are eligible to claim the tax credit, you could save as much as $839, reducing the net cost to $1,959.30 before installation.

The brand new Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus connected to a home through a manual transfer switch is eligible for the credit at even lower costs up-front, along with many other bundle options from Jackery.

Don’t wait until the end of the year

With the end of 2025 in sight, it’s time to start the process of purchasing and installing your essential home backup solar generator. It’s a practical and reliable way to ensure you always have power when you need it most.

Not sure how to get started? Jackery offers a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the tax credit. To learn more about eligible Jackery products, the Residential Clean Energy Credit and solar power, visit Jackery.com.

2025-10-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – October is Kitchen & Bath Month — time to give the two hardest-working spaces in your home a fresh look. From morning chaos to evening wind-downs, kitchens and baths set the tone for daily life. This year’s top surface trends — Restorative Retreats, Coastal Luxe, Moody Mid-Century and Hidden Gems — blend style, performance and practicality. Think spa-worthy bathrooms, bright and airy kitchens, bold retro vibes and clever small-space statements. Here are four ways to make everyday living feel extraordinary.

1. Restorative Retreats

Turn your bathroom into a serene sanctuary with Japanese-inspired design. Clean lines, soft neutrals and warm wood tones create balance and calm. Wetwall™ Waterproof Wall Panels bring spa-worthy veining and textures to showers, bath surrounds or accent walls — no demolition required. Style meets function in every corner.

2. Coastal Luxe

Light, airy and effortlessly chic. Scandinavian simplicity meets coastal vibes in bright kitchens with multifunctional islands, fluted details and soft curves. Wilsonart^® Quartz designs like Glencoe, Marathi Marble and Bregava offer a stunning alternative to Taj Mahal quartzite, providing the elegance of natural stone with nonporous, low-maintenance durability. Everyday luxury has never been easier.

3. Moody Mid-Century

Deep tones, bold shapes and layered textures bring retro sophistication to modern life. LUJO^® TFL from Wilsonart adds wood-inspired finishes and luxury matte textures to cabinetry and wall panels — melding mid-century style with contemporary durability. Entertain, relax, repeat.

4. Hidden Gems

Small spaces, big impact. Jewel-toned pantries, tucked-away bars and clever storage nooks shine with Traceless™ by Wilsonart. Its ultra-matte, fingerprint-resistant finish and velvet-touch feel bring bold style and effortless performance to compact spaces, turning them into stylish, functional showpieces.

This Kitchen & Bath Month, these four trends show that kitchens and baths can be more than just workhorses, they can be statement spaces. With surfaces that balance performance and beauty, they invite fresh ideas for creating rooms that truly shine.

2025-09-30T05:27:00

(BPT) – Designing or renovating your bathroom is the perfect opportunity to incorporate sustainable features. By carefully choosing materials and products that focus on reducing waste, you can do your part to conserve natural resources and design a bathroom that meets your needs and aesthetics.

Check out these three expert tips that can help you design your bathroom with sustainability and beauty in mind.

1. Design with recycled materials

The best way to start your sustainable bathroom journey is by carefully choosing recycled materials that transform waste into something beautiful and meaningful. For example, Kohler WasteLAB takes landfill-bound waste materials left over from the manufacturing process and converts them into functional and stylish tiles.

The brand’s Landshapes, Transcendence, Abstra and Crackle tile collections are made using recovered dry pottery cull, cast iron slag, waste glaze and filter cake, which are then meticulously handcrafted in small batches by artisans. The result? Stunning tiles that speak to sustainable luxury and suit many bathroom design styles.

The Kohler WasteLAB also handcrafts a Vox bathroom sink. Available in Ashen and Eggshell, the WasteLAB Vox is a testament to Kohler’s commitment to craftsmanship and circular design.

2. Replace your old toilet with a water-saving model

When you think about your water use, do you think about your toilet? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), toilets account for nearly 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption.

A simple and smart way to save water is by installing an EPA WaterSense-certified toilet. The agency claims that by replacing an old, inefficient toilet with a WaterSense-labeled model, the average family can reduce water used for toilets by 20%-60%.

Choose a WaterSense-certified smart toilet like Kohler’s Veil smart toilet. The toilet’s bold minimalist design and water-saving technology effortlessly marry comfort and water conservation.

In addition to a full suite of convenient and comfort-focused features — including a heated seat, nightlight, hands-free opening/closing and automatic flush, plus a touch-screen remote — the smart toilet offers a pump-assisted dual flush that delivers peak flush performance every time.

3. Stay aware and adjust your habits

Installing water-saving products in your home is just the first step of a more comprehensive approach to bathroom sustainability. When designing an eco-conscious bathroom, you need to shift your mindset, which requires water use awareness.

Installing a smart showering system like Kohler’s Anthem+ is a great example of how Kohler designers have paired mindful water usage with an unparalleled showering experience. A sleek, minimalist display lets you configure and control temperature and flow, steam, light and sounds, creating a personalized shower experience every time.

The built-in eco mode automatically displays water usage after every shower, promoting a more mindful use of this precious resource. Paired with the Kohler Konnect app, you can monitor your water use over time so you can live more sustainably without compromising comfort.

Are you ready to elevate your bathroom with the environment in mind?

Elegance and sustainability can go hand in hand. Using these three tips, you’ll be well on your way to designing or renovating your bathroom. To find more bathroom design inspirations with eco features, visit Kohler.com.

2025-09-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – When designing or renovating a bathroom, attention often centers on the elements we see every day: striking tile, bold fixtures and dramatic lighting. These features certainly contribute to a room’s style, but seasoned designers know true luxury often comes from quieter choices — the ones that aren’t immediately visible yet completely transform how a space looks, feels and functions.

One of the most powerful of these design choices is the decision to build elements into the wall. Geberit’s Sigma and Omega in-wall systems conceal the tank and hardware, creating a streamlined, open aesthetic that adds calm and clarity to a space. This subtle decision is increasingly embraced in high-end homes, condominiums and luxury hotels, including the newly renovated Waldorf Astoria in New York, where timeless elegance depends on thoughtful design choices.

Why Quiet Choices Matter

Bathrooms are deeply personal spaces, where design meets daily ritual. Unlike a living room or kitchen, these spaces must balance style and utility in equal measure. By prioritizing what sits behind the wall, homeowners and designers gain the freedom to create cleaner lines, maximize floor space and reduce clutter. The result is a bathroom that feels lighter, simpler and more elegant — one that reflects the principles of quiet luxury, where intentional choices enhance the experience without demanding attention.

These understated decisions often have the most lasting impact. They don’t overwhelm the eye, yet they fundamentally reshape how a room is lived in. It’s a shift from asking, “What can I add to make this space more impressive?” to, “What can I remove to make this space more livable?”

Maximizing Space, Expanding Possibilities

Bathrooms are often the most space-conscious rooms in a home or hotel room, where every inch matters. Concealed in-wall systems immediately free up square footage, making layouts more flexible and movement more comfortable. That additional space creates opportunities designers wouldn’t otherwise have — floating vanities, wall-hung toilets and the freedom to position fixtures in ways that open up new design possibilities.

In compact urban condos, this can mean the difference between a cramped bathroom and one that feels expansive. In large luxury estates, it allows for statement finishes and architectural details to shine without visual clutter. Even in boutique hotels or high-traffic commercial environments, this simple decision creates rooms that feel tailored, intentional and elevated.

Small Details, Lasting Impact

Of course, even the most refined in-wall system still has the toilet bowl and the flush actuator plate. While it may seem like a minor detail, the flush actuator plate is one of the most frequently touched points in a bathroom, blending intuitive functionality with an opportunity for subtle design expression.

Geberit offers the widest range of actuator plates to suit different styles, from modern and minimal to warm and classic. The Sigma40, for example, recently earned the 2025 iF Design Award, demonstrating how even the smallest detail can be recognized on a global stage. Available in finishes and materials that complement any vision, actuator plates prove that the most modest features often carry the most influence.

Redefining Bathroom Luxury

Quiet luxury isn’t about minimalism for its own sake. It’s about design decisions that enhance daily living without overpowering it. Geberit’s Sigma and Omega in-wall systems, paired with actuator plates like the 2025 iF Design award-winning Sigma40, show how what happens behind the wall can have the biggest impact.

From private homes to world-famous hotels, these quiet design choices are reshaping modern bathrooms. They provide more space, more freedom and more refinement — all while working quietly in the background. In the end, the true mark of luxury isn’t always the statement you make. Sometimes, it’s the choice you don’t see.

2025-09-23T15:09:00

(BPT) – With the colder months approaching and more time spent indoors, now is the perfect opportunity to refresh and refine your living spaces.

From painting cabinets to window frames, simple updates can create a warmer, more inviting atmosphere for the season and help protect and preserve the beauty of your home’s interior for years to come. If you’re considering selling your home, refreshing your living areas is also a great way to boost its value before putting the house on the market next spring.

Five Star Painting knows the power of an interior refresh. Consider its top eight interior enhancement projects, which can elevate your space and extend your home’s longevity while adding value this winter season.

Cabinet refacing: A smarter makeover

Ever looked around your kitchen and thought, “I wish it felt brand new, but I don’t want the hassle or expense of a full remodel”? That’s where cabinet refacing comes in.

Through its partnership with nuDoors, Five Star Painting offers homeowners a modern, efficient solution. Instead of tearing everything out, they replace just the visible parts — your cabinet doors, drawer fronts and any exposed side panels — with fresh, custom-made styles and finishes.

The existing cabinet boxes remain in place and are refinished to match, so everything blends seamlessly. The end result? A kitchen that looks brand new — without the mess, cost or downtime of a traditional remodel.

Cabinet painting and refinishing

Painting or refinishing your cabinets breathes new life into your kitchen. Cabinets take up the most kitchen space, so choosing a paint or stain color that works best for your space is critical. For example, if you have a small kitchen, avoid cool whites, which can make a small space look dingy, and opt for a warm white or ivory instead.

After the paint has dried, it’s essential to keep your cabinets clean. Avoid harsh chemicals. More often than not, your cabinets will need a gentle wipe-down with a damp microfiber cloth to remove light splatters and dust. For grease and grime, dish soap and warm water can keep your cabinets clean and the kitchen cozy.

Crown molding and trim painting

Add character and define your space by giving crown molding and trim a fresh coat of paint. This is a significant upgrade for winter because even a slight touch-up on your trim sharpens the look and helps seal edges against winter drafts. Plus, this simple painting project holds up beautifully during the chilly months.

Before painting, remember to prepare the surface by scraping or peeling paint with a putty knife, removing hardened caulk, filling in holes or gaps and sanding the surface smooth. Taking the time to do it right can help you avoid having to repaint to cover up mistakes.

Room painting

Painting one or multiple rooms can completely transform a space, whether repainting the same color or changing the shade entirely.

Focusing on one room — or even just one wall — can make the space more inviting and keep daily wear at bay longer. If you’re considering painting multiple rooms, it’s better to do so in one go so your home has a consistent glow. This can also be done as winter approaches.

Window painting

A crisp new coat around your window frames the view and helps block the chill when the temperature drops. When painting a window sash that opens and closes vertically, keep the window open until the paint is fully dry. For painting narrow pieces of trim that run perpendicular to the glass, use a 1-inch trim for a neat job.

Professional painting services

You can do any of the projects on your own, but a professional interior painting service is the easiest way to enliven your home’s mood. By hiring painting professionals like those at Five Star Painting, you can rest easy knowing that they use only high-quality paints from top-rated brands to guarantee a stunning finish that stands the test of time. Plus, the company’s two-year warranty ensures that the job isn’t done until it’s done right.

Weather this winter with confidence

Whether you’re staying for years to come or selling soon, these eight interior refresh projects can easily upgrade your home’s aesthetic, promote longevity and increase its value. To learn more, visit FiveStarPainting.com/interior-enhancements.

2025-09-19T12:01:00

(BPT) – Many aspiring homebuyers know that saving for a 20% down payment can be a major hurdle to homeownership. As nearly 40 million homeowners can attest, however, private mortgage insurance (MI) allows for as little as 3% down to qualify for home financing sooner. U.S. Mortgage Insurers (USMI) reports that the private MI industry supported more than 800,000 low down payment borrowers in 2024 alone.

“Private MI is one of the most powerful financial tools available to homebuyers today since it can put homeownership within reach much sooner, giving buyers additional years of wealth-building,” said Seth Appleton, president of USMI.

Consider this: USMI’s report found that it could take a typical potential homebuyer 26 years to save for a 20% down payment plus closing costs on a home at the national median sales price. A typical homebuyer using private MI with 5% down can shave off many years that would otherwise be spent on the homebuying sidelines and can come to the closing table with tens of thousands of dollars less in closing costs. Private MI creates homeownership opportunities for these qualified borrowers, particularly first-time homebuyers who made up 65% of purchasers with private MI in 2024. Further, private MI paid monthly by the borrower — the most common form — is a temporary cost, which can be canceled once the loan meets certain requirements.

Additionally, publicly reported data confirm that the cost of private MI has declined 25% since 2017, in contrast to other costs of homeownership like homeowner’s insurance and property taxes. And, thanks to the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, MI premiums will once again be deductible for qualifying homeowners on their federal income taxes beginning in tax year 2026.

From 2007 through 2021, the MI premium deduction was claimed 44 million times, by an average of 3.4 million homeowners each year, representing a combined $65 billion in deductions for hardworking Americans. In tax year 2021, qualified taxpayers received an average deduction of $2,364, according to IRS data. Those savings add up, which is why the MI tax deduction has enjoyed broad support from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, industry groups, housing advocates and civil rights organizations who all see value in how the deduction benefits hardworking American families without increasing risk in the housing finance system.

Interested individuals can learn more about the benefits of private MI at www.LowDownPaymentFacts.com, a resource launched by USMI to offer homebuyers low down payment mortgage information and dispel the myth that a 20% down payment is required to become a homeowner.

2025-09-17T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you live in a smaller home? If so, you’re not alone. With the current low real estate inventory and challenging housing market, compact homes like townhomes, condos and zero lot line homes are increasingly popular. In 2025, year-to-date new builds of 2- to 4-bedroom-unit projects (typically townhomes) are up 31.5% nationwide, compared to single-family new builds at just 10.1%. The appeal of compact housing is mostly due to its affordability, natural efficiency and low-maintenance living — but limited space does present challenges, especially when it comes to installing effective HVAC systems.

One solution? The slim heat pump, which is a more sustainable heating and cooling solution that combines efficient performance with space-saving design for a variety of housing situations.

Slim design with a big impact

If you haven’t heard of slim heat pumps yet, you likely will soon. An ordinary heat pump is an HVAC unit that efficiently heats and cools by extracting and transferring heat from the air. A slim heat pump works in the same way, but offers a more compact design that makes it ideal for properties with limited outdoor space.

Here are a few additional benefits of choosing a slim heat pump.

• Lower costs: Due to their efficiency, heat pumps can save you hundreds of dollars on energy costs, cutting energy bills year-round. In addition, homeowners can also qualify for the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHRP), or save up to $2,000 with an Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) federal tax credit, which is available to homeowners who install high-efficiency equipment through Dec. 31, 2025. There are also opportunities for homeowners to tap into local utility rebate programs for qualifying equipment.*
• Quieter home: For anyone living in a townhome or condo — especially when you share walls with neighbors — a common concern is that a slim heat pump may be noisy. However, the majority of modern slim heat pumps operate at a surprisingly quiet sound level. Its precision-balanced, direct-drive fan enables sound levels as low as 54 decibels, which is comparable to an electric toothbrush.
• Greater sustainability: Heat pumps operate using electricity instead of natural gas or propane, allowing them to have lower greenhouse gas (GHG) potential. If you’re considering replacing your furnace, a slim heat pump is an ideal option, since it will easily integrate with your home’s existing ductwork while increasing efficiency.

Find the best model

Think switching to a slim heat pump could be the right decision for your home? The new Lennox EL18KSLV Slim Heat Pump is a fantastic choice. As a variable-capacity, cold climate heat pump that’s compatible with 2025 Compliant Refrigerant, this model will ensure precise comfort for homeowners, especially if you have a compact home. The EL18KSLV Heat Pump is compatible with multiple Lennox smart thermostats, allowing users to manage its settings through various smart home platforms.

The EL18KSLV Heat Pump features a narrow cabinet designed for easy installation by a professional in space-limited areas, such as zero-lot-line homes. The unit is built to help reduce energy use, and may contribute to lower utility costs throughout the year.

Make the switch

It’s important to note that a slim heat pump should be installed by a licensed HVAC professional, and not on your own. For questions and to find the best solution for your home, consult your local Lennox dealer.

Learn more about slim heat pumps and other industry-leading products for your home at Lennox.com.

*Lennox Industries Inc. (“Lennox”) is not a tax advisor and does not make any representation, warranty, guarantee or other assurance as to whether a particular matchup qualifies or is eligible for tax credits. Moreover, the tax laws are subject to change. As a result, Lennox highly recommends that you consult with a tax advisor regarding your qualification for the tax credits in your circumstance and verify and review the applicable tax laws and regulations.

2025-09-10T05:01:00

(BPT) – Your bathroom doesn’t have to solely be a utilitarian space. With just a few easy changes, you can turn your no-frill bathroom into a relaxing space with a personalized feel.

Don’t know where to start? Check out these five simple tips that can help you enhance your existing aesthetic or completely update the vibes of your bathroom.

1. Hang artwork that reflects your taste

Hanging artwork in the bathroom is the easiest way to quickly add personality. If you’re looking to change the room’s theme from a minimalist black-and-white color scheme to a maximalist tropical theme, find photos and prints with plants and trees in bright greens, reds and yellows.

Or, if you’ve been having a hard time finding a spot to hang art you’ve either purchased or been gifted by a friend, these pieces may look right at home in your bathroom!

Pro tip: Choose waterproof frames that can protect your art from humidity.

2. Update hardware to express your style

The hardware you choose sets the tone and style of a bathroom. If you currently have cool silver drawer pulls, faucets, towel bars and other fixtures with a polished finish, consider switching to warm gold or bronze hardware with a brushed finish.

Keep in mind that you can mix and match colors, materials and finishes to create a bathroom with hardware tailored to your taste. For example, if you want to upgrade your faucet, check out Kohler’s Mix & Match Faucet options. Three faucet collections provide you with the freedom to choose the spout style, handle and finish.

If you’re looking to inject turn-of-the-century charm into your bathroom, choose the Artifacts collection. For a high-fashion, effortless glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood, opt for the Occasion line of faucet sets. Want to lean into minimalism? Take a look at the Components collection. Each line offers faucet fixtures in several finishes and colors, so you can find what suits your style best.

3. Add a spa-like feel with plants

Turn your bathroom into a tranquil retreat with bathroom-friendly plants. Adding natural, organic elements like plants can bring an otherwise sterile room to life and can soften a bathroom’s hard, clean lines. There are many plants you can choose from, but it’s best to choose ones that thrive in humidity, like calatheas, monsteras, pothos, orchids or ferns.

Once you’ve chosen your plants, look for decorative planters that match your aesthetic or the bathroom’s color scheme. If you’re short on space, consider hanging planters. No matter what you choose, the plants you care for can make the bathroom more inviting.

4. Control the ambiance with lighting

Changing the lighting in your bathroom allows you to effortlessly control the ambiance. For example, dimmable white light bulbs create a cozy atmosphere, but still offer enough illumination for grooming tasks like shaving and applying makeup. Installing a dimmer switch allows you to adjust brightness to create a sunlike daytime mood or a soothing evening glow for a relaxing bath after a long day. For flexibility, install smart lighting that allows you to change the color and brightness depending on your mood and needs.

Pro tip: Choose lighting elements that match or complement other bathroom hardware. If you’re considering installing a faucet from Kohler’s Artifacts, Components and Occasion collections, you’re in luck. Each collection also offers customizable lighting fixtures.

5. Add color and texture with paint and wallpaper

Finally, a new coat of paint or wallpaper can do wonders for a bathroom. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily find the combination that suits your style.

Tired of the sterile white or beige of your bathroom walls? Grab a can of baby blue or sage green to create a serene setting or use warm reds and pinks for a homey ambiance.

If you want to add textures and patterns, look for wallpaper that reflects the theme of the bathroom or that shows off your hobbies or interests. From florals to faux stone to geometric shapes and more, wallpaper offers endless possibilities to express yourself in this space.

Pro tip: The type of paint and wallpaper you choose matters. Acrylic and latex paints are popular bathroom choices because they can prevent mold and mildew that can flourish in humid conditions. Similarly, vinyl wallpaper is best for the humid bathroom environment.

Are you ready to restyle your bathroom? Using these five tips, you can turn a basic room into a retreat personalized to your heart’s content. To find more bathroom makeover tips and get inspired, visit Kohler.com.

2025-09-04T07:01:00

(BPT) – Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, cohosts of the HGTV series “Bargain Block,” are experts at transforming properties and boosting curb appeal. A home’s roof is a big part of the design duo’s roof transformations that pair curb appeal with powerful protection. Below are excerpts from a conversation with Keith and Evan about using color to make the most of a roof replacement.

What makes the roof such a good place to make a design statement?

(ET) Representing a large amount of a home’s exterior, the roof provides an ideal space for enhancing curb appeal. However, a roof also needs to be designed to stand up to the elements to help protect one of a consumer’s biggest investments — their home.

New shingles give homeowners lasting peace of mind. They know they’ve made a home improvement that will last for a long time.

(KB) But there is also curb appeal to think about. In many cases, a home’s roof is the single largest thing you see when you pull up to a house, so it can have a huge effect on a home’s appearance.

What are some roof design trends you are seeing in the market?

(KB) There are a lot more color options to choose from today. Owens Corning offers homeowners the option of so many dimensional colors. It’s kind of unbelievable how color options have expanded. When I was a kid, we had cedar, tan and black. Now, you get to have this luxurious moment with the roof and all of the shingle color selections. And luxury is something people expect now — even first-time home buyers.

(ET) When you have so many options, selecting a color gets easier. The undertones in the Owens Corning TruDefinition^® Designer shingle line are neutral, but the pops of color and dimensional textures in the granules make roof color more interesting.

What advice do you offer to homeowners for choosing a shingle color?

(KB) Color tools help homeowners make a beautiful decision that still feels safe. Matching a shingle with a monotone or selecting a complementary color makes it work. I ask people, “Tell me about colorful things that you love,” and that gets them going down a color path. Online style boards and color tools let people see how unexpected color pairings come together. I love the Owens Corning Duration^® Designer shingles in Black Sable, which give the richness of slate. And I also love Owens Corning Duration^®Designer shingle colors Storm Cloud and Pacific Wave!

I used to carry a color wheel. If you’re not confident, you just look across the wheel and there’s a complementary color on the opposite side.

(ET) As long as you are coordinating colors well, you can use almost any color and it will look good. It’s about making sure that you have the right colors paired together. And so, whether you go with a Prairie Craftsman or an Italianate look, it will still look good because you are pairing things properly.

How can a contractor assist homeowners in selecting a roof color?

(KB) A color consultation is a good place to start. Contractors in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network can offer design tools to help inspire a color decision. When looking at shingle boards, removing the color options homeowners don’t like makes it easy to focus on colors that may pair well.

In our business, we’ve proven that you can work design into the home’s improvement and still get the performance and budget you’re looking for. The mood boards Owens Corning put together help contractors and homeowners make use of a proven color process.

What does a color consultation involve?

(KB) We ask people to tell us about themselves and about their house and that really helps personalize color. It also brings a sense of luxury design into the process.

(ET) Sometimes homeowners have a perception that a luxury design roof has to be unaffordable. Advances in asphalt shingles and color pairing mood boards provide an approachable design moment that gives homeowners a luxury look at an asphalt price point.

Learn more about Keith and Evan’s collaboration with Owens Corning and check out “Bargain Block” season 4, currently airing on HGTV.