Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2026-04-10T08:01:01

(BPT) – In an era of constant digital transformation and economic unpredictability, staying ahead of life’s “what-ifs” is a meaningful effort. Whether it’s a sudden home appliance breakdown or a sophisticated digital scam, the sheer volume of “to-dos” may lead to decision fatigue.

“Protecting your assets requires a strategy. With an AARP membership, our members have access to a curated list of special benefits that take the guesswork out of safeguarding what matters most to them,” said Jeff Gaboury, Senior Vice President of Financial Products and Services at AARP. “By leveraging these benefits, our members can cut through any potential decision fatigue and build a comprehensive safety net that helps to protect their home, families and futures.”

But protecting your hard-earned assets can be handled with ease and confidence. AARP member benefits give you access to practical, everyday tools to help safeguard your home, your identity, your family’s future and more. By focusing on these four steps, you can build a safety net that is both robust and manageable:

1. Protect your most valuable asset

Your home is most likely your biggest investment, and like many homeowners, you’ve probably been caught off guard by the “hidden” costs of maintenance. Beyond standard insurance, a home warranty can help protect your systems and appliances. AARP members can save $36 or more on an American Home Shield^® home warranty, which can help cover things in your home that break down over time, like the refrigerator, dishwasher, HVAC system and water heater. Plus, this discount can be combined with any valid sitewide promotional offer to save you more. Terms apply. See shopping.ahs.com/aarp for details. This offer is valid for only new American Home Shield members. See the plan agreement at ahs.com/contracts/ for coverage details, service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply.

Another great way to protect your home is with Homeowners Insurance. Get access to information on discounts for house and condo insurance to help protect your most valuable assets, with customized coverage and benefits designed especially for AARP members. You can also save on car insurance, including savings when bundling home and auto policies.

2. Guard Your identity

Guarding your identity is very important, and keeping it secure should feel seamless, not stressful. While technology is always changing, protecting yourself is easier than ever with LifeLock. AARP members can save 44% off identity theft protection plans that detect and alert you to threats you could miss on your own. *Terms apply.

3. Build your financial plan with confidence

Financial security isn’t just about saving, it’s about informed growth. AARP members can save up to $144 per year on Yahoo Finance Premium Plans, which include financial tools and research to help build wealth and retire comfortably. You can analyze your portfolio’s risk and performance, get expert stock picks, dividend analysis, risk insights and customizable screeners for confident long-term investing.

4. Plan for the future and establish your legacy

Everyone wants the peace of mind that comes with knowing loved ones will be taken care of, no matter what happens. AARP members have access to information on personalized long-term care options to find solutions to help protect your retirement assets and prepare for the future. AARP members also have access to information on Life Insurance Plans to make sure that you’re taking care of the ones you care about most.

The last piece of the puzzle is creating an estate plan. AARP members receive a 20% discount on trusts, wills and estate planning documents with Trust & Will; you have access to customer support, customizable documents and one year of free unlimited updates. By leveraging your member benefits and practical tools from your AARP membership, you can ensure that your home, finances and family remain secure in an ever-changing world.

*May not be available in every state.

AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

2026-04-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Outdoor living isn’t just a trend; it’s a priority. According to the International Casual Furnishings Association, 77% of U.S. homeowners wish they spent more time outside, and nearly 60% plan to invest in their backyards this year, prioritizing durability and practicality.

“Homeowners want outdoor spaces that deliver style with substance that can stand up to everyday life,” said Jodi Lee, senior vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the world’s #1 brand of wood-alternative decking and railing. “We’re seeing an increased focus on materials built to take on sun, moisture and changing climates, so backyards aren’t just beautiful, they’re built to last.”

Here are six trends set to define outdoor living this year:

1. Micro-Resort Living: Everyday Escapes at Home

Backyards are evolving into resort-style retreats with zones for yoga, dining and entertaining. Outdoor kitchens, ambient lighting, fire features and water elements create a vacation vibe at home. Thanks to low-maintenance, durable materials like Trex composite decking and all-weather furnishings, these outdoor retreats don’t just look like a vacation, they feel like one, too.

2. Back to Earth: Warm Browns and Mixed Materials

Warm, earthy tones are making a comeback, replacing the cool grays that have dominated for years. Sun-kissed browns add richness and sophistication to any outdoor space. Homeowners are also mixing materials like stone, wicker and metals, and using deck boards of varying widths to create personalized, architecturally interesting layouts.

3. Climate-Resilient Materials Are a Must

From sun-drenched backyards to moisture-rich coastal settings, homeowners want materials that can stand up to the elements. Composite decking rises to the challenge, offering marine-grade durability and even heat-mitigating properties that keep surfaces cooler under the sun — all while maintaining long-lasting beauty and performance through extreme weather and changing seasons.

4. Small but Stunning: Maximizing Every Square Foot

Homeowners are embracing smaller, highly curated outdoor spaces that pack a visual punch and deliver maximum functionality. Creative design choices like layered textures, built-in seating and bold color accents can make even a modest patio or deck feel luxurious. Installing an under-deck drainage system, like Trex^® RainEscape^®, can instantly double outdoor living area by keeping the space under the deck dry and usable as a patio, spa area or fully functional outdoor room.

5. View-Optimization: Sleek Railing Solutions

Modern railing systems featuring sleek aluminum, cable and glass enhance sightlines while providing durability. These low-profile options allow homeowners to enjoy uninterrupted views without compromising safety or style.

6. Privacy, Please: Fencing and Screens

Privacy is now a design statement. Pergolas, shade screens and low-maintenance fencing create enclosed, personal retreats while maintaining aesthetics. With so many options, privacy features are no longer just functional, they’re design statements helping to transform backyards into personal sanctuaries that are both beautiful and highly livable.

Across all of these trends, one theme stands out: performance is powering design and giving homeowners more ways to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional and built to last. For more outdoor living ideas and inspiration, visit Trex.com.

2026-04-02T08:03:00

(BPT) – If you’re refreshing your kitchen or bath, you’re probably looking for upgrades that look great, last for years, provide added functionality, and tread a little lighter on the planet. Kohler offers a surprisingly broad range of solutions — from water-saving fixtures to recycled-material designs — making it easier to build a greener home without sacrificing style or comfort.

Choosing sustainable solutions not only reduces environmental impact but also elevates the ease and functionality of your home, helping support a more balanced and wellness-focused daily routine. Below are ideas for sustainable, wellness-focused additions for your next renovation.

Repurposed for beautiful impact

Since 2017, Kohler WasteLAB, an innovation incubator within Kohler Co. that transforms repurposed industrial materials into design-forward handcrafted products, has turned byproducts into functional surfaces and home fixtures.

This innovative approach redefines sustainable luxury — embracing imperfection, material authenticity and expressive craft for the modern home with products like these:

• Transcendence by Kohler WasteLAB x Nada Debs is a stunning tile collection crafted from nearly 100% recycled materials sourced from Kohler manufacturing processes, balancing traditional form, contemporary craft and sustainable innovation. The collection’s new finishes — Emerald and Amber — join the existing Lake and Turquoise palette. The collection is distributed by Ann Sacks and is available in all Ann Sacks showrooms.
• Kohler WasteLAB Vox bathroom sinks are made using over 70% recycled materials. Rectangular Vox vessel sinks offer a refined, minimalist form for everyday use, with a soft, stone-like surface and durable construction. The sink’s sleek, contemporary design features a deep, symmetrical basin with rounded edges, available in dark gray Ashen or lighter Eggshell.
• Kohler WasteLAB planters are designed to elevate indoor or outdoor spaces, moving beyond conventional silhouettes with a more expressive, enduring alternative in sculptural form. Each planter basin is molded from 75% reclaimed materials chosen for their strength, texture and visual character, paired with a cast iron stand that naturally develops a rich patina over time. The planters bring nature to any space, which fosters mental well-being and stress reduction.

Water savings with smarter showerheads

Kohler’s showerheads demonstrate the company’s mission to help people live gracious, healthy and sustainable lives by putting wellness and sustainability at the center of daily showering, along with real-time water savings.

Innovations like the Anthem EvoCycle smart shower system recirculate and filter water in a closed-loop mode, reducing water use by up to 80% while delivering a full, comfortable spray. Meanwhile, the new Kohler Parallel showerhead operates at just 1.25 gallons per minute (gpm) — half the flow of a standard 2.5 gpm showerhead. Parallel’s efficiency uses 50% less water and carries the WaterSense^® label, signifying it meets strict EPA standards for performance and reduced water usage.

Improved sustainability and well-being with an upgraded toilet

All Kohler Smart Toilets are EPA WaterSense^® certified and operate at 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) and below.

Veil smart toilets offer an impressive 0.8 and 1.28 gpf dual flush options, meaning homeowners do not have to sacrifice innovation for sustainability. Convenient features include heated seat, nightlight, hands-free opening/closing and automatic flush, plus a touchscreen remote.

Prefer a high-functioning standard toilet with sustainable features? Kohler offers over 80 models that are 1.28 gpf or lower. For example, Kohler Highline 1.0 gpf toilets feature Kohler’s Revolution 360 technology, an advanced flushing system that uses a powerful swirling motion to thoroughly rinse the bowl.

Designed for those who view the home as a foundation for well-being, Kohler Health’s Dekoda seamlessly integrates into the bathroom to deliver deeper awareness of daily health. The device discretely and seamlessly attaches to the toilet and provides insights into hydration, gut health patterns and blood detection, helping homeowners better understand their bodies through the rhythms of everyday life.

Cast-iron craftsmanship that’s built to last

Longevity is one of the most sustainable design principles, and Kohler’s cast-iron products embody that idea. Made in Kohler, Wisconsin, from at least 80% recycled materials, these pieces are exceptionally durable. The Artifacts freestanding bath adds rich color and heritage charm, while the Whitehaven farmhouse kitchen sink brings timeless durability to the kitchen with resistance against chipping, cracking or burning.

Faucets that balance beauty and water efficiency

A faucet refresh can instantly uplift a kitchen or bath — especially when paired with water-saving technology. Kohler’s Artifacts, Occasion and Components bathroom faucets are WaterSense^® certified at 1.2 gpm, combining elegant silhouettes with thoughtful engineering.

For those looking to reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles, the Aquifer 4-in-1 beverage system delivers instant filtered still, chill, sparkling and near boiling water at the touch of a button. The faucet integrates directly into kitchen design while helping households cut down on waste. Cleaner, better-tasting water can also support hydration, a core pillar of overall wellness.

A one-stop shop for a greener renovation

Whether you’re integrating recycled materials, adopting smart-water technologies, introducing wellness devices that offer peace of mind, or updating fixtures for greater efficiency, Kohler unifies these sustainable solutions under one roof so you can create a harmonious, eco-minded home throughout.

For more ideas and inspiration, explore sustainable options at Kohler.com.

2026-04-01T16:01:01

(BPT) – If you’ve been pulled toward your phone more than your books lately, you’re not alone. According to a new nationwide survey conducted by Atomik Research and commissioned by ThriftBooks, 61% of U.S. adults believe they could maintain a habit of reading just a few pages a day for up to six months. However, 57% say the hardest part of reading is simply getting started.

The good news is you can easily make reading a fun and relaxing daily habit. According to behavioral scientist Jon Levy, a few small changes in your environment can make reading feel easier, cozier and more irresistible with a book-focused spring cleaning.

Here are his top eight tips to refresh your space and bring more books back into your daily life during spring cleaning season.

Start by decluttering your nightstand

Your nightstand sets the tone for your wind-down routine, so keep it simple and book-friendly. All you really need is your current bedtime book, a lamp, glasses (if you use them) and maybe a glass of water. Levy also suggests moving your phone out of arm’s reach or better yet, out of the bedroom entirely.

In the morning, you can set yourself up for another successful screen-free night by placing your book on your pillow. This small but powerful trick ensures that your book is the first thing that greets you every night.

Clear the digital clutter from your relaxing spots

Think about the places where scrolling tends to happen, like your couch, bed and desk. These “scroll traps” often turn into mindless phone zones. A simple way to break the cycle is to place books in those spots and set a gentle rule for yourself: read for 10 minutes before you touch your phone.

Create a dedicated reading zone

Choose one cozy corner — a spot by the window or a nook in the bedroom — and make it your go-to reading spot. Outfit it with a chair, a warm light and the book you’re reading. Make sure to keep it free from clutter and screens so your brain can associate that space with calm and focus.

Set up a screen-free sanctuary

Beyond your reading corner, designate one area of your home as a 100% analog zone. Think soft blanket, warm light, a notebook, a book stack and a cup of tea. No screens allowed. As a helpful reminder, keep a little basket nearby where your phone can “rest” while you unwind.

Swap the spots of your phone and book

A simple but shockingly effective tip is to put a book where your phone usually lives. On your kitchen counter, for example, place a paperback and move your phone to an inconvenient place, like across the room or into a drawer. When reading becomes the easy option, you’ll naturally reach for it more often.

Let books take center stage

Scatter books in the places you pass through most often, like on the coffee table or by your favorite chair. Be sure to remove visual clutter that competes for attention, like stacks of mail or random gadgets. You can use small cues — like a blanket draped over an armchair, warm lighting or a tray for tea — to create a welcoming vibe.

Keep your setup effortless

Reading should feel like a treat, never a task. On low-energy days, make reading effortless with a reading-ready setup. Make sure there’s a blanket within reach, a bookmark handy and books where you can see them. Keep your phone tucked away.

Read in community

You don’t have to build your reading life alone. Support and shared excitement can help keep your reading momentum going long after you’ve decluttered your space.

Consider joining a book club, swapping reads with friends or signing up for a community activity like ThriftBooks’ 500 Billion Page Reading Challenge. This challenge is an invitation for Americans to read more with no deadlines or pressure. All you need to do is read a few pages a day.

“Americans didn’t stop loving books — we just got a bit distracted,” said Barbara Hagen, vice president of marketing at ThriftBooks. “The 500 Billion Page Challenge is about helping people reignite their passion for reading in a way that fits real life. This isn’t about guilt or giving up screens forever. It’s about rediscovering what reading gives us that nothing else does.”

To learn more and join the movement, visit ThriftBooks.com/Challenge.

This spring, rearrange your home and renew your love of reading

Renewing your love for reading doesn’t have to be difficult. Using Levy’s eight tips, you can give your home a spring makeover that encourages you to ditch the scroll for a story. Happy reading!

2026-03-31T12:01:00

(BPT) – When it’s time to replace your roof, what matters most? Some are more focused on the performance and warranty. Others are looking to elevate curb appeal with a new roof color. Whether your focus is on style or durability, Owens Corning ensures you don’t have to compromise on beauty or performance.

That’s why Owens Corning teamed up with Erin and Ben Napier — the husband-and-wife TV hosts and design duo from Laurel, Mississippi — to help educate and inspire homeowners to make confident roofing decisions.

Style + Strength: Erin and Ben Napier’s Guide to Confident Roofing Choices

Erin and Ben bring two distinct perspectives to the roof replacement conversation. Erin, a self-described “roof geek” with a fine arts degree, sees the roof as a bold design element that can transform a home’s curb appeal. She’s passionate about color and how it ties a home’s exterior together. Ben, on the other hand, approaches roofing with a craftsman’s eye for strength and performance. He focuses on how every component of the roof system works together to protect what matters most.

Through their partnership with Owens Corning Roofing, Erin and Ben offer style and design tips to help homeowners make confident, inspired decisions. Here are their top three tips for creating a roof you’ll really love™.

Tip #1: Consider Roof Color to Enhance Curb Appeal

Erin says a home’s roof color is often the most overlooked design element. Coordinating shingles with brick, siding and trim can make a cohesive statement for elevated curb appeal. She encourages homeowners to pay attention to the subtle color tones and hues that give a shingle depth and dimension.

While shingle color might seem simple at first glance, the blend of color granules in each option plays a big role in defining a home’s style. Erin recommends going beyond traditional grays, blacks and browns to explore bolder choices. For example, Evergreen Mist — a new shingle color in the Owens Corning TruDefinition^® Designer Duration^® line — captures the beauty of a mist-covered garden path with a mix of vibrant greens and blues, earthy tans and soft gray-browns. Other shingles in the TruDefinition^® Duration^® Designer line offer a range of tones, so homeowners can find the perfect match for their personal style.

Tip #2: Don’t Sacrifice Durability

Ben Napier knows that great design means nothing without lasting performance. That’s why he emphasizes the importance of durability when choosing a roof. The construction of a shingle can dramatically impact how well it protects your home. Owens Corning TruDefinition^® Duration^® Shingles feature SureNail^® Technology — a patented reinforced nailing line engineered with a tough, woven fabric. This innovation improves wind resistance, prevents nail blow-through and delivers outstanding fastener holding power. SureNail^® Technology is designed to withstand winds up to 130 mph and provides a triple layer of protection for added durability. Pair these shingles with the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System^® for a complete system that works together to help protect your home.

Tip #3: Find Your Inspiration

Ben and Erin believe that great ideas often start close to home. Ready to think about your roof differently? Erin suggests taking a drive around your neighborhood to spot colors and styles that catch your eye. Owens Corning calls this Roof Gawking^®— and it’s a fun way to discover what you love.

To make the process even easier, Owens Corning offers a variety of design tools and resources to help you feel confident in finding your perfect roof color. Visit www.findyourroofcolor.com for more tips from Erin and Ben and explore options for a roof that’s both stylish and strong.

*Erin and Ben Napier have been paid for their endorsement of Owens Corning Roofing products.

2026-03-26T08:01:00

(BPT) – For homeowners looking to refresh their home without taking on a major renovation and renters who are unable to make significant changes to their living spaces, affordable do-it-yourself (DIY) upgrades can be the best way to achieve a significant transformation.

While often overlooked, today’s advanced smart window treatments can be a quick and easy way to enhance comfort, convenience, energy efficiency and style in a single afternoon. DIY motorized shades that are controlled either by remote, voice or an app are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners and renters.

A trusted brand that has been welcomed into American homes for more than a century is turning the heads of designers, home builders and consumers with a new smart shade that is revolutionizing the way we think about shades available at retail. GE smart shades are premium, reliable, game-changing products that deliver the sleek and modern look and feel of custom shades but can be installed by nearly anyone in five minutes or less.

One standout feature of GE smart shades is the clean design of its hardware. During installation, mounting hardware that can be secured into a wall with only three screws is tucked neatly out of sight, giving the shades a smooth, tailored finish that instantly elevates a room. Today, DIYers can choose from crisp white or modern gray fabric — available in blackout for bedrooms or translucent for soft filtered light — paired with durable aluminum trim for a premium, built-in feel.

Unlike manual shades, today’s smart shades deliver value beyond the hardware by providing software-driven control. As interior design trends veer toward more responsive, efficient and automated experiences in the home, smart control has quickly risen to the top of the priority list. GE smart shades can be controlled with simple voice commands or scheduled routines. Users can automate shade movements to enhance privacy, regulate indoor temperatures or manage natural light on a custom schedule. And for households that still enjoy a tactile option, a pre-paired remote allows for instant, no-app-required control.

GE smart shades also appeal strongly to DIY enthusiasts thanks to the quiet, rechargeable motor. Smooth, low-noise operation makes them ideal for bedrooms, nurseries and media rooms — spaces where serenity matters most. Many smart shades on the market now emphasize quiet, reliable motors as a key performance metric, reinforcing this feature as a meaningful advantage for everyday living. With long-lasting battery performance and simple USB-C charging in place, upkeep stays minimal.

Lastly, craftsmanship and peace of mind are major GE smart shade selling points. Assembled by hand in Charleston, South Carolina, and rigorously tested to ensure smooth and flawless operation, GE smart shades are backed by a two-year limited warranty. This commitment to quality for which GE-branded products are known is appreciated by DIYers investing their own money, time and energy into home improvements.

GE smart shades are available now at Amazon.com and Shop.GELighting.com in sizes that are pre-cut for today’s most common window sizes. With prices starting at $299.99, the shades are within reach for homeowners and renters seeking to boost both function and style without calling in a contractor.

Whether refreshing a single room or giving the whole home a modern edge, shades are quickly emerging as one of the most rewarding — and surprisingly simple — DIY upgrades. All signs point toward smart motorized shades as the future of window treatments for homeowners and renters looking to get more from their shades.

2026-03-26T01:01:00

(BPT) – Creating your dream backyard starts with a clear plan and the right materials. A well-designed patio turns any outdoor area into a comfortable extension of your home — perfect for relaxing, entertaining and spending more time outside.

Whether you’re planning a full backyard transformation or refreshing a smaller outdoor space, the most successful patio designs focus on a few key elements:

• A strong foundation: Durable materials like concrete pavers offer long-lasting performance and design flexibility.
• Purposeful layout: Creating defined zones for dining, lounging and gathering helps your outdoor space function like an extension of your home.
• Integrated features: Fire pits, outdoor kitchens and seating walls add comfort and usability when incorporated into the original design plan.
• Thoughtful style choices: Coordinated colors, textures and patterns help create a cohesive look that complements your home.

With its innovative range of flexible paver systems, integrated fire features and modular outdoor kitchen options, Belgard^® helps homeowners create patios that feel cohesive, functional and tailored to their lifestyles.

Here are backyard outdoor living space ideas to help plan your next project.

Start with a smart foundation

Every great patio space begins from the ground up. A strong, well-built foundation creates the opportunity to design an outdoor patio that evolves with your needs. The surface material you choose influences not only how the space looks, but also how it performs over time. High-quality concrete pavers provide a balance of durability and design flexibility, helping homeowners create patios that stand up to weather, foot traffic and changing rhythms of everyday life.

When it comes to outdoor living, it’s more than just a block of concrete. Because pavers are highly engineered and installed as individual units over a prepared base, they’re easier to move or repair compared to traditional poured concrete slabs.

Pavers also inspire creative freedom. From sleek contemporary profiles to textured, stone-inspired finishes, Belgard’s product collections include modular pavers in a wide range of sizes, shapes and finishes that support modern or traditional home styles. Combined with features like the Belgard Elements™ line of outdoor kitchen accessories and fire and water features, these materials help transform a simple patio into your dream backyard space.

Design with clear purpose and seamless flow

The most successful backyard patios begin with a vision of how the space will function. Larger yards benefit from clearly defined zones, much like rooms inside your home. For example, a dining area positioned near the house keeps entertaining easy and convenient, while a lounge area around a fire pit creates a natural gathering point.

To better imagine how to use your space, try visual planning tools like Belgard Rooms with Augmented Reality (AR) to help homeowners and contractors explore layout possibilities. Seeing how patios, pathways and desired features fit the overall outdoor environment makes it easier to create natural flow and proportion. For smaller backyards, a thoughtful layout matters even more.

Design decisions also impact the look and feel of any space. For example, a consistent color palette and streamlined paver selection helps compact patios feel more expansive. Larger-format pavers reduce visual clutter, while directional patterns like running bond or diagonal layouts can enhance spaciousness.

Integrate outdoor patio features from the beginning

A truly functional patio considers more than just the surface. Fire pits, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens should be incorporated into the original plan, rather than treated as afterthoughts. Designing these elements together ensures balanced proportions, seamless transitions and long-term usability.

Contractors use modular outdoor kitchen systems and coordinated wall elements to build integrated spaces efficiently, offering a polished, intentional result for homeowners. Whether you’re adding a built-in grill island or seating wall around a fire feature, Belgard’s Artforms™ collection helps you tie your space together in a functional, aesthetically cohesive way.

Planning for future additions is also key: A patio designed with later expansion in mind protects your investment and allows the outdoor space to adapt as your lifestyle changes.

Use pattern and color to shape experience

Once the layout is established, pattern selection is the next big decision. Herringbone patterns offer strength for high-traffic areas, while modular layouts introduce architectural interest. Circular or radial designs can anchor fire pits and create a welcoming focal point within your patio plan.

Color coordination is equally important. Warm earth tones create a cozy traditional atmosphere, while cooler grays and blended neutrals lend a more contemporary feel. Coordinating patio colors with your home’s siding, brick or roofing also helps an outdoor space feel integrated rather than added on.

Texture is one design choice that’s often overlooked. Belgard’s Papyrus™ is a paver with a texture reminiscent of handmade textiles or dried earth. Papyrus embodies the idea of biophilic design, which uses nature-inspired elements within built environments. Papyrus blends with the surrounding landscape, offering the look and feel of hand-tooled stone.

Decorative details can further personalize design. Subtle borders, banding or custom accents introduce character without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. These enhancements allow homeowners to express their style while maintaining durability and cohesion.

Now, Papyrus Artforms blends the hand-tooled, organic Papyrus texture with Belgard’s Artforms modular panel system. Artforms offers endless design flexibility for outdoor kitchens, seating walls, fire features and garden accents, adding durable functionality with lasting visual appeal. Its modularity makes outdoor spaces easy to expand or update in the future, achieving high-end results across projects, both big and small, with texture and detail.

Create an outdoor space that reflects your lifestyle

The best backyard patios are personalized. Some homeowners prioritize entertaining and open gathering spaces. Others prefer an intimate nook with layered lighting and comfortable seating. Customize your space and maintain visual harmony with carefully selected modular paver systems and coordinated hardscape elements.

Designing your dream backyard starts with thoughtful planning and premium materials. With the right foundation, layout and finishing details, your backyard patio can become the heart of your home, built for connection, comfort and everyday living.

Visit Belgard.com to get started today.

2026-03-19T13:01:00

(BPT) – Homeowners and designers alike are rethinking what it means for a home to feel modern. Instead of extreme precision or fast-moving trends, there’s a growing desire for spaces that feel calm, expressive and built to last. People want rooms that look intentional, but still feel lived-in, resulting in a renewed appreciation for materials crafted with quality and investment in statement pieces. This shift brings renewed attention to a design movement that has never truly gone out of style: Italian modernism. Known for its expressive geometry, sculptural silhouettes and architectural structure, this influential aesthetic is shaping today’s interiors in fresh, contemporary ways.

A return to expressive geometry

Italian modernism has always celebrated geometry — not as a rigid system, but as a source of emotion and movement. Today’s homeowners are gravitating toward these shapes for their ability to soften a space while still feeling architectural.

The Roccesco™ Bath Collection by Brizo^® is a recent example of this approach. Its name is derived from rocchetto, the Italian word for spool, a reference reflected in the collection’s sculptural forms. Looping arcs, circular forms and silhouettes embody this philosophy, creating a look that feels both timeless and forward-looking.

Customizable craftmanship

A renewed appreciation for craftsmanship is shaping how kitchens and baths are being designed. Natural elements such as stone, metal, glass and wood are increasingly favored not only for their durability, but for the character they bring to a space. Italian modernism has always valued precision, materiality and the idea that everyday objects should be beautiful enough to stand alone as art.

Functional beauty

One of the defining traits of Italian modernism is the belief that beauty and function should support each other. Today’s designers are applying that approach to fixtures that serve as both visual anchors and everyday tools.

The Roccesco™ Halo shower head exemplifies this balance, with precisely angled nozzles that create a funnel-like water flow for a fully immersive experience. Its circular form plays with positive and negative space, resulting in a minimalist profile that remains distinctly sculptural. The Sconce shower head offers a complementary interpretation, blending circular and linear elements to create a silhouette that feels more like a piece of artwork than a traditional fixture.

At a time when interiors are moving away from quick trends, designers are rediscovering the Italian approach to modernism. New collections illustrate how the style continues to evolve, translating historic design ideals into contemporary spaces that prioritize personality, form and function. As homeowners continue to seek interiors that feel personal, sculptural and serene, this style movement shows no sign of fading. Its blend of geometry, craftsmanship and emotional resonance makes it uniquely suited to modern living.

2026-03-13T12:33:00

(BPT) – PVC pipe is one of the most common and popular options for providing communities and homes with clean, safe drinking water. In fact, it’s been in use around the world for more than 70 years. Whether as a replacement for aging infrastructure around the country or for new homes and communities, PVC pipe is a viable, cost-effective solution.

Wondering about PVC pipe? Here are some frequently asked questions, many of which are referenced in the recently published Second Edition of Hanser Publications’ PVC Handbook. Designed for a diverse audience of users, the handbook offers an industry standard on all aspects of PVC makeup and manufacturing.

Q: Is PVC pipe safe for drinking water?

A: According to the PVC Handbook, PVC pipe is absolutely safe for drinking water, and government regulations make sure of it year after year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all pipes used for drinking water, PVC included, comply with the rigorous NSF International standard, NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects. NSF International uses exhaustive testing methods to establish independent standards to ensure the safety of drinking water.

Q: Does PVC pipe melt in wildfires?

A: This is a common misperception. Because most PVC water supply pipe is buried underground to a sufficient depth, it’s not exposed to that level of fire in a wildfire situation that will destroy the pipe or impair its functionality. In general, the molecular structure of PVC prevents the material from ever truly melting to a liquid condition, but it does soften enough at hot temperatures used in extrusion processes to be able to form the PVC into pipe.

Q: Does PVC pipe degrade or release chemicals when exposed to disinfectants?

A: Water utilities use chlorinated disinfectants to kill harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli, in drinking water. PVC pipe is inherently resistant to chlorinated disinfectants due to the polar nature of the polymer. The fact that PVC pipe is so widely used for drinking water service and its longevity for use in the presence of disinfectant byproducts is testimony to its chemical resistance.

Q: How long does PVC pipe last?

A: Testing of in-service water systems from around the world shows that PVC pipes have a service life in excess of 100 years. In fact, a 2023 report on water main breaks in the U.S. and Canada by Utah State University found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate compared to three other commonly used piping materials.

Q: Does PVC pipe become brittle with age or cold temperatures?

A: According to the PVC Handbook, samples of pipe have been extracted after being in the ground for 70 years, and they have retained enough properties to meet the performance standards required of the original pipe. PVC pipe retains its functionality in cold temperatures and has been successfully used in various climatic regions around the world.

Q: Is PVC pipe heat resistant?

A: In general, PVC pipe is pressure rated up to 140 degrees. Hot water lines use CPVC pipe, which is code-approved for use in homes and pressure rated up to 180 degrees. In extreme conditions like a house fire, PVC pipes behind the walls are typically not exposed to the intense heat of the fire until the home is fully engulfed. It will take sustained heat and fire to cause it to sag or lose strength.

Q: Is PVC pipe environmentally sustainable?

A: PVC pipe has several attributes that contribute to its sustainability. From a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, an assessment by Sustainable Solutions Corporation revealed that PVC pipe has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy and longer life attributes — compared to pipe used in equivalent applications made from 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.

Finally, while PVC pipe materials are formulated to be durable, they also have the potential to be reused or recycled at the end of their life. Thanks to ongoing efforts by manufacturers and the industry as a whole, there is a strong and growing market that enables the reuse of these valuable materials to make new durable products.

All U.S. producers of PVC resins are certified either Gold or Silver in the Vinyl Sustainability Council’s +Vantage Vinyl™ program. +Vantage Vinyl-verified companies are the industry’s sustainability leaders actively working to improve their sustainability performance in each of the industry’s impact categories — resource efficiency, emissions, and people & community. Their sustainability efforts are verified by GreenCircle Certified, an independent third-party.

Communities rely on PVC pipe

Whether replacing aging infrastructure or providing clean water in new homes, PVC pipes provide a durable, reliable and safe solution. To learn more, visit www.vinylinfo.org.

Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.

2026-03-11T07:01:00

(BPT) – Every construction project, property transaction, infrastructure upgrade and urban planning project begins with one essential requirement: accurate data about the land. That’s where land surveys usually come into play. Think of it like a map with legal power — it turns unclear lines on paper into precise measurements on the ground. Surveyors measure and map terrain features, determine property boundaries, calculate elevations and define spatial relationships that guide critical decisions. Without a land survey, decisions are based on assumptions. With a land survey, you have clarity and legal protection.

Yet, despite its essential role in modern development projects, land surveying has traditionally remained a “low-tech” industry dominated by a tripod-mounted measurement tool popularized in the 1980s called a “total station.” As a result, land surveys can often be time-consuming, hazardous and limited in the type and amount of data they provide. On larger sites or hilly terrains, surveyors usually require multiple days or even weeks to complete a job, and teams frequently operate in risky conditions or difficult-to-access areas: near traffic, on active construction zones and on rooftops. This increases the risk of injury for surveyors while also limiting the efficiency and precision of data collection.

Innovation does exist in the surveying industry, but adoption of modern technologies remains uneven due to costs, difficulty of drone-captured data conversion and regulations. Drone as a Service (DaaS) is changing that by introducing a new variable in the equation: accessibility.

With a fast-growing network of 23 locations across the United States and Europe, DaaS provides commercial and government clients with drone-powered land surveying services. But rather than simply selling drones to customers and letting them deal with the rest, DaaS delivers a fully turnkey solution that modernizes land surveying, while eliminating the barriers that have historically slowed innovation. DaaS users do not need to worry about investing in costly equipment, training pilots or getting the right certifications. From the drones themselves to the licensed pilots and data processing, DaaS handles drone-based land surveys from end to end for customers across industries. By suppressing these key barriers to technology adoption, DaaS opens the door to a new area of efficiency and innovation in the land survey industry.

Faster, safer and more precise: Drones as the key to modernizing land surveying

Leveraging drone technology enables DaaS to dramatically improve speed, precision and safety in land surveys. With the help of drones, what once required days or weeks of fieldwork can often be completed in a fraction of the time. Drone-based surveys conducted by DaaS can map large sites up to 80% faster than traditional ground methods. Instead of waiting sometimes weeks for fragmented insights, stakeholders receive precise deliverables within 24 to 48 hours. For industries operating on tight margins and aggressive timelines, this level of responsiveness can create a decisive competitive advantage.

Beyond speed, drone-based surveys provide more complex and detailed data on the nature and features of a site. DaaS drones are equipped with advanced, interchangeable onboard technologies, including LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), multispectral sensors, thermal sensors and photogrammetry systems. These tools allow surveyors to collect high-resolution aerial imagery, detailed 3D models, volumetric measurements and detailed terrain analyses. The result is more comprehensive site intelligence with minimal blind spots and significantly reduced potential for human error. Executives and decision-makers are provided with the insights they need to improve processes, cut costs and meet their targets on time.

From a safety perspective, drone integration represents a significant step forward for the land surveying industry. Rather than exposing surveyors to high-risk environments for extended periods of time, drone surveys can capture full-site coverage quickly and safely. Beyond protecting workers, this reduction in field risk translates into lower liability exposure and fewer unforeseen operational expenses. By minimizing time spent in dangerous work conditions while maximizing data coverage, DaaS enhances both safety and financial performance.

A cross-industry solution built for scale

From commercial buildings and real estate to construction sites and local government public works, many industries rely on land surveys as a basis for their operations. Depending on each project’s size, location and specific needs, a survey can take many different forms. In construction, developers rely on accurate topographic, volume and as-built surveys to maintain timelines and budgets. In real estate, boundary and ALTA surveys support transactions and compliance, while local governments and urban planning agencies depend on elevation certificates, right-of-way surveys and wetlands delineation to guide infrastructure and environmental decisions.

DaaS’s strength lies in its scalability and adaptability. With 23 locations globally and a diverse drone fleet, the company delivers a broad spectrum of land surveying services, tailoring each survey to site size, terrain conditions, required data outputs and project timelines. Because drones can efficiently scale from small sites to expansive developments across varied terrain, DaaS offers a solution that grows with its customers.

Democratizing the use of drones to drive innovation in “low-tech” industries

Drone as a Service is a business division under parent company ZenaTech. Shaun Passley, Ph.D., the company’s CEO, expects to expand the portfolio of drone-based services to include precision agriculture, power-washing, inspection services and warehouse inventory management.

“The extensive capabilities of drones and advanced data, AI and autonomy benefits make them ideal transformation tools for a lot of these traditionally low-tech industries,” Passley said. “From inspection and mapping to logistics and improving crop yields, DaaS is at the forefront of this innovation, solving the issue of dull, dirty or dangerous jobs while providing smart data.”

The company is leading the way in a global drone services market that’s growing at over 36% annually and expected to reach $355 billion by 2032, according to Pragma Market Research. Following the acquisitions of 23 land survey firms in North America over the past year — in Florida, Virginia, California, Oregon, North and South Carolina, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Illinois and Washington State — the company is growing its network of AI-powered drones in the United States. Combining the decade-long expertise of professional surveyors with drone capabilities, DaaS actively drives innovation in the land surveying industry, and it won’t stop there.

By delivering a turnkey, scalable and accessible Drone as a Service model, DaaS is not only modernizing land surveying but also reshaping how essential industries approach data, safety and operational efficiency.

Learn how DaaS can transform your business at DroneAsAService.com.