Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-01-31T07:01:00

(BPT) – When a severe weather event like a winter storm hits your town, a portable generator can power your necessary appliances, electronic devices and medical equipment. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is encouraging consumers who use portable generators to learn how to operate them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

CO is known as the invisible killer because it’s colorless and odorless. Often, people don’t realize they have CO poisoning until it’s too late. According to a recent report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Non-Fire Carbon Monoxide Deaths Associated with the Use of Consumer Products, an estimated 250 consumer product-related non-fire CO deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2019. Most of these deaths occurred in colder months, with more than half occurring November through February.

Since 2009, portable generators have been associated with 40% of all non-fire CO deaths related to consumer products under CPSC’s jurisdiction.

This winter, CPSC has six life-saving tips to protect your family from CO poisoning.

1. Never operate a portable generator indoors

Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace, shed or other enclosed spaces. Opening doors or windows won’t provide enough ventilation to prevent the buildup of lethal CO levels.

2. Don’t operate a portable generator close to your home

Ensure that portable generators are operated at least 20 feet from your house. Don’t operate a generator on a porch or in a carport. It may be convenient, but it’s too close to home and puts your family at risk of CO poisoning. Direct the generator’s exhaust away from your home and other buildings where someone can enter. Close windows and seal off vent openings that are near the generator or in the path of its exhaust.

3. Don’t skip maintenance

Regularly check and maintain your portable generator to ensure it will work properly when needed. Read and follow all labels, instructions and warnings on the generator and in the owner’s manual.

4. Purchase a portable generator with safety features

When searching for a portable generator, look for models with a CO shut-off. This safety feature automatically shuts off the generator when high levels of CO are present around the generator. Models that are certified to the latest PGMA G300-2018 and UL 2201 safety standards are estimated by CPSC to reduce deaths from CO poisoning by 87% and 100%, respectively.

5. Install CO alarms

A CO alarm is the last line of defense and can save lives! Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best because when one sounds, they all sound. Test CO alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Never ignore an alarm when it sounds. Get outside immediately, then call 911.

6. Keep outside vents clear

Clear snow away from the outside vents for fuel-burning appliances, such as furnaces, so that dangerous carbon monoxide does not build up inside the house.

Keep your family safe this winter by using these six tips. To learn more about the dangers of CO and how to protect yourself during a power outage, visit CPSC.gov/Safety-Education.

SOURCE: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

2024-01-31T06:01:00

(BPT) – Do you have a basement or other room with unlevel flooring? This can make the space difficult to use, plus detracts from your home’s overall value. Change this problem into opportunity by exploring how you can fix the surface and prepare it for tile, carpet or another finished flooring.

Some might think it will be necessary to demolish the existing concrete slab and pour a new slab. Not only is this very costly, it’s time-consuming. One of the simplest solutions pros and DIYers alike use to correct sloping, uneven or cracked floors is Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer. With this product, you can resurface most floors with a single application, creating a smooth surface for the installation of ceramic tile, carpet, resilient flooring or other finishes.

With the right preparation, you can improve your basement or other floor over a weekend. Your resurfaced floor will be ready for applying tile or carpet — or leave just as it is, for lightly trafficked areas. It can even be used for areas like patios if the temperature is not below freezing. This has big impact, making your property more livable and boosting its value.

Before you start, it’s important to assess the current floor’s surface and do some preparation.

Temperature considerations

Quikrete’s Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer can be used at any temperature above freezing, but for best results, the temperature should be at least 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder temps will slow the setting time for the product, although it will still set faster than typical resurfacing products.

Check for damage and amount of slope

First, examine the floor for large cracks, holes or damage that may need repair before applying Quickrete’s Floor Resurfacer. If you have deep cracks (more than 5/8″ deep) or large chunks of floor to repair, use a fast-set repair mortar and cure such as Quikrete Commercial Grade FastSet Repair Mortar before resurfacing. Small hairline cracks will be easily filled by the floor resurfacer.

Then, use a level to determine how much slope you have. You can apply up to 5/8 of an inch of lift but not more than that in a single application, so if your floor has a bigger slope, you’ll want to use more than one application to level the area.

Gather your materials

All you’ll need is the Quikrete Fast-Setting Self-Leveling Floor Resurfacer, a heavy-duty drill with a paddle mixer, water, a 5-gallon bucket, impervious gloves, safety glasses and Quikrete Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). The resurfacing product is self-leveling, so no trowel is required. Make sure to follow safety precautions and wear impervious gloves such as nitrile when using products.

Clean and prime your floor

It’s essential that all surfaces are clean and free of foreign substances including dirt, dust, oil, grease and paint. After cleaning, you’ll need to prime the clean, dry floor surface with diluted QUIKRETE Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902). Follow the product’s instructions for use and allow time to dry. The bonding adhesive should be dry to the touch (drying takes about 1-2 hours, depending on conditions) before using the resurfacer.

Apply the resurfacer

Mix the resurfacer with water according to the product instructions. Starting in the center of the space, pour the material directly from the mixing container in continuous strips of about 1 foot (30 cm) wide across the narrow section of the application area. Placing should be done as one continuous operation, with no screeding or troweling necessary. The mixed material will remain fluid for approximately 20 minutes, and will level itself to a smooth surface.

Pour the next strip adjacent to the edge of the previously placed material. The adjacent strips should be poured within 15-20 minutes to ensure a smooth, continuous surface. Continue to work without breaks until the entire application area is covered.

Allow the resurfacer to cure

Curing time will vary depending on area conditions. During the first 24 hours, keep the area covered or damp to prevent excessive loss of water, which can cause cracking. You can also use Quikrete Acrylic Concrete Cure & Seal, plastic sheeting or the application of a very fine fog spray of water to help prevent shrinkage cracking.

Following these steps can help you maximize your home’s underused basement or other spaces, providing rooms with smooth, level floors. Visit Quikrete.com for information about this and other home DIY products.

2024-01-31T04:01:00

(BPT) – If you or a loved one are planning on making improvements to your home to help you age in place comfortably and safely, you’re probably focusing your attention on areas inside the home. But have you also thought about how outdoor spaces can affect your ability to enjoy your home as you get older? Creating accessible, low-maintenance environments that can extend your living space to include the outdoors is an effective way to increase the value of your home, while making the most of the home you’ve grown to love.

Here are five home paver projects to consider that can enhance the quality of life for anyone with the desire to age in place.

1. Accessible pathways

Creating smooth and easily navigable pathways throughout your outdoor space is crucial for age-in-place living. Installing pavers that have a non-slip surface ensures stability, while minimizing steps or elevation changes will increase safety and comfort for anyone with mobility challenges. In addition, using edgers like Pavestone’s RumbleStone^® edgers outlines and draws attention to these paths while incorporating visual elements from the spaces they connect.

A well-designed pathway helps to connect various areas of the property, promoting independence and providing a sense of freedom.

2. Patio expansion

Expanding or renovating your patio with large-scale step stones or traditional pavers (and edging or wall block) can significantly enhance your outdoor living spaces.

It’s best to choose slip-resistant pavers to reduce the risk of accidents, and consider incorporating seat walls or built-in benches for convenient resting spots. A well-designed patio made with Pavestone RumbleStone, for example, encourages outdoor activities, socializing and relaxation while maintaining the comfort and safety needed for older adults.

3. Raised garden beds

If you enjoy gardening, raised garden beds constructed with wall blocks, like Pavestone’s Ladera^® wall block, can keep the joy of growing plants and flowers as part of your life without the physical strain. Elevating the planting area reduces the need for bending or kneeling, making it more accessible for anyone with limited mobility.

Wall blocks provide a stable and durable border, making the raised garden beds not only functional, but also aesthetically pleasing.

4. Threshold ramps

Eliminating barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces or between separated outdoor areas is essential for age-in-place living. Installing threshold ramps made of pavers like Pavestone’s Holland stone ensures a smooth transition between different floor levels such as from the house to the patio. These ramps are not only practical, but also add a seamless design element to the overall aesthetic of the property.

5. Low-maintenance, multi-functional outdoor spaces

You can create outdoor spaces to serve multiple purposes to accommodate changing needs as you or a loved one grows older. Paver projects that incorporate sitting areas, shade structures and even low-maintenance green spaces offer a range of possibilities without requiring extensive upkeep.

For example, previously sodded spaces can be quickly covered with larger-scale step stones and landscape rock. This versatility allows for the easy adaptation of the outdoor environment to varying mobility levels and preferences over time.

Using these top five home outdoor paver projects, you or your family members can age in place with confidence, surrounded by spaces that promote independence, well-being and a high quality of life. Investing now in outdoor paver projects tailored for age-in-place living is a thoughtful and proactive approach to maintaining a comfortable and safe home environment for years to come. These projects not only enhance accessibility for anyone living in or visiting your home, but also contribute to the overall aesthetic and functionality of your property.

Visit Pavestone.com for more design inspiration and ideas to improve your home at any life stage.

2024-01-25T10:01:00

(BPT) – In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to take care of our household chores is no easy thing. Doing the laundry can be among the most time-consuming and effort-intensive of these chores, typically necessitating a lengthy, multi-step process to get everything clean and dry. To liberate us from the more inconvenient aspects of this essential task, LG is introducing the WashCombo™ All-in-One Washer/Dryer — the newest addition to its line of advanced laundry solutions — in the United States. This new product revolutionizes the laundry experience as a time-saving appliance that boasts high efficiency, bringing us closer to the dream of a Zero Labor Home.

The WashCombo seamlessly integrates a washer and dryer into a single, space-friendly appliance. Saving time and simplifying the entire laundry process, LG’s all-in-one runs a complete wash-and-dry cycle in under two hours, with no need to transfer clothes from one appliance to another.¹ And thanks to its compact, ventless design with standard 120v plug, the innovative laundry solution offers outstanding installation flexibility and ensures the ideal use of your precious indoor space.

Featuring LG’s renowned Inverter HeatPump™ technology and Direct Drive Motor, the WashCombo delivers a quiet performance while maximizing efficiency, using up to 60 percent less energy than a vented model.² Equipped with built-in sensors and AI technology, it can detect fabric texture, soil level and load size, then automatically select the best settings (washing and drying motions, temperatures, and more) to provide advanced fabric care and outstanding laundry results. The WashCombo also boasts a 5.0-cubic-foot capacity, so that it can handle larger loads — even a bulky king-size comforter.³

LG’s latest washer/dryer also presents convenient control with ThinQ™ technology. The ThinQ app offers solutions to potential issues, preventing product misuse and enabling easy maintenance. Through AI Speaker Connectivity, the app also lets you monitor and remotely control your products by simply commanding Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant with your voice. What’s more, you can download additional cycles and access Smart Diagnosis and customer support⁴ through the app, enhancing the overall user experience and making life — and laundry — much easier.

With LG’s groundbreaking product, you can bid farewell to the hassles of laundry past and say hello to a brand-new era of efficient and effortless clothing care.

The new LG WashCombo All-in-One is available for purchase on LG.com.

# # #

¹ Based on independent testing of Wash+Dry cycle, Dryer on Energy Saver mode, 10 lb. load (October 2023).

² 60 percent more energy efficient drying – efficiency rating as compared to the requirements for ENERGY STAR^® qualification for standard electric dryers. Based on EnergyStar.gov (November 2023).

³ Based on manufacturers’ published specs of front-load washer/dryer combos with a width of 27 inches or less (September 2023).

⁴ Available on select LG smart appliances. Features may vary by model.

2024-01-09T13:15:00

(BPT) – If you’ve experienced issues with your existing sewage ejector, you know how troublesome it can be. You can end up with bad smells and clogs that mean frequent calls to your plumber — as well as costly repairs.

Sewage ejector systems are crucial to help manage waste in many homes and smaller commercial buildings, but the frequent performance and repair issues they can experience often lead to high maintenance costs, messy repairs and frequent nasty clogs that can disrupt your daily life. On top of that, maintaining, repairing or replacing these systems can take considerable time and effort.

What causes sewage ejector pump issues?

One major factor can be its age. “Typically, pumps last between six to ten years,” said experienced plumber Dominick Rudd of Bush Plumbing, near Indianapolis, Indiana. “At that point, the age of the pump can simply cause it to stop working or make it perform poorly.”

Other factors can negatively affect these systems, Rudd explained, including pumps that are used far less often, such as in basement bathrooms. “Pumps that sit idle can rust or experience damage due to underuse or misuse.”

On the other hand, overuse can also create problems, especially when oversized or foreign objects are flushed down the toilet. Anything from paper towels, feminine products, so-called “flushable” wipes and excessive toilet paper, among other things, can cause the pump mechanism to fail. Homeowners are advised to educate all family members about what can and cannot be flushed down their toilets.

Some models may suffer from float mechanism failures because they have satellite floats with a small metal ball that needs to make contact with two points to allow power to flow through. The unreliable performance of these types of systems can lead to potential hazards such as backed-up sewage and unpleasant odors — compromising your family’s comfort and well-being.

An innovative solution to sewage ejector problems

If you’re looking for a mess-free replacement for your current sewage ejector system, the Sanipit 24GR from SFA Saniflo could be the answer. This pre-assembled heavy-duty retrofit insert easily fits 24-inch basins, providing a fast and easy replacement that is equally easy to service.

One key differentiator of the Sanipit 24GR is its ability to create a dry cavity within the pit. Unlike other pumping systems that sit directly in sewage, SFA Saniflo’s design keeps the components and motor separate, ensuring a hassle-free experience for plumbing installers and service technicians due to easy access to all major internal components, including the motor, grinder blade and pressure switches.

Even better, its powerful 1 HP motor is equipped with a clog-resistant, stainless steel grinder blade meant for residential and light-commercial applications and can pump up to 25 feet (maximum shut-off head: 33 feet). The Sanipit 24GR is rated IP68, with an external control panel and visual/audible alarm system, plus a fail-proof air pressure switch system with triple redundancy that minimizes the chances of a system shut-down before a plumber can arrive to repair it.

Plumbers appreciate the Sanipit 24GR retrofit pump kit’s ability to easily overcome challenges encountered with sewage ejectors. Rudd commends the product’s versatility and compatibility, and how it seamlessly fits into existing 24-inch basins from leading manufacturers such as Liberty Pumps, Zoeller and Myers — eliminating the need for extensive plumbing modifications.

“By keeping the current basin in place and adapting the retrofit cover, the installation process is simplified and time-efficient,” Rudd said. “I can simply drop the Sanipit in, bolt it down, and connect the necessary components from the top.”

Sanipit’s easy access points allow a plumber to inspect and maintain major internal components without difficulty, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency. Best of all, the durability of the Sanipit 24GR should require minimal maintenance over its long lifespan.

If you’re looking for peace of mind and reduced long-term hassles and costs, you may want to consider installing a Sanipit 24GR in your home.

You can watch this video to see how they are installed, and visit Saniflo.com to learn more.

2024-01-03T08:07:00

(BPT) – Home renovations can be expensive. In fact, an average home renovation cost $22,000 in 2022, according to Houzz research. Even with the cost being substantial, more than half of homeowners say they’re planning on undertaking a renovation in the coming year. While making those investments in your home, reviewing important insurance considerations can ensure you’re not putting your financial future at risk.

Considerations for working with a contractor

Mishaps during renovations can be costly. To mitigate some of your risk, any contractor you work with should have the following:

• Contracting License — Ensures the legality of your renovation and provides peace of mind knowing your contractor is sufficiently knowledgeable.

• General Liability Insurance — Provides protection against the cost of property damage and injuries that may occur during the renovation.

• Workers’ Compensation — Provides financial protection in case workers are injured while working on the project.

John Lack was a contractor for 35 years before joining Acuity Insurance as the carrier’s construction consultant. He has the following suggestion for getting this documentation from your contractor:

“Just ask. Reputable contractors expect to provide this information to you. You should always work with a licensed contractor. As for insurance, they should be able to provide you a certificate of insurance (COI). That COI should include three things: your name as an additional insured; the policy-in-force dates, which should span the entire time they will be working on your home; and their coverages.”

How home renovations can impact your homeowners insurance

If you’re undertaking a small renovation like changing paint colors, updating carpet, or adding a backsplash, that will likely not impact your homeowners policy limits. If your renovation is more extensive, like adding an addition, remodeling a kitchen or adding a bathroom, you may be changing the value of your home enough to need a change in your homeowners insurance limits. Consider how much your home would cost to rebuild — not the market value. If your renovation increases the amount it would cost to replace everything you have, you should change your limits.

One renovation that may reduce your cost of insurance is replacing your roof. If you replace your roof, be sure to report the update to your agent. Many insurance companies will provide broader coverage and possibly a reduced price for newer roofs.

It’s best to talk with your independent insurance agent about how your renovation might impact your insurance needs. They can help ensure you’re covered and that your investment is adequately protected.

2023-12-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – From building homes, offices and all other private and public structures used every day, the construction industry touches the lives of everyone. Given the impact and scale of construction, it’s essential that the industry find ways to reduce its environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices.

According to the World Green Building Council^®, buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. About 28% comes from operational emissions — including the energy used to heat, cool and power buildings — and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.

However, the industry is changing. One company that is committed to its long-term vision for sustainability is Clayton^®, a national builder of attainable, single-family homes.

The homebuilder recognizes that it has a responsibility to carefully manage and minimize the environmental impact of the homes they sell, as well as their operations. Through homebuilding innovations, waste reduction, resource conservation efforts and philanthropic partnerships, Clayton aims to meet communities’ needs today while opening doors to a better life for generations to come.

“Focusing on sustainability is the right thing to do for the communities we serve and the world we live in. As builders committed to attainability, we know that every dollar counts, which is why we tackle waste in all of its forms — from materials and resources to the efficiency of our build process. We also recognize our unique opportunity to improve access to home energy efficiency, something our homeowners want and need,” said William Jenkins, Senior Director of Environment and Sustainability at Clayton. “Ultimately, these efforts help us to fulfill our vision to develop housing innovations that improve lives and build a better tomorrow.”

Building with sustainability in mind

Clayton builds homes that can help homeowners save money on utilities while also conserving the planet’s natural resources. Clayton’s eBuilt^® homes are built to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home (DOE ZERH) specifications. These homes can save homeowners up to 50% on annual energy bills¹ and, when paired with a renewable energy system, can offset most or all the home’s annual energy use.

Beyond designing and building homes with energy-efficient features, Clayton is working to conserve resources and recycle construction materials. Clayton purchases materials in bulk and works with its suppliers to save on packaging and shipping of items like lumber, siding and sheetrock. These materials are often ordered pre-cut to simplify their use in construction and drive down scrap. The builder’s ISO^® 14001 program² focuses on reuse and recycling to ensure excess materials don’t go to waste. In 2022 alone, Clayton diverted over 51,000 tons of waste from the landfill.

Targeting carbon emissions

Clayton is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its operations, specifically targeting the emissions from its consumption of fuel and purchased electricity. To accomplish this, the company is modernizing its fleet with hybrid vehicles and electric forklifts.

At Clayton Sulphur Springs, the homebuilder has installed a 200-kilowatt solar carport system. This system produces enough renewable energy to account for 30%-40% of its electricity usage. Clayton will continue to expand its reliance on renewable energy in its operations and install several solar energy systems at home building facilities in East Tennessee, Arizona and at Clayton’s Home Office.

Developing water-saving innovations

Water is becoming scarce in many regions of the world, especially in the American Southwest. The Southwest is considered one of the more sensitive regions in the world for increased risk of drought caused by environmental changes. In New Mexico, droughts are expected to worsen in the next half century, making water an even more precious resource.

When building homes, drywall and painting tools must be cleaned to ensure home construction quality. Previously, a building facility in New Mexico used fresh water each time they cleaned the drywall mud and paint tools. However, to help combat drought, Clayton Albuquerque has developed an in-house process to filter the water used to clean the tools three times before it is directed to the municipal wastewater system. This innovation saves over 100,000 gallons of water a year!

Contributing to a sustainable future through partnerships

Clayton is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates. One way it does so is by partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation^®, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting native tree species in established forests.

Planting trees helps to restore critical forest ecosystems and is an effective way to help combat climate change. Large-scale reforestation projects are planned in strategic locations, leading to cleaner water, improved air quality and increased biodiversity in their surrounding regions.

This year alone, Clayton will plant 1.19 million trees in forests of great need in 11 different states across the United States. By 2025, Clayton and the Arbor Day Foundation will have planted over 4.47 million trees since their partnership began in 2022.

Drive change to build a better tomorrow

Clayton seeks to evolve the housing industry by driving change through sustainability and innovation. With each home they build, they strive to create a reality where sustainable living isn’t just a dream — it’s simply the way we live.

To learn more about how Clayton is working toward its sustainability goals, visit https://www.claytonhomes.com/sustainability/.

1. Energy.gov ZERH guidelines

2. ISO is the registered trademark of the International Organization for Standardization

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

2023-12-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – The new year brings an air of excitement and inspiration that many people channel into new projects. This year, use that energy to refresh your home! Your home should be a space that you can’t wait to return to after work, school and errands.

With a few updates, you can easily transform your living room, kitchen and bathrooms, infusing these spaces with both style and function. So, get ready to start 2024 with a home update using these five inspiring trends.

1. Embracing organic and natural tones and materials

In 2024, consider integrating soothing neutrals and rich earth tones in your home for a beautiful and clean aesthetic. Also, embrace organic and natural materials. They’re timeless and long-lasting, bringing airiness and texture to any room. You can achieve this by incorporating natural stone, wood and rattan materials in furniture, flooring and decor. Together, these natural elements and colors will create an inviting space that brings a touch of nature indoors.

2. Indulging in a spa-like bathroom

You don’t have to leave your home to have a spa experience. In 2024, transform your bathroom into a serene oasis with spa-inspired features.

For example, consider switching your current showerhead with a newer model like the Delta^® ProClean™ 6-Setting Hand Shower. This powerful and practical addition to your shower features two massage spray settings so you can relax to the fullest. You can easily restart the water with the same temperature as when you left it off, providing a seamless showering experience while helping conserve water and, most importantly, your hot water supply!

Once you’re done with your shower, use the ProClean™ spray setting to clean shower surfaces at least two times faster than standard sprays, powering off soap scum and shower messes. Delta^® bath products make it easy to maintain a clean bathroom.

3. Making statements with accent walls

An accent wall can completely shift the design of a room. For example, a floral wall in the bathroom or a tropical print behind the sink can bring personality to the space. So, this year, embrace your creativity and choose a color or pattern that makes a statement.

4. Investing in functional spaces

Function should be at the forefront of your mind when upgrading your home. Whether you rearrange furniture to improve flow or add technology to simplify tasks, you’ll enhance your daily life at home.

For example, opt for a faucet in the kitchen that has features that make cleaning up easier, like Delta^®’s Touch2O^® Technology. A simple touch anywhere on the spout or handle with your wrist or forearm activates the water flow at the temperature where your faucet handle is set. The Delta^® TempSense^® LED light changes color to alert you to the water’s temperature and eliminate any possible surprises or discomfort. Perfect for little ones who might not realize the water is too hot to touch!

In your bathroom, add a practical and visually appealing sink faucet that enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves functionality. Opt for a model like the Stryke^® Single Handle Pull-Down Bathroom Faucet, which quickly cleans toothpaste, dirt and small debris from your sink with a nimble pull-down spray wand.

The Lumicoat^® Finish marries function and fashion, offering several options, including Champagne Bronze, Chrome and Matte Black. Best of all, the finish resists water spots and mineral buildup. It easily wipes clean without needing cleaners or chemicals, helping to keep your bathroom spotless.

5. Mixing styles

Why settle for one style? Mixing styles is a popular design trend, allowing you to choose styles that resonate with your multifaceted aesthetics. Combine traditional and modern elements or vintage and contemporary pieces. Experience a journey with your home renovation, find intentional inconsistencies between rooms and spaces and add more colors, textures and finishes.

This year, resolve to update your home to suit your style and everyday needs. Let these five trends inspire you in your home renovation and decoration endeavors in 2024!

2023-12-20T05:01:00

(BPT) – As the heart of the home, you want your kitchen to reflect your style but also help you get the job done — whether that’s cooking, cleaning, entertaining or numerous other tasks. If your current kitchen is slowing you down, you may want to consider functionality upgrades.

Keep in mind, functionality does not equate to lackluster style. Expert designers look for upgrades that enhance the kitchen’s usability and appearance. This blend of fashion and function will help you create a kitchen that will truly stand out.

Even if you can’t completely renovate the space, you can make strategic changes that make a big impact to your lifestyle. How do you decide where to invest time and money improving the function and style of the kitchen?

“Invest in products that are going to be the focus of the space or things you are using every day,” said Alex Yacavone, Kohler Design Studio manager.

For example, the sink is large and can be a focal point within the kitchen. By upgrading to a sink with a beautiful finish and thoughtful material, you’ll enhance style and function while elevating the overall aesthetic.

Yacavone recommends farmhouse kitchen sinks, like the Whitehaven sink in the color Truffle. This apron-front kitchen sink features a versatile farmhouse style that complements any decor. A large single basin accommodates large pots and pans, while the sloped bottom helps with draining and cleanup. Crafted from enameled cast iron, this sink resists chipping, cracking or burning for years of beauty and reliability.

Whether it’s a sink, faucet, lighting or appliance, once you decide which features to focus on, it’s time to research. With so many options available, this can feel overwhelming. Remember, you do not have to sacrifice style for functionality.

Yacavone’s advice: “The kitchen is a place where people gather, so it needs to be functional. The best way to not sacrifice style for function is to pick timeless styles and finishes to ground the space. Then you can add personal touches that showcase your unique style,” she said.

Finishes like chrome and polished nickel can feel elevated, but also complement a lot of different styles and colors. This allows you to play with tile and paint colors, while knowing your metal finishes won’t clash.

For example, the Crue Touchless faucet in chrome blends function with classic styling. The silhouette — a simple arched spout and single lever handle — offers a straightforward style that adapts to nearly any kitchen design.

Another noteworthy finish with staying power is French gold. The Purist faucet in Vibrant French Gold is a stunning faucet with a strong architectural form and simple-to-use features. The high-arch swing spout maneuvers easily around large cookware, while the side lever handle controls temperature and flow.

Yacavone said warm colors like this have a connection with nature and are currently gaining popularity. These can make the kitchen feel calm and soft, evoking positive emotion in the space.

For personal touches that inject your own unique style, consider investing in a backsplash in graphic tiles or a favorite color. This showcases your personality and can make the room one of a kind.

When it comes to style and functionality in the kitchen, you don’t have to choose. With this expert insight and some strategic planning, you can update your kitchen and enjoy it for many years to come.

2023-12-19T08:01:00

(BPT) – A free, up-to-date listing of 17,000+ products certified to meet ANSI/BHMA Standards, the BHMA Certified^® Products Directory (CPD) is a resource for anyone from manufacturers to homeowners who need to make decisions on hardware. Read on to learn more about this valuable tool.