Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2026-01-21T09:01:00

(BPT) – Key takeaways:

• Waterborne floor finishing systems are water-based and environmentally friendly.
• With low VOCs, waterborne options are better for indoor air quality.
• Waterborne finishes are durable and can last a decade or more.
• Always use cleaning and maintenance products made for your type of flooring.

Does your home have hardwood floors or would you like them in the future? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. More than half (61%) of American homeowners say wood flooring was a priority when deciding to design or purchase their home, according to the 2026 Bona Floorcast report.

Hardwood floors are a smart choice, but the finishing system you choose is just as important as the flooring itself. Finishes and sealers can impact the durability and integrity of the flooring, plus some options are more harmful to the home environment than others. Doing your research can help you determine the best system for your home.

“Whether a new build, renovation or refresh, it’s important to research the types of products used to treat your wood floors,” said Matt Casey, Director of Professional Marketing & Bona Certified Craftsman Program, Bona. “When it comes to hardwood floor finish, the best choice is a waterborne finish.”

To help homeowners decide the right option for hardwood floors through 2026 and beyond, Matt answers common questions about waterborne floor finishing systems for hardwood.

Do hardwood floor finishes impact indoor air quality?

Yes, hardwood floor finishes can impact the air quality in your home. Waterborne, sometimes referred to as water-based, is a wood finish system where water is the carrier for resin particles rather than oil or chemicals. Waterborne finishes are durable, sustainable and have low VOC emissions, making them better for the indoor environment. They are safe enough for homeowners, pets, plants and food to remain in the home during the entire finishing process.

Other hardwood floor finishing systems like acid cured (also called Swedish finish) and moisture-cured finishes, which use toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, and oil-modified are high in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

What does off-gassing mean for hardwood floor finishing systems?

VOCs are human-made chemicals present in many household products. Off-gassing occurs when VOCs and other chemicals are emitted from manufactured products during use. While all hardwood finishing systems have some level of VOCs, waterborne are most often the lowest and therefore better for indoor air quality.

Acid-cured and oil-modified finishes have high VOC levels ranging from 275 to more than 700. Waterborne finishes are considered low VOC typically at 150 or less.

What is GREENGUARD Certification?

It’s smart to look for hardwood floor finishing systems with UL GREENGUARD Certification. GREENGUARD is a third-party organization that ensures products used for indoor spaces meet strict chemical emission limits.

For example, Bona Traffic HD is a high-durability waterborne finish that is GREENGUARD Gold certified. The GREENGUARD Gold certification has stricter criteria and considers safety factors for sensitive individuals like children and the elderly.

How long will waterborne hardwood floor finish last?

Advancements in waterborne finishing systems mean they are more durable than ever. High-quality waterborne floor finishes can often last well over 10 years depending on use and maintenance. Plus, unlike oil-based polyurethane that will amber over time, the color of waterborne finishes tends to maintain a more natural look.

Do waterborne finishes dry quickly?

Getting back to normal life as soon as possible is a priority when researching hardwood finishing systems. A waterborne finish is ready to walk on hours before an oil-based polyurethane finish dries. For example, Bona Traffic HD dries within two to three hours before it can be walked on in socks, with a full cure happening in three days.

“Investing in waterborne finishing systems for hardwood flooring is a smart choice for homeowners,” said Matt. “They create durable floors, allow for a range of color options and support a healthier home and environment.”

How do you best care for hardwood flooring?

Proper maintenance keeps floors looking their best and extends their lifespan. When choosing cleaning products, opt for a microfiber mop, which controls moisture better than a traditional string mop. Use a pH-neutral, residue-free cleaner formulated specifically for your type of wood flooring. The right cleaning products protect the finish and keep newly refinished floors looking beautiful longer.

To learn more about the benefits of waterborne flooring systems visit Bona.com.

2026-01-19T23:01:00

(BPT) – If you’re looking into new construction for your next home, you’ll want to be sure it’s fire safe. The nature and intensity of house fires have changed over the years. They can become deadly in as little as two minutes, leaving little time to escape.

Why? House fires are hotter, faster and more dangerous because today’s homes are filled with products that burn quickly and produce toxic smoke. These include synthetics, plastics, lithium-ion batteries and more. Smoke alarms warn when there is smoke, but occupants must still escape. Fire sprinklers are the only technology that can automatically stop a fire from becoming deadly.

How home fire sprinklers work

Fire sprinkler technology is simple. When a fire starts, high heat activates the fire sprinkler closest to the fire. Because the water is applied directly on the fire during its initial stages, both flames and smoke are reduced, giving residents more time to escape and allowing the fire department time to respond. Home fire sprinklers do not all go off at once. Ninety percent of fires are contained by the operation of just one sprinkler. A home fire can be effectively controlled or even extinguished by home fire sprinklers, protecting families and firefighters alike.

Fire sprinklers protect property because they keep the fire small, and little water is used to control or extinguish the fire. A home fire sprinkler uses about 15 gallons per minute compared to firefighter hoses that use 250 gallons per minute.

A fire sprinkler success story

One example of how effective this technology can be is the city of Scottsdale, Arizona, which passed an ordinance in 1986 requiring all new-construction homes to include fire sprinklers. Now, more than half of the housing stock in Scottsdale is protected with fire sprinklers.

The result? The city of Scottsdale’s fire loss data falls below the national average. Scottsdale has also saved millions of dollars in infrastructure for the water distribution system, because the sprinkler requirement has allowed them to use smaller pipes and pumps, and to safely space fire hydrants further apart. Homes with sprinklers experienced less fire damage as well as reduced water damage, saving homeowners thousands of dollars.

Even more importantly, data from the first 15 years after the ordinance was passed showed that there were no deaths from home fires in sprinklered homes, and the lives of 13 people who would have likely died without sprinklers were saved.

The importance of building codes to ensure fire safety

While historically, fire sprinklers have been most commonly used in commercial buildings, many of today’s building codes now require new homes to have fire sprinklers installed to combat the modern reality of home fires.

However, there are some communities where home fire sprinklers have been omitted from building codes, putting those residents at risk. The resistance to fire sprinkler codes has often been due to misinformation about the cost of installation, or a misunderstanding of just how dangerous today’s house fires can be.

“Fire sprinklers buy residents time to get out of homes while our responders work to get there, but when our office first took a run at trying to initiate a local fire sprinkler ordinance, it was met with a lot of opposition from builders and developers,” said Kevin Bergstrom, deputy fire marshal at the Camas/Washougal Fire Department in Camas, Washington. Bergstrom and his crew helped developers see the value of home fire sprinklers. “Our biggest success has been six home fire sprinkler saves. The most recent was a lithium-ion battery in a charger, where one fire sprinkler extinguished the fire. I think every community can be successful in protecting their citizens.”

What you can do

Before searching for a new build to buy in your area, check your local fire marshal or building department to ask if home fire sprinklers are required where you plan to build. It’s also a good idea to ask about home fire sprinklers during the home buying process. Home fire sprinklers are a simple life-saving technology that new homes should have, whether or not your area requires them.

To learn more about why your new home should have sprinklers, visit HomeFireSprinkler.org.

2026-01-08T00:01:01

(BPT) – When it comes to insurance, most people know the obvious things that are covered: car accidents, house fires or theft. But it can go beyond the basics, protecting you from disasters that could otherwise leave you with huge, unexpected bills.

Here are six everyday scenarios that insurance may cover.

1. Water backup from a clogged sewer line

Imagine hosting a dinner party when suddenly, your bathroom floods thanks to a backed-up sewer line. It’s messy, expensive and most likely not covered by a standard homeowner’s policy. Water backup coverage is designed for just this situation. It helps cover the cost of water damage caused by backed-up drains or sump pump failures.

2. Your furnace quits during a winter cold snap

A sudden breakdown of equipment in your home can be inconvenient and expensive. When your furnace suddenly stops working due to a mechanical or electrical failure, Mechanical Breakdown Coverage could step in. Mechanical breakdown covers repairs or replacement for essential systems like heating, cooling and even kitchen appliances.

3. A tree falls on your car during a storm

You park your car in the driveway, and a sudden windstorm sends a neighbor’s tree crashing down on it. Is it covered? Yes, if you carry comprehensive auto insurance. But what if your home is also affected by the storm? If your auto and homeowner’s policies are bundled, you may benefit even more. Bundling can streamline the claims process, reduce paperwork and unlock potential discounts. And with Acuity, you only pay one deductible instead of separate deductibles for your home and car, making recovery faster, easier and even more affordable.

4. The water line running to your home bursts

Many homeowners don’t realize they are responsible for the underground piping and wiring that runs from the street to their home. Service Line Coverage may help pay for excavation, repair and even landscaping restoration after a covered service line failure.

5. A storm damages one side of your home’s siding

Consider this scenario: after a strong storm, your homeowner’s policy pays to replace the damaged siding on one side of your house. Only then do you find out the new panels don’t match the rest. This can occur because of fading, discontinued materials or color variation, and the mismatch can be frustrating. Matching Siding Coverage helps cover the cost to replace undamaged siding, so everything matches. Acuity’s endorsement includes trim, shutters and fascia, ensuring your home looks just as good as it did before the storm.

6. You wire money to a scammer

You receive an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate business requesting payment. You wire the money, only to find out later the email was fake and the funds went to a scammer. Cyber insurance can help protect against personal wire fraud by covering financial losses and providing support to investigate the incident. With Acuity’s Cyber Suite, you also gain access to tools and resources that help safeguard your identity and prevent future scams.

There’s a standard homeowner’s policy and then there’s real life. While standard home and auto policies are absolutely necessary, your insurance company should care enough to cover you for more. Acuity’s thoughtful coverage options show that they understand real-life risks. So next time you wonder, “Would my insurance cover this?” know that with Acuity and the right coverages, the answer could be yes.

2025-12-05T14:01:00

(BPT) – Do you enjoy the outdoor spaces of your home? Rather than just a seasonal escape, your outdoor area can be a year-round oasis that adds life, character and depth to your property. With some strategic updates, it transforms into a daily sanctuary and a go-to hub for entertainment, no matter the time of year.

Embrace your outdoor areas as a true extension of your home in all seasons. With Belgard^®, a leading hardscape supplier in North America, you can create beautiful designs that use proprietary, durable products that will stand the test of time:

• Design an outdoor space that works year-round to provide comfort, functionality and flow, every single month.
• Discover an array of products to complement any home, from eye-catching driveways and serene landscapes to stunning patios or yards that beckon you any time of year.
• Revamp your outdoor haven with Belgard’s expert tips and its innovative hardscape products that empower you to unlock the full potential of your space.
• Imagine the possibilities to maximize your outdoor area with strategic use of pavers, modular outdoor kitchen units, mesmerizing fire features and more.

Here’s how you can elevate your year-round outdoor living experience.

Begin with the Right Foundation

Embark on your outdoor transformation by establishing a solid foundation, from the ground up. Choose a durable, well-draining surface to help your patio or walkways withstand everything from summer storms to winter freezes.

Opting for pavers like those in the Belgard permeable paver collection helps to manage water runoff while maintaining a high-end look, which is especially useful in areas with seasonal rain or snow. For high-traffic paths, modular systems like Belgard’s Dimensions™ pavers offer clean lines and long-term durability, no matter the weather.

Imagine Dynamic Activity Zones

Think of your outdoor space the same way you would your home’s interior: Create different areas designed for specific functions, from lively dining and social gatherings to peaceful relaxation and entertainment.

Coordinating hardscape materials helps define your ideal zones while maintaining visual continuity all year. For example, building a dining zone anchored by Belgard’s Artforms™ modular outdoor kitchen system can help provide year-round functionality for family time and entertaining, whether you envision a simple pizza oven or grand outdoor kitchen.

Or, with the inviting glow of a fire feature, you’ll craft a cozy cold-weather destination everyone will enjoy gathering around, with the perfect ambiance for storytelling and fun.

Tailor Your Space to Your Style

The best outdoor spaces forge a connection between your outdoor space and your lifestyle and personality. Belgard’s product lines are designed to be modular and customizable, so whether you’re dreaming of a reading nook, family play area, outdoor spa or full kitchen setup, you can create a space that evolves with your needs, through every season. As you imagine your ideal spaces, consider adding planters, vertical gardens or integrated seating walls to infuse your outdoor realm with texture, function and a touch of individuality.

Think Multi-Purpose Shelter

From shielding against harsh sunlight to blocking wind and snow, adding overhead and/or vertical structures can elevate your outdoor experience regardless of the season. Enhance privacy and shelter from the elements with easy-to-install features like retractable solar shades, sun canopies and outdoor curtains.

Pergolas and pavilions can also be designed to complement Belgard’s wall block products to create a seamless transition between built elements. You can also pair vertical features like living walls and privacy screens with built-in seating or planters to help any space feel intentional and well-framed, even during weather transitions.

Illuminate Your Nights

Extend the magic of your outdoor sanctuary into the evening hours with an enchanting array of lighting options. Lighting isn’t just about setting the mood; it’s about ensuring your space remains functional, safe and welcoming even during the darkest evenings. Soft, layered lighting transforms your space into a captivating haven, making it feel inviting and usable well into the evening for summer soirees or serene winter evenings. You can combine multiple lighting sources like pillar lights and lanterns, bistro lights and sconces to achieve enchanting layered lighting effects.

Many Belgard hardscape lights can enhance your outdoor lighting design. For example, consider adding under-cap lighting on seat walls or embedded path lights for added safety, security and enhanced ambience.

Furnish Beyond Summertime

Invest in outdoor furniture and finishes that are as durable as they are stylish, so they can stand the test of time across all seasons. With Belgard’s diverse range of textures, from rustic tumbled finishes to sleek contemporary surfaces, you can seamlessly tie together your outdoor decor, hardscaping and planting design.

Mix and match warm-toned pavers with neutral cushions for a cozy winter patio with a firepit, or choose light surfaces like Belgard’s porcelain pavers that reflect heat and stay cooler in the summer.

Start your outdoor space transformation by learning how you can turn your outdoor dreams into reality with the Belgard Rooms Planner tool, and browse Belgard.com to spark your inspiration!

2025-11-24T09:15:00

(BPT) – Rising energy costs are prompting many homeowners to examine the efficiency of their heating and cooling systems. Although your HVAC system works year-round to keep your home comfortable, small maintenance issues or usage mistakes can cause it to overwork, resulting in higher energy bills.

Here are five common mistakes people make with their HVAC systems, along with easy fixes that can save money, reduce strain on the equipment, and help keep your home comfortable from one season to the next.

1. Choosing the wrong-sized system

Installing an HVAC system that’s too large or too small is an expensive, yet avoidable mistake.

An oversized system may cool quickly but won’t remove humidity, leaving rooms damp and uncomfortable. A system that’s too small struggles to maintain temperature, runs nonstop and wears out parts early.

When selecting a system, consider having an expert, such as a Rheem Pro Partner^®, assess your home’s heating and cooling needs before buying or replacing. Certified professionals help ensure proper sizing, improving comfort and efficiency. Plus, if you’re upgrading your system, consider leveraging federal tax credits through 2025 for qualifying high-efficiency systems.

2. Letting outside air sneak in

Over time, caulking can dry out and crack, making your system’s job even harder. Cracked seals around windows or doors may seem insignificant, but they allow hot, humid air to enter during summer and cold drafts to enter during winter, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.

Keep windows and doors tightly closed when running your HVAC and check for broken or aging seals. Resealing can quickly improve comfort and energy use.

3. Overlooking seasonal maintenance

Neglecting to perform seasonal maintenance can silently increase energy costs. Dirty filters, worn belts or failing parts force systems to use more power. Like a car, your HVAC needs regular checkups.

Schedule maintenance at least twice a year, ideally before cooling and heating seasons. A certified technician can inspect filters, capacitors, motors and other components to ensure everything runs efficiently. Regular tune-ups lower your utility bills and extend the life of your system.

4. Blocking vents and registers

If air can’t move, it can’t heat or cool your home effectively. Furniture, rugs or curtains that cover supply or return vents restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder than necessary.

Keep vents and registers open and clear of obstructions to ensure air circulates freely. Balanced airflow helps your HVAC system run more efficiently and maintains consistent temperatures throughout your home.

5. Attempting DIY thermostat installation

Smart thermostats help control comfort and save energy, but improper installation can lead to issues. Wiring mistakes can lead to inconsistent performance or damage.

Leave thermostat installation to pros. A licensed contractor will wire it correctly and pair it with your system.

The bottom line

Avoiding common HVAC missteps saves energy, reduces your bills and keeps your system running smoothly. Selecting the right-sized equipment, sealing air leaks and scheduling professional maintenance are crucial matters. Small efforts make a big difference.

2025-11-24T09:01:00

(BPT) – By Ned Monroe

From the front facade to under our feet to behind the walls, vinyl products are a key component in many of today’s homes. And for good reason: Vinyl is affordable, durable and low maintenance, with the ability to be used in several different applications, among many other benefits. Some vinyl products can even be reused or recycled to make new products. These attributes are more critical than ever as the U.S. faces a number of challenges, including housing shortages, displacement from natural disasters and rising costs.

Whether you’re buying a new home, considering a remodel or just want to update your aesthetic, here’s what to know about choosing vinyl for your home.

Q: How many different ways can vinyl be used in today’s homes?

A: Most of us think first about vinyl for siding. And it’s no wonder: Vinyl siding offers durability against wind, moisture and insects; requires little maintenance; and comes in a range of styles and colors. In fact, vinyl siding recently surpassed stucco as the country’s most used primary exterior wall material, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders.

And vinyl is a go-to material for many other products used to build long-lasting homes. These include:

• Decking, fencing and railing: Vinyl decking, fencing and railing materials resist splintering and rot, are not susceptible to insects, and require no staining or painting over the years.
• Windows & doors: Vinyl windows and doors provide the ideal combination of low cost, high performance and beautiful profiles. Plus, their multi-chambered frames improve insulation.
• Flooring: Vinyl flooring is also known as “resilient” flooring, and for good reason: It is moisture resistant, and it withstands heavy foot traffic and frequent cleaning.
• Wall coverings: Durability is critical for walls, and vinyl wall coverings provide scratch resistance and washable designs that are as well-suited not only for homes but for high-traffic spaces, including healthcare facilities.
• Wire & cable: Behind the walls, vinyl plays a critical role in how our homes run by providing insulation and jacketing for wires and cables. Vinyl electrical products provide excellent properties at low cost, and are particularly well suited to meet the concurrent electrical and fire safety requirements that are necessary for safe building design.
• Pipes & plumbing: Vinyl pipes, known commonly as PVC pipes, have been a trusted product for more than 70 years, thanks to their durability, safety and reliability.

Q: Are there specific ways today’s vinyl can make housing more affordable and resilient overall?

A: U.S. homebuyers and homeowners have been facing a number of critical challenges in recent years, stemming from decreased affordability and availability of housing stock, and increasing frequency of natural disasters. As builders look to build more efficiently and affordably to meet demand, as well as to rebuild in areas impacted by extreme weather, vinyl provides key support.

• Affordability & availability: Vinyl is one of the most affordable building materials while still offering long-term performance and durability, so choosing vinyl products like siding helps builders keep home prices more manageable. Many vinyl building materials are manufactured in the U.S., helping to ensure ready availability even when global supply chains become strained or face tariff uncertainties.
• Ease of installation: Finding workers is one of homebuilders’ biggest challenges. Vinyl products like windows, siding, flooring and decking offer straightforward installation that is easy to learn and master so contractors can move from project to project efficiently. This feature, combined with vinyl’s ready availability, is also critical for areas like Southern California and Western North Carolina, where there is urgent need for mass rebuilding in the wake of recent natural disasters.
• Aesthetics: No amount of affordability or ease of installation will replace eye-catching aesthetics — and vinyl answers that call, as well. Whether on the home exterior or inside underfoot, vinyl finish materials deliver beauty, timeless style and versatile options to achieve a look you’ll love.

Q: Can I find the style I’m looking for in vinyl products?

A: You absolutely can. Across major product categories, vinyl’s versatility has opened the door to a vast array of looks. This is particularly important in larger communities where the houses have a similar, cohesive aesthetic. For example, builders can use the same vinyl siding materials and brands while mixing up colors and profiles to ensure each home is unique. Homeowners can give their facades a facelift by re-siding or changing windows and doors in a completely new style while still retaining affordability and low maintenance. On the interior, the latest technologies in modern production and printing allow for floor and wall coverings that emulate nearly any material or design. The options are endless to achieve a desired look.

Q: Is it true you can recycle PVC?

A: Good news: Vinyl materials are a sustainable choice for a variety of reasons, including:

• Recyclability: Many vinyl materials can be recycled or reused to make new, durable products. Indeed, a survey of PVC recyclers in the U.S. and Canada has shown that 1.1 billion pounds of PVC is being recycled in these regions annually.^[1] The Vinyl Institute is helping to increase these opportunities through its VIABILITY recycling grant funding program, which invests in companies seeking to increase recycling collection streams and ease takeback efforts so that more end-of-life vinyl material can be diverted from landfills and become valuable in new ways.
• Resilience: Materials that are durable don’t need to be replaced as often, therefore helping to cut down on waste and the need for new materials. Vinyl fits this bill well, delivering reliable longevity that stands up to day-to-day life. It’s also low maintenance, eliminating the need for paints and stains, and is easy to clean.
• Life cycle and carbon footprint: A life cycle assessment carried out by Sustainable Solutions Corporation revealed that from a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, PVC pipe has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy and longer life attributes — compared to materials like iron, cement and clay. When considering the impacts throughout the product life cycle, PVC pipes require much less energy to manufacture and transport, and they can operate for more than a century and need fewer replacements over their lifetime.

Explore the Possibilities Vinyl Brings for Your Home

Whether visible from the street or keeping the electricity humming behind the walls, vinyl products are a reliable, affordable option as a building material for your home — and look beautiful, as well. As you consider future projects, large or small, look to vinyl to meet your needs indoors and out.

Read more about how vinyl materials are used in construction and about vinyl’s role in housing policies.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute. Learn more at www.vinylinfo.org.

2025-11-23T18:01:00

(BPT) – One of the joys of the holiday season is festive decorations indoors and out that captivate your family’s imagination and make your neighbors stare in wonder. However, decorating with traditional lighting can dampen your holiday spirit.

Luckily, you can create a beautifully lit home that evokes the joy of the season without a complex setup. Using some of the latest Govee smart Christmas lighting, you can effortlessly transform your home into a festive wonderland and create joyful holiday memories with minimal effort.

Are you ready to step into a new era of stress-free holiday decorating? Check out the following suggestions on how you can spend less time decorating and more time making memories with those you love most.

Get ready for instant holiday magic inside your home

Ready to create holiday memories? Start indoors. Don’t worry about spending hours wrestling with a complex setup. You can easily design a festive wonderland in just 15 minutes with Govee’s Christmas lights.

For example, hang the brand’s Sparkle String Lights along your window frames or sills, across mantels and above couches and other seating to create the perfect holiday ambiance. Once they’re exactly where you want them, you can switch from one dynamic color to another with a single tap and even use AI lighting bot to easily create your lighting effects, so you can enjoy an enchanting glow that feels effortless.

Create the perfect Christmas party ambiance

Whether it’s your first time hosting a festive gathering or you’re known as the ultimate holiday destination, impress your guests with vibrant indoor holiday lighting effects. You can easily coordinate all your indoor entertainment areas using Govee’s Curtain Lights Pro as an animated backdrop — like flying reindeer — and Christmas Tree Lights as a dazzling tree centerpiece.

Best of all? You can sync your lights and make them dance to the beat of your favorite holiday hits using Music DreamView. Watch as snowmen dance across your windows and the lights bounce to the tunes of your curated holiday playlist! You can also extend the festivities outdoors with Govee’s String Lights 2 — which can be set to display over 130+ animated scenes — and Net Lights to create over 78 dynamic scenes.

Become the neighborhood showstopper

Make your home the talk of the neighborhood by planning a captivating outdoor display.

Create a cohesive, breathtaking scene by installing Govee’s Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism, featuring the revolutionary Tri-Light system that offers three dynamic color zones, custom LEDs and year-round durability. Next, decorate your garden, lawn and other landscaping features with layers of Icicle Lights and Net Lights as well as Govee Christmas Cone Tree Lights. Finally, connect up to 10 Govee lights using DreamView to create a synchronized, immersive light show across the entire property.

Pro tip: After the holidays are over, don’t take down your lights! Govee’s versatile smart lighting can help you create an immersive indoor and outdoor experience year-round. Play around with the preset scenes of the Permanent Lights Prism and find the best cohesive setup for every season and celebration — including Halloween, Fourth of July, birthdays and game days.

Simply stunning decorations are just a tap away

All of these holiday lighting products have one huge benefit in common: Smart scheduling. Using the Govee Home App, you can control your holiday lights with just one tap, preset timers and scenes and connect your Alexa and Google Assistant to use the voice control features.

Holiday decorating isn’t just about lighting. It’s about creating memories that sparkle. To learn more about these magical holiday lighting options, visit Govee.com and Amazon.

2025-11-20T07:01:00

(BPT) – The eufyCam C35 is the perfect home security solution for houses of all types — bird houses, dog houses, hen houses — any area you want to keep secure. This versatile design has led eufy to declare the eufyCam C35 as the “Official Security Camera for Homes of All Shapes and Sizes.”

The compact and lightweight design of the eufyCam C35 enables the outdoor/indoor camera to be installed in virtually any space or surface. The eufyCam C35 can be mounted magnetically, tethered to a pole or tree branch with a weatherproofed strap or screwed into a flat surface.

The eufyCam C35 is designed with Pure Color Vision technology to capture every detail in true colors, even in low-light conditions.

This device can be synched with the new HomeBase Mini data hub for expanded local storage (up to 1TB microSD). The HomeBase Mini also provides advanced AI functionality, including cross-camera tracking, facial recognition, as well as vehicle and pet detection.

The eufyCam C35 can also be tethered to an optional solar panel for non-stop power and simplified maintenance. Plus, IP 67 weather protection means the device can withstand extreme heat and cold conditions.

The eufyCam C35 is available for $89.99 and you can find more information on this uniquely flexible security solution at eufy.com.

2025-11-17T05:01:00

(BPT) – Big plans for holiday festivities and houseguests this year? You’ll want to make sure your home is welcoming, calming and ready to handle the hustle and bustle of the season. With a few simple upgrades, you can ensure an elegant and joyful ambience that will endure long after the last gift has been unwrapped.

Here are a few ideas from the design experts at Kohler to enhance your home this holiday season.

Choose a practical, stylish upgrade for the heart of your home

Love to cook and entertain? Your kitchen sink is the unsung hero of the busy holidays, and you can do much more with it than wash dishes. A KOHLER^® Synthos Workstation Sink simplifies prep, enhances entertaining experiences and streamlines cleanup into one durable, elegant system for everyday efficiency and elevated gatherings.

Available in 30-, 36-, 48-, 60- and 72-inch widths, this essential kitchen station combines sleek design with multi-functional accessories for prep, cooking and cleanup, including a solid wood cutting board, stainless steel colander, prep bowl set, garnish bowl set, durable sink rack, soaking bin, serving tray, pot rack, salad bowl set and sink cover. You’ll have plenty of room for helping hands as you gather together to prepare, serve and savor festive meals.

Use scents to inspire calming and invigorating moods

Transform your bathroom into a spa using Sprig Essential Oils, with a choice of four wellness-focused blends your guests are sure to love. Designed to elevate daily routines with spa-like aromatherapy, these oils can be added to bathing or showering rituals, diffusers, steam sessions, or used in a sauna to enhance the experience. For example, you can add a few drops of Breathe essential oil to your Kohler stream head or dilute 5-10 drops to your diffuser.

• Breathe — Eucalyptus and Mint to revive and refresh: Enjoy the aromatic scent of cooling menthol from fresh cut mint and clean woodsy eucalyptus for an uplifting effect.
• Recharge — Bergamot and Lemongrass to energize and invigorate: The fresh, herbaceous lemongrass complements the floral and citrus bergamot, leaving you feeling revitalized.
• Relax — Chamomile, Grapefruit and Bergamot to calm and soothe: The floral and citrus notes of chamomile, grapefruit and bergamot blend harmoniously together to calm your mind and body.
• Sleep — Lavender and Vanilla for a serene environment: Create a relaxing nighttime ritual and decompress from the stress of the day with the calming, restful combination of sweet vanilla and peaceful lavender.

Sprig essential oils also make lovely and luxurious stocking stuffers, host or guest gifts, so be sure to stock up for your last-minute gifting needs!

Provide the comforts of home

Make sure your guests have everything they need by setting out a welcoming basket of items they may have forgotten to pack, including travel-sized toiletries, extra razors, toothbrushes — even mini first aid or sewing kits. You can even personalize the basket by selecting brands your guests prefer, or by including special things you know they would appreciate.

Upgrade your bathroom with a bidet seat

The KOHLER^® PureWash M300 bidet toilet seat is a hygienic, easy-to-install upgrade that makes it simple to add the freshness and assurance of personal cleansing to your existing toilet. With a sleek, low-profile seat design and a Polished Chrome handle, the PureWash M300 provides a dual-spray wand for front and rear cleansing.

This elongated manual bidet toilet seat requires no electricity or batteries, and it installs in minutes, connecting to the toilet’s water supply line. You and your guests will appreciate the Quiet-Close™ lid that prevents slamming, its convenient side lever handle that allows for water pressure adjustment, and the self-cleaning wand that automatically rinses after each use.

With some simple upgrades and a little extra preparation, you can create an inviting and hospitable atmosphere that helps you and your guests relax and enjoy celebrating the season.

Visit Kohler.com for more home design ideas and inspiration.

2025-10-30T07:01:04

(BPT) – For years, bathroom design was defined by straight lines, sharp corners and a sense of heavy minimalism. The 2010s were all about clean chrome fixtures, glossy tiles and match-everything finishes. But like all trends, the pendulum is swinging back. Today, we’re seeing softer curves inspired by mid-century design, tactile textures that add depth to flat surfaces and finishes that don’t need to match perfectly to feel cohesive. The bathroom space itself is also shifting from utilitarian to something reminiscent of a personal retreat. With so much changing, the big question becomes: How do you bring these contemporary touches into a remodel in a way that feels fresh, functional and most importantly, within budget?

Shape: The rise of curves

Today, straight, rigid lines are giving way to softer, more organic shapes. Arched mirrors, rounded shower openings and curved vanities are showing up everywhere, immediately making any bath space feel more inviting and full of character. With curved designs becoming a go-to choice, faucet fixtures are one of the easiest ways to experiment and introduce this trend. The new Ezra™ Curve Spout Expansion from Peerless^® Faucet, for example, includes a curved, arched spout and clean handle design that strikes the perfect balance between modern edge and approachability. All at a price point that makes an elevated, contemporary bathroom refresh achievable.

Surface: Texture and tactility

Flat, high-gloss surfaces are losing ground to materials with dimension. Fluted wooden cabinetry, ribbed tile and natural stone with dramatic veining are all on the rise. Introducing these textures in your next bathroom remodel can add visual depth and craftsmanship that plain finishes can’t deliver. Pairing them with softer silhouettes can also help keep the space from feeling too heavy-handed, creating a layered look that feels thoughtful rather than busy. If premium materials stretch your budget, mix in textured laminates, patterned tile or stone-look alternatives, as these affordable options still bring warmth, movement and modern sophistication to the space.

Finish: Mixing metals with intention

The “everything must match” rule is officially out. Today, mixing metals is not only acceptable, but recommended. If you’re renovating a bath space with limited resources or maybe can’t decide between metal finished accents, this design trend is for you. Matte black faucets can ground a space — making all the difference when paired with a brushed nickel or charming bronze finished mirror, for example. The trick is choosing one finish as your anchor and layering the others as accents to give you a collected and curated feel.

Function: Wellness and performance

For any bathroom remodel, it’s important to keep in mind that design conversations aren’t just about looks anymore; performance and responsibility are now part of the package. Wet rooms and spa-style showers are redefining what a bathroom can be, and they don’t have to cost a fortune. Using simple upgrades like a rainfall showerhead, frameless glass panels or budget-friendly waterproof wall panels can create that spa-like feel without a full gut renovation. Accessibility is also increasingly important, especially as about 75% of adults over 50 want to stay in their current homes or communities as long as possible. Features like ADA-friendly handles ensure the bathroom works for everyone, both now and in the future. For this, the latest Peerless^® Precept^® Bathroom + ADA expansion fits perfectly. It offers functionally designed options that combine style, ease of use and efficient performance.

A contemporary blueprint

Bathrooms today are about balance: Curved lines soften bold textures, mixed finishes create layers of personality and efficient fixtures deliver performance and functionality without compromising style. Taking inspiration from current bathroom remodel trends makes it easier than ever to recreate a space that feels contemporary and thoughtfully designed without requiring a large investment. By embracing these trends and crowdsourcing the right fixtures and/or products, bathroom remodels can achieve the ideal combination of contemporary appeal, lasting value and affordability.