How to create stunning Christmas lighting displays in 15 minutes

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.

Govee Christmas tree lit with blue, green, and purple lights, next to a fireplace.

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.

A Christmas tree by a light display on the wall showing reindeer.

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.

Outdoor light display on a home and outdoor tree made of lights.

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.

Christmas tree in a living room with green lights.

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.

The eufyCam C35 is the Official Security Camera for Homes of All Shapes and Sizes

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.

How to elevate your home for holiday entertaining

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.

Upscale bathroom with sleek KOHLER<sup><sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup></sup> PureWash M300 bidet toilet seat that is easy-to-install to your existing toilet and includes a dual-spray wand for front and rear cleansing.” width=”600″ border=”0″></div>
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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.

How to introduce contemporary design in a bathroom remodel and make it work within budget

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.

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NEW Peerless® Ezra™ Widespread Curved Spout Faucet

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.

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Peerless® Flute™ Single-Handle Faucet

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.

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Peerless® Xander® Widespread Faucet and Shower

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.

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Peerless® Precept® ADA Tub and Shower

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.

Why you may want a ‘bathroom divorce’ and how to make it happen

2025-10-30T00:01:00

(BPT) – Couples everywhere strive to maintain household harmony despite their differences in habits, financial attitudes and approaches to life’s ups and downs. But for many, there comes a breaking point: the bathroom.

This is what’s driving many couples to seek a “bathroom divorce,” a growing trend when a couple realizes their relationship may benefit from creating two separate bathrooms, rather than unhappily sharing the same one.

A problem in search of a solution

Whether you hold widely different standards of cleanliness, battle daily over the countertop and storage space for personal products, have competing schedules each morning or simply want an oasis to call your own, you’re clearly not alone. Prioritizing personal space by wishing for two separate bathrooms is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason.

Although creating an additional bathroom may seem like the perfect solution, for many households, adding a second bath can seem impossible due to layout or plumbing constraints — not to mention financial considerations and the hassles that can come with a full bathroom renovation.

How to become happily ‘bathroom divorced’

The good news: It is possible to create an additional bathroom even in situations where space is limited, or where you would traditionally need to break through the floor or dig into concrete — like creating a new bathroom in a basement or former garage. The key is not needing to have the standard, below-floor plumbing you might expect for a bathroom addition.

How is this accomplished? With a macerator pump system, you can transform underutilized or unexpected spaces into full, functional bathrooms.

For example, manufacturer SFA Saniflo offers multiple smart, above-floor plumbing solutions like their Saniaccess 3, which is ideal for adding a full bathroom in a light-traffic area. The Saniaccess 3 is a half-horsepower macerator pump system for installing a complete bathroom up to 15 feet below a sewer line or up to 150 feet away from a soil stack.

Including a two-piece toilet that flushes through a horizontal, rear-discharge spigot, this above-floor system goes beyond merely macerating toilet waste (black water). It can also efficiently handle gray water drainage from two other fixtures, such as a nearby sink, tub or shower. The above-floor plumbing is ideal for repurposing small, awkward or out-of-the-way spaces.

Saniflo products eliminate the need for costly, disruptive construction, making it possible to add bathrooms almost anywhere. The company also offers options that are flexible enough for full bathrooms (toilet, sink, shower) or half-baths, depending on space and needs for any given project.

Best yet, these products require shorter installation time and lower costs compared to conventional plumbing solutions.

Real-life solutions

The Mignon family in Long Island, New York, had only one full bath and a half bath in their home, and desperately wanted another full bathroom to accommodate the needs of their family of four. But the only option was to transform a downstairs mudroom into a full bathroom.

The Mignons didn’t want to subject their family to the disruptive renovation of a traditional plumbing installation that would mean digging trenches through their garage floor for proper drainage — a process that could cost thousands of dollars.

To avoid a costly renovation and major construction hassles required by conventional below-floor plumbing drainage, the Mignons instead chose Saniflo’s Saniaccess 3 macerating pump system to convert their unused mudroom into their dream en-suite with a full shower, toilet and spacious vanity.

This flexibility also makes it possible to undergo a bathroom makeover in situations such as a condominium or townhouse that might have stringent limitations on renovation. For example, the Hightower couple in Atlanta, Georgia, wanted to renovate their master bathroom, but soon found that the rules of their condo’s building association wouldn’t allow renovations that would go through each floor’s foot-thick concrete floor.

Instead, the Hightowers were able to make the change they wanted through installation of the one-piece, dual-flush Sanicompact Comfort macerating toilet, saving the cost, hassle and inconvenience of lifting the floor 8-10 inches to accommodate below-floor drainage.

Could a bathroom divorce be the secret to domestic bliss?

These practical solutions mean not only making optimal use of space to provide a much-needed additional bathroom, but they come without the household upheaval and budget constraints many bathroom renovations entail.

If the idea of separate bathrooms appeals to you and your partner, explore the possibilities available for your home with macerating pump systems from SFA Saniflo. For more information, visit SFASaniflo.com.

Climate-friendly outdoor upgrades that look great and leave a lighter footprint

2025-10-29T15:31:00

(BPT) – Today’s homeowners are increasingly focused on creating spaces that endure the elements while leaving a lighter environmental footprint. This growing focus on resilience and sustainability is driving demand for home features that can withstand extreme weather and changing climates. In fact, Zillow reports that 86% of recent buyers say it’s very important for a home to include at least one climate-resilient component.

When it comes to outdoor spaces, composite decking delivers on all fronts, offering five key benefits that make it a smart, stylish and sustainable upgrade.

1. Weatherability

Traditional wood decks can warp, splinter, crack or fade under extreme conditions. Composite decking, by contrast, is engineered to resist fading, scratches and stains while withstanding rain, sun, wind and snow without losing structural integrity. Performance-engineered products, like those from Trex®, are built to perform beautifully for decades and backed by warranties of up to 50 years.

Fall leaves on a Trex deck

2. Heat mitigation

No matter the decking material, a deck surface can become uncomfortably hot under direct sun. Heat-mitigating composite decking reflects solar energy, reduces surface temperatures, and keeps decks cooler, providing comfort even during the hottest days.

Two kids sitting on a Trex deck enjoying the sunshine while playing a game together.

3. Fire resistance

In regions across the country prone to wildfires or brush fires, fire-resistant materials are increasingly important. Composite decking that meets Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) standards provides peace of mind without compromising on style or durability.

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4. Marine-grade durability

Whether near a lake, river, or coastline, moisture and salt exposure can quickly degrade wood decks. High-performance composite decking is not only 100% submersible but also saltwater-safe and built to withstand harsh wet conditions, making it a smart choice nationwide for homes in high-humidity or waterfront areas.

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5. Sustainability

Durability goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Made from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed materials and manufactured in the U.S., Trex composite decking offers a sustainable choice that also stands up to decades of wear.

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Expert tip for extra longevity

For lasting performance and added protection, apply waterproof flashing tape (e.g., Trex® Protect™) to the wooden joists and beams of the substructure. This simple, cost-effective step safeguards the foundation from moisture damage, helping it to last as long as the decking itself.

To learn more about the benefits of composite decking, visit Trex.com.

How to elevate your home using nature-inspired colors

2025-10-22T05:01:00

(BPT) – The desire to bring the outdoors in continues to inspire homeowners and designers alike. Natural, earthy neutrals and a variety of green shades are key to this trend as it encompasses more areas of the home. In fact, according to independent research among homeowners, the vast majority of consumers (88%) are interested in color palettes other than white and chrome for their next kitchen or bath remodel, with a preference toward neutrals and earth tones like greens.

So if stark white kitchens and baths are no longer trending, how can you celebrate natural neutrals and greens in these spaces? To help you get started, Kohler now offers a variety of bath and kitchen essentials in these colors, merging modern and vintage aesthetics to bring a sense of tranquility and timeless style into the busiest rooms of your home.

“The healing power of nature helps explain why we’re drawn to these colors,” said Alex Yacavone, Senior Manager at Kohler, Industrial Design Studio. “Greens and earthy neutrals effectively create a serene, soothing environment to elevate any room.”

Neutral elements for a timeless, nature-inspired style

When you look at what creates timeless interior design, it’s clear that it’s rooted in thoughtful materials, classic silhouettes and livable color. Elements of nature, paired with classic design details, ensure these spaces remain relevant and comforting over time.

Born out of an appreciation for craftsmanship from previous centuries, bath and kitchen options from Kohler embrace the quiet beauty of neutrals that can make an elevated statement in their own right.

Looking for a stylish bathroom addition? The Artifacts Cast Iron Free Standing Bath in Dune is inspired by the charm of turn-of-the-century homes, like a vintage treasure rediscovered but enhanced by the comforts of modern design — such as a gently curved rim for added neck support. You can also customize your Artifacts bath with a set of ornate ball-and-claw feet.

Creating a stunning focal point inspired by studio pottery, the Derring Oval Sink in Bourbon Rutile celebrates the beauty and authenticity of handcrafted ceramics. Each sink is finished with unique artisanal glazes that produce fascinating surface effects, with a hand-carved texture that accentuates the glaze’s subtle tonal variations.

If you’ve always wanted a sink that embraces farmhouse style, the streamlined apron-front Whitehaven Cast Iron in Truffle is perfect for remodeling projects. The Self-Trimming design requires only a rough cut to new or existing 30-inch standard cabinetry for simple installation and beautiful results. Crafted from enameled cast iron, the sink resists chipping, cracking or burning for years of beauty and reliable performance.

In exploring nature, people are drawn not only to the earthy neutrals that bring calm and familiarity to interiors, but also to the pops of green that breathe life into a space without overwhelming it.

Lasting shades of green

With the Kohler Heritage Greens collection, you can transform your kitchen and bath using bold, nature-inspired hues. This collection is inspired by carefully curated iconic greens from the Kohler archives, brought back to life in current kitchen and bath products. Inspired by the beauty of the outdoors, these shades are perfectly suited for classic or contemporary designs, and will blend effortlessly with your existing decor:

  • Fresh Green (1971) is a lively shade reminiscent of a spring garden, ideal for adding bright energy to kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Aspen Green (1978) captures serene tones of mountain pines for a calming color that works as a neutral or makes a statement in any space.
  • Teal (1987) is a deep, dramatic green/blue blend that infuses striking, nature-inspired character into your design vision.

Bringing greens into the kitchen or bathroom allows you to experiment with nature’s neutral hues that pair with a wide range of design aesthetics. Kohler’s Heritage colors showcase the versatility of green by offering a serene, calming atmosphere with Aspen Green and a deeper, moodier tone with Teal. The differences in hue demonstrate how green carries a lasting appeal, showcasing how green can sit in modern and classic spaces alike.

Vintage country sink with green counter tops in kitchen.

Searching for a piece that draws inspiration from traditional furniture and architectural elements? The Memoirs Stately Pedestal Sink in Teal offers crisp, clean lines evoking the splendor of fine antiques.

Similarly, the Memoirs Stately Toilet in Aspen Green features the elegant architectural look of the Memoirs collection along with vintage-inspired Stately design, combining performance with traditional style.

Neutral, nature-inspired colors and finishes can lead to grounded spaces that feel connected to the natural world, evoking a fresh, timeless appeal that’s versatile and welcoming. Come home to the colors of nature at Kohler.com.

Intensifying weather demands more resilient housing: How to build solutions

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.

Representatives of James Hardie building a home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity


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.

Considering a home generator? Why you should install now

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.

Where style meets daily life: Surface trends to know

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.

Japanese design inspired bath with wood floors stand-alone tub and curved cabinets and fixtures.

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.

Scandinavian simplicity meets coastal vibes in this bright kitchen design.

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.

Deep tone  LUJO<sup><sup><sup>®</sup></sup></sup> TFL from Wilsonart adds wood-inspired finishes and luxury matte textures to cabinetry and wall panels in this retro kitchen.” width=”600″ border=”0″></div>
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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.

Modern-style kitchen with jewel-toned pantries, tucked-away bars, and clever storage nooks shine with Traceless™ by Wilsonart.

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.