Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2025-04-07T08:01:00

(BPT) – You can’t predict where or when a fire will strike. However, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your family and home. Don’t know where to start? Follow these six crucial steps to prepare your loved ones and property in the event of a fire.

1. Install smoke alarms

Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms can save your life in the event of a home fire. According to the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research, when working smoke alarms are present, the risk of a home fire fatality is cut by 60%. Additionally, according to NFPA’s National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, at a minimum, smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room in addition to outside each sleeping area on every level of the home.

To put this into action, take a tour of your home and review the location of the smoke alarms. Smoke alarms require regular maintenance to work effectively, so set a reminder to test the smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2. Use a fireproof safe

For irreplaceable items like birth certificates, passports, family photos, heirlooms and wills, a fireproof safe can provide peace of mind and an extra line of defense against a fire.

The type of safe you buy matters, and while many safes claim to be fireproof, when put to the test, they may burn and fail.

To determine if a fireproof safe is truly fireproof, look for a recognized certification label, usually from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which indicates the safe’s fire resistance rating, including the duration of protection and the maximum internal temperature it can withstand during a fire.

For example, safes from the new Master Lock Premium 2-Hour Fireproof Safe Line are UL Classified and offer unmatched fire and waterproof protection providing up to two hours of fire resistance in temperatures up to 1,850° F and shielding against water for up to 24 hours.

These waterproof features specifically help to protect your valuables from water damage they may sustain from sprinkler systems or fire hoses.

3. Create an escape plan

During a fire, it’s crucial to remain calm and make your way to the nearest exit. Ensure you and your loved ones are prepared by having a fire escape plan in place.

To create an escape plan, you’ll need to identify your home’s exits, plan multiple escape routes and choose a meeting place outside the home. If you have pets, discuss with your family how you will get them safely out of the house if you need to evacuate. Make sure everyone is on the same page by running a fire escape drill a few times throughout the year with your family.

4. Assemble go bags

During a fire, time is of the essence. To get out of the house as fast as possible, create “go bags” for each member of your household. These bags should have the essentials, including medication, important documents, a first-aid kit, water, nonperishable food, clothing and cash. By having these bags prepared, you will have everything you need at your fingertips, saving time when you may need to leave your home in a hurry.

5. Keep up on yard maintenance

During wildfires or home fires, the wind can carry embers more than a mile away, causing spot fires and igniting homes, debris and other objects, according to NFPA. One way to minimize the likelihood of a home fire is to keep up with your yard maintenance by clearing any dry vegetation like dead plants and leaves, debris and pine needles, as well as flammable objects like firewood piles as these can create embers leading to fires. You can also consider creating fire-resistant landscaping to create a defensible zone around your home and other structures on your property, like detached garages and sheds.

6. Stay informed of the latest fire updates

When it comes to fires, every second counts. Staying up to date with the latest news and alerts on fires in your area is essential during an emergency.

To prepare, research community alert programs and sign up to receive real-time updates and information on fires in your area. Your county may also have similar emergency alert systems to keep you and your loved ones in the know. You can also sign up for fire alerts through Watch Duty, a nonprofit that tracks nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real time.

As the adage goes, forewarned is forearmed. With some thoughtful preparations including these six steps, you can help protect your family, pets and home in the event of unexpected fires.

2025-04-03T01:01:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing quite like spending time in your outdoor space. You can enjoy fresh air and sunshine — or evening breezes — while basking in the comfort of being at home. This year, transform your outdoor space into an ideal oasis for socializing with friends and family, or simply finding your own inner peace in a tranquil setting.

The outdoor design experts at Belgard^® share insights on ways to enhance your outdoor living experience.

1. Maximize your front yard

In 2025, outdoor design will focus on enhancing the functionality and aesthetic of front yards, especially as lot sizes continue to shrink, and ways to make them more versatile and low-maintenance. Homeowners are getting creative, turning front yards into multi-use spaces blending relaxation, entertainment and environmental responsibility.

You can design inviting spaces for socializing in your front yard using small paver patios and comfortable seating. Families with young children may want to create play areas with turf or low-maintenance grass, while others might prefer plantings combined with hardscapes. Fences can also help create safety and privacy.

To create inviting social spaces and make functional use of sloped areas, consider adding retaining walls. They not only help level uneven terrain but also create defined gathering spaces perfect for entertaining. A retaining wall can easily be converted into built-in seating to create a more functional space and ensure there’s ample seating for all your guests. Consider Belgard’s new Diamond Pro^® Air — in a variety of sizes and face styles to fit the look and feel of any project.

No matter which specific elements you use, well-designed front yards improve curb appeal, delivering a strong return on your investment (ROI). Front yard space is one of the top three priorities for homebuyers today, adding 7% ROI to new or remodeled home sales.

2. Increase sustainability

Another important consideration for front and back yard spaces is their environmental impact. A growing trend to address this concern is xeriscaping, which uses drought-tolerant native plants, decorative gravel and artificial turf to offer low-maintenance, eco-friendly landscaping options that conserve water.

Permeable pavers are also becoming more popular for this reason, as they allow rainwater to permeate the ground, reducing stormwater runoff and supporting sustainable landscapes. Learn more about how they work and view available options here.

3. Explore color and texture

As homeowners and designers explore new ideas for outdoor spaces, color and texture are playing a bigger role. Monochromatic color schemes are falling out of favor, and instead, homeowners are embracing vibrant and layered palettes that add depth and dimension to front and back yards.

Great options for adding color and texture are: Belgard’s Papyrus paver, which offers an organic textural experience, and November, Belgard’s newest performance line of porcelain pavers. November provides the ultimate versatile option to create a trend-forward aesthetic. Both products allow homeowners to create a unique outdoor design while providing durability and low maintenance options.

4. Mix materials for maximum impact

Just as with color, design trends for outdoor spaces are moving away from using a single material for the whole space, inspiring a more dynamic, customized approach to landscaping and hardscape design. By blending different textures, hues and materials, you can create a more visually engaging and personalized outdoor space that feels rich and multi-dimensional.

By mixing materials like stone, concrete, porcelain, wood, metal, fabric — and living walls or containers full of growing plants — you’ll make your own unique statement in your front or back yard.

5. Plan a focal point

Design experts suggest creating a single focal point in your yard that catches the eye and becomes the center of your entire outdoor design. That focal point could be a fire pit or fireplace, a garden, water feature or cozy seating area, depending on the amount of space you have and how you want to use it.

To create an outdoor kitchen or fire pit to center your design around, check out the possibilities at Belgard Elements Home. You can also use Belgard Artforms, a large-format modular panel system, to help you create the exact look you want for walls, seating areas, planters, outdoor kitchens and more.

For help imagining your outdoor space, try the Belgard Room Planner, where you can identify your design style and use technology to visualize your ideal front or back yard oasis.

2025-03-16T23:01:00

(BPT) – It won’t be long before spring has sprung, bringing ideal weather for tackling outdoor home improvement projects. One of the top ways to elevate the look of outdoor wooden surfaces is with a fresh coat of stain. Here are must-ask questions for your professional contractor before getting started:

1. How long will the project take?

Once temperatures start rising and days start getting longer, there is no better place to be than outside. Before you start your staining project, work on a realistic timeline for completion. There are several factors that will determine how long a project will take to finish including:

Size of Area: Larger surfaces, such as decks or fences, will take more time to stain than smaller areas like furniture or trim.

Type of Stain: Different stains (oil-based, water-based, gel stains) have varying application and drying times. With FLOOD^® EASY SEAL™ Premium Oil-Based Stain and Sealer, only one coat needs to be applied to achieve a beautiful, flawless finish.

Preparation: Surfaces that require cleaning, sanding, or stripping old finishes can add time to the project.

Weather Conditions: Weather can impact drying times. High humidity or low temperatures can extend the time needed for the stain to dry.

Application Method: The method of application (brush, roller, or spray) can affect the time required.

According to Arlivonne Vélez, associate marketing manager, Flood wood finishes, products like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer enables professionals to work smarter, not harder, on outdoor projects, in turn completing your project faster.

“With easy-to-apply, one-coat application features and no back brushing required, it gives pros the power to save time and allows homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces sooner,” Vélez said.

2. What stain products will work best for my project?

Choosing the best stain product for your project depends on several factors, including the type of surface you are staining and the desired finish. Consider:

Type of Surface — Outdoor fences, decks and furniture made of wood are ideal for staining.

Desired Finish — To maintain a natural appearance, opt for a clear or semi-transparent stain that provides color while allowing the natural wood grain to show. If you want a deeper, rich finish, select a product like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer; it is semi-transparent and fortified with PENETROL^® technology for excellent, even penetration.

Environmental conditions — For outdoor projects, choose stains that are specifically formulated for exterior use, as they offer UV-blocking protection and moisture resistance.

3. How do I select a stain color?

With seemingly endless options, selecting a stain color can be overwhelming, especially if you are not sure what final look you want to create for your outdoor space. With Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer, it’s easy to narrow down your options by selecting one of the eight ready-mixed colors for your project.

Wood type and age

Wood has different characteristics based on type and age. For example, pine typically takes on a lighter, softer hue while oak gives a more vibrant and deep finish. For new, clean wood, show off the natural grain with a transparent or semi-transparent stain. Aged wood is a good candidate for deeper coverage and protection. And regardless of the type or age of wood, it’s recommended to test a small area before you fully commit.

Location of project

Whether your backdrop consists of a lot of open space, or is submerged in earthy, lush greenery, consider your project’s location when choosing a stain color. Select a color that complements your existing exterior elements to create a seamless atmosphere of comfort and beauty.

Lighter stains like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer in Natural, generates an illusion of openness and more space while dark, earthy tones like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer in Dark Walnut can produce contrast when paired with bright, lush greens and florals.

For more outdoor stain project tips and inspiration, visit Flood.com.

2025-03-12T16:01:01

(BPT) – Changing seasons bring stormy weather, so as temperatures start rising, you’ll want to prepare for severe weather — and the power outages that can result. The good news is, there are several steps you can take now so you won’t be caught off guard when the lights go out.

Here are things you can do to be ready for anything Mother Nature might send your way.

Storm-proof your property

When high winds, lightning, heavy rain or sleet occur, you’ll want to be sure your house and property are in good condition, to help minimize damage — and the potential for downed power lines.

Check that your roof, windows, gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and don’t need repairs. This is also a good time to have an arborist trim your trees, especially those near your home or power lines. In some areas, utility companies will trim trees that are close to power lines if you request it. You may also want to review what lawn furniture could become hazardous in high winds, and plan to anchor or store it when extreme weather is in the forecast.

Stay informed

During volatile weather seasons, stay updated about local weather conditions. Keep an eye on the forecast so you can plan ahead, and make sure to follow recommendations and mandates from local officials regarding safety precautions, area travel, preparing your home and evacuating if necessary.

Create an emergency kit

Use an airtight, waterproof container to store items you may need in case of a power outage or severe weather, such as extra flashlights and batteries, a radio to receive weather updates, wireless chargers, first-aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water. Find more ideas for what to include per season at Ready.gov.

Back up your power

The single most effective way to be prepared for a power outage is investing in a solar generator for your home. For example, the Anker SOLIX F3800 Plus offers the most accessible whole-home backup power plus outage power to outlast.

The SOLIX F3800 Plus features dual 165V solar inputs, supporting a series of connections of up to 8 400-watt solar panels (4 panels per input). This allows users to maximize their solar capacity with fewer cables while achieving a massive combined input of 3,200W. As a result, the F3800 Plus can be fully recharged in just 1.5 hours, setting a new standard for solar input efficiency in the industry. The F3800 Plus is also compatible with any 240V generator that supports 6,000W bypass charging. Additionally, its 6,000W Dual-Voltage AC output makes it easy to power your entire home. That means your home will be ready for:

• Rolling outages (short-term): The F3800 Plus offers you a disruption-free living experience with its massive output power, allowing you to run all appliances in your home freely.
• Extreme weather outages (long-term): You can have long-lasting power thanks to the unit’s massive solar input efficiency (3,200W) and its compatibility with a gas generator. A separately purchased Generator Input Adapter allows you to recharge the power station via a gas generator, ensuring continuous power regardless of how long the outage lasts.

The F3800 Plus is customizable, offering a significant base capacity of 3,840Wh which can be expanded to an impressive 26,880Wh by adding up to 6 additional battery packs. This lets you customize energy storage for your family’s specific needs, providing enough power to sustain your home for about a week during extended power outages. Whether keeping your fridge running to prevent food spoiling or ensuring operation of critical systems like well pumps, this expandable capacity meets a variety of power needs, providing peace of mind in unpredictable situations.

When paired with the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel, the F3800 Plus transforms into a complete whole house backup system. Its unique AC coupling capability allows it to seamlessly integrate with both grid and solar power sources, enabling full house use of stored energy.

Supporting up to 3200W of efficient solar input from rooftop, fixed or portable panels, the system maximizes the use of solar energy by powering your home and storing excess energy for later use. This not only extends the duration of your backup power, but also helps you easily achieve energy independence. In the event of a power outage, the system switches to backup mode in as little as 30 milliseconds — ensuring a seamless transition without disrupting connected devices.

Under optimal conditions, the station fully recharges in 1.5 hours, setting a new portable power benchmark. Best yet, the unit can seamlessly power devices while recharging via solar power, thanks to its simultaneous charge/discharge functionality.

Visit AnkerSolix.com to learn more about solar generators to help keep your home powered this storm season.

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how you prepare for and respond to your circumstances. Following these steps, you’ll feel more confident that you can weather almost any storm with minimal disruption to your life.

2025-03-09T23:01:00

(BPT) – Exterior wood requires regular upkeep to prevent weather damage and preserve its longevity. Coming off a long winter of snow and rain, it’s important that homeowners tend to their decks and outdoor furniture to maximize the lifespan of their wood.

Spring marks the ideal time for homeowners to prepare their outdoor spaces for the warmer months ahead. With BBQs, summer holidays and dinner parties just around the corner, homeowners are looking to level up their exteriors with a new stain.

“In addition to its functionality, wood stain can noticeably transform an outdoor space,” said Ashley McCollum, color expert. “Whether you’re updating your deck, furniture or fence, a new finish can significantly enhance your curb appeal.”

Before embarking on a stain project, it’s important to select the color and level of transparency that will achieve the desired finish, specific to each wood type.

According to the color experts for popular woodcare brands Olympic Stains, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains and Flood wood finishes, this year, homeowners are searching for fail-proof stain colors that empower them to design their spaces with ease. While modest blacks and subtle white oaks previously dominated the color space, homeowners appear more drawn toward warmer stains that complement their modern, minimalist eras while adding depth and character to their spaces.

“There’s been a notable shift over the years from light, muted colors toward richer, deeper hues that exude warmth and comfort,” said McCollum. “Like in their homes, people are trying to add bolder colors to personalize their spaces.”

A popular choice that is most known for transcending design styles, Oxford Brown, was revealed as the top trending stain color for 2025. As a warm, earthy hue that evokes a rustic vintage charm, Oxford Brown is ideal for wood that has lost its luster over time. Its design versatility makes it well suited for exterior spaces that are both future-inspired and classic designs.

“Oxford Brown can adapt to both a modern, rustic look or an aged, historic style,” said McCollum. “Its timeless and adaptable properties harmonize with all environments, making it a truly versatile choice for anyone looking to level up their exterior.”

After selecting a color, there is an option of transparency type. Oxford Brown is available as a semi-transparent and solid stain, so homeowners and DIYers can select the option best suited for their project.

For a rich finish that enhances the wood grain, woodcare experts recommend Oxford Brown in a semi-transparent stain and sealant, such as Olympic Maximum, Pittsburgh Paints & Stains Paramount or Flood Wood Finishes Pro. For a deeper, alternative look better suited for weathered wood, homeowners can opt for Oxford Brown in a solid ready-mix stain.

Homeowners and DIYers can consider updating their outdoor spaces with one of the following stain projects:

• Beautify your deck and furniture. Choosing the right stain color and transparency can enhance the natural beauty of the wood. A semi-transparent stain adds a subtle color and enriches the deck’s natural grain, while a solid stain provides maximum protection to aging wood surfaces.
• Protect your pergola against the elements. While rain can warp and crack wood, leaving residues of mold and mildew, the harsh sun can be just as damaging for your pergola. Intense heat can dry and discolor the wood, causing it to split and turn gray. It’s recommended to stain and seal your pergola every one to three years to protect it against these harsh conditions and preserve its natural beauty.
• Revive your fence from years of weathering. Fences can easily detract from a house if the wood looks faded and unkept. A semi-transparent or solid stain can add major curb appeal, reviving wood that has lost its luster over time in three steps (See www.olympic.com/advice/how-to-stain-a-fence).

This year’s stain color of choice for homeowners and DIYers, Oxford Brown, is available at The Home Depot, Menards, PPG Paints stores and independent retailers.

2025-02-26T10:01:00

(BPT) – As the smoke from the January 2025 Southern California wildfires cleared, widespread destruction and damage slowly came into view. Thousands of residents suffered the loss of their homes and communities, including many State Farm customers. As firefighters and emergency responders worked to extinguish the fires, State Farm Catastrophe Response Team^® members also deployed from across the country to help residents begin recovery in the aftermath of the fires.

“Californians truly are a resilient group of people,” reflects Troi McClure on her time spent with California customers facing the aftermath of the wildfires that ravaged the state. As a member of the State Farm Catastrophe Response Team, McClure’s time on-the-ground with California residents has left her with a deep admiration for their resilience and ability to recover and rebuild.

More than a house

Having just experienced the loss of her own grandmother’s home in Hurricane Helene, McClure’s personal understanding and compassion for customers comes through in her work. “It’s more than a house; it’s also about all the memories,” she said.

McClure is one of thousands keeping the State Farm^® promise to California customers as part of the largest catastrophe response claims force in the industry. The catastrophe response team includes a dedicated, mobile workforce, specially trained to handle catastrophe claims and prepared to go anywhere in the country. The State Farm response also includes local agents who live and work in these same neighborhoods as our customers, and they are joined by thousands of employees across the country virtually helping answer questions and file claims.

The extra mile

Being a good neighbor in times of catastrophe often means going the extra mile. Christine Romero, a dedicated member of the State Farm Catastrophe Response Team for nearly two years, embarked on a 2,700-mile deployment from Virginia Beach to California in her cargo van. During a visit to Altadena to assess a claim, Romero witnessed firsthand the neighborhood’s devastation.

“It’s so important to stay focused on how we can help our customers, and that they know we’re here to help them recover,” said Romero. “That’s the promise we made to them.” This unwavering commitment keeps her grounded and determined to support customers through these challenging times. Over the past 18 months, Romero has responded to several nationwide catastrophes, always with the same goal in mind.

For team member Jackie Miller, going the extra mile included a 30-mile trip to return a medal found during a home inspection in the aftermath of the wildfires. When Miller made sure the medal was returned to its rightful owner, she learned it was given to the customer by former President Bill Clinton. That customer said Miller’s extra effort and caring demeanor tempered the stress recovering from the wildfire.

Making connections

Response team member Julia Washington welcomed the chance to help a California customer who is a U.S. Navy veteran in his 80s, making a real connection with him as they talked on the phone.

“He cried and said he felt like a ship at sea with no land in sight, but with this call he felt like he was being guided to land and safety,” said Washington. “He and I spoke for quite a while as I handled his homeowners claim and his rental claim. He said my humor and compassion made him forget his troubles, dried his tears, and made him laugh for the first time in days.”

These genuine connections help both the customer who is trying to recover and the team members who hear countless stories of heartbreak, destruction, and devastation.

On her sixth deployment, 28-year State Farm Claim Specialist Deyette Gardner connected with a customer while working at one of the State Farm Catastrophe Customer Care Sites set up in the impacted areas to offer face-to-face help with claims. Deyette walked the customer through the claims process, answered questions and provided the customer with an advance payment. The next morning, the customer returned with balloons and a card, and shouts of praise for Deyette — prompting applause, cheers, smiles, and tears throughout the Customer Care Site.

“As claim specialists, we offer empathy and understanding to customers during a difficult time,” Gardner said. “It’s natural to get emotional. The customer’s visit made me feel appreciated and valued.”

Ongoing challenges in California

“The great work of our frontline catastrophe claim team during the California wildfires reveals the very core of our mission to serve our customers and help them recover from the largest fire event we have ever experienced,” said Wensley Herbert, Senior Vice President — Property & Casualty Claims. In L.A. County alone, State Farm insures 250,000 homes and 880,000 automobiles. Across the state, State Farm Companies continue to insure over 1 million homes and over 4 million autos — representing billions in risk across the state.

This year’s wildfires highlight the personal suffering of residents and the overall difficulties facing the state and the insurance industry in the region. Historic increases in claim costs due to rising incidents and larger areas of wildfires, inflation, supply chain disruptions, plus labor and materials costs all mean higher home repair and rebuilding costs. There is also increasing exposure as more people move into areas prone to fires.

“The California insurance market is facing an availability crisis, leaving many residents without the protection they need for their homes and businesses,” said Dan Krause, Senior Vice President of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and President and Chief Executive Officer of State Farm General. “Our focus is on continuing to meet our customers’ needs and working with the State of California to create a sustainable insurance market. Outdated regulations that lead to lengthy rate approvals and other obstacles may need to be changed to alleviate the crisis. It’s crucial for us to take additional actions to address the situation so residents are properly covered and prepared for any risks they may face in the future.”

You can read more about State Farm’s presence and impact in California by visiting: State Farm in California, State Farm in California: Myth vs. Fact and State Farm in California: Understanding the Issues.

2025-02-26T07:01:00

(BPT) – When you think of some of the most important moments in your life, from birthdays, school projects, holidays, moving and even home decorating, what comes to mind? The key to making those special moments “stick” are Scotch™ Brand products. For the past 100 years, Scotch™ Brand has been the unsung hero throughout countless moments of creativity, celebration and repair. From minor fixes to major milestones and all the memorable moments in between.

Whether you’re sealing packages for an upcoming move, designing a DIY statement wall with vibrant colors or creating your new vision board for the year, Scotch™ Brand continues to be a staple in homes, classrooms and workplaces worldwide. Built on a legacy of resourcefulness and ingenuity, Scotch™ Brand is kicking off its centennial milestone with “The Next 100 Project.” Scotch™ Brand is encouraging consumers to turn ideas into reality and create, capture, share and celebrate all the special moments they want to stick for the next 100 years. From Feb. 25 through March 31, 2025, consumers can visit Scotchbrand.com/Scotch100Giveaway to complete their entry form and describe what they’re creating next with Scotch™ Brand for a chance to win a limited-edition Scotch™ Brand instant print camera. Winners will be selected at random in April 2025.

To commemorate this milestone achievement, Scotch™ Brand partnered with Jenn Todryk, Scotch Brand ambassador and home solutions expert, to share tips to help you organize, redecorate and plan future projects so you can make your special moments stick.

1. Organize and envision it

When your kids are busy like mine are, you’ll want to be sure that everything they’ve got has their names on it. You can use Scotch^® Magic™ Tape to help you clearly label their water bottles, notebooks and more before they head out to their new extracurricular activities, classes or summer camps. The beauty of this go-to matte-finish tape is that it has hundreds of uses, and it’s invisible when applied — plus you can write on it using pen, pencil or marker for easy labeling.

I also like to start each year or season by making a vision board full of images that capture my goals, desires and dreams for the upcoming months. Scotch^® Magic™ Tape helps me create a clear reminder of my “why” — the purpose behind the goals that I’m striving for — in a fun, concrete and visual way.

2. Move it or declutter it

Whether you’ve got an upcoming move planned, perhaps a college student moving away to campus this year — or you just want to start working on decluttering your home, Scotch^® Heavy Duty Packaging Tape is your new best friend. I love that just one strip of this tape gets the job done, sticks instantly to cardboard boxes and creates a secure seal over box edges. Built with ultimate strength, it can hold up to 80 pounds, which makes it great for shipping supplies or gifts to my friends and family, knowing that my packages will stay safe and secure.

I also like to have plenty of packaging tape on hand when I’m in declutter mode. There’s no better feeling than clearing out and donating gently used items that someone else may need.

3. Let your home make a statement

Are you dreaming of repainting a room, or creating a colorful statement wall? I love the energy I get from a home decorating project, and I like to create unique designs that reflect my personal style. It’s easier than you think to achieve the look you want if you have the right supplies. Along with choosing great paint colors and getting the brushes and rollers you need, you’ll want to stock up on ScotchBlue™ PROSharp Painters Tape with Edge-Lock™+ that seals out paint to ensure you have the sharpest, cleanest paint lines possible.

With the help of Scotch™ Brand, I’ve been able to tackle so many memorable projects throughout the years and create special moments that really stick. I even made my latest DIY room reno look like a professional job thanks to this new tape’s premium adhesive, along with its semi-smooth crepe backing with multiple layers — I can tell you, it really protects against paint bleed. The results were amazing. I’m totally ready to tackle another room right now!

Visit Scotchbrand.com to learn unexpected uses, creative hacks to common problems, and simple tips to help you tackle your next special project.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.), who are at least 18 years old (except residents of AL and NE who must be at least 19 and residents of MS who must be at least 21). Void where prohibited. Begins at 8:00:01 am ET on 2/25/25 and ends at 11:59:59 pm ET on 3/31/25. Limit one (1) entry per person/email address and per household. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit Scotchbrand.com/Scotch100rules. Sponsor: 3M Company, 3M Center, St. Paul, MN 55144.

2025-02-25T07:01:00

(BPT) – The 2025 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas are setting the stage for the latest trends in home design. Though the events are a must-see for industry professionals, the innovations showcased are offering plenty of inspiration for homeowners looking to update their spaces. Leading the charge are premium appliance brands such as LG and SKS, with products designed to make your home smarter, more efficient, and more beautiful than ever.

One of the stand-out features of the year is The New American Home 2025, a fully integrated smart home created by the National Association of Home Builders. This unique 9,423-square-foot showhome highlights some of the best new technology for the modern home. Smart innovations are featured throughout, from high-performance SKS kitchen appliances to energy-efficient LG HVAC and laundry solutions — showcasing how smart technology can enhance every aspect of home living.

Culinary spaces for the modern chef

Transforming your kitchen into a luxurious space doesn’t have to be a dream. Whether you’re a home chef, foodie or someone who loves spending time cooking, trusted brands are here to help make it a reality. For instance, the luxury SKS brand (formerly known as Signature Kitchen Suite) combines sophisticated design with cutting-edge technology, brings the best of both worlds to your kitchen. Their “True to Food” philosophy ensures that every product delivers precision and performance for today’s culinary enthusiasts.

For example, take the new 36-inch pro induction range unveiled at KBIS, which brings professional-grade cooking right into your home. Induction cooking is gaining momentum for its precision, efficiency, and safety. With near-instant heat, precise temperature control, and a cooler kitchen environment, induction technology is reshaping how home chefs cook. With a spacious 6.3 cubic feet oven, this industry-first range from SKS uses both steam and convection cooking to ensure even heat and perfect results every time. The powerful 7,000-watt, 11-inch dual-center element quickly boils water in about a minute and cooks with precision, while the flex cooking zones adapt to your cookware.

Innovative appliances to maximize space and efficiency

Space-saving innovations are a key trend in modern kitchen design, and answering the demand is the new “Counter-Depth MAX” refrigerator from LG that offers a sleek design without compromising on capacity. Its thin-door designs allows the refrigerator to fit into tight spaces, while still fully opening for easy access. With features like Door Cooling, this refrigerator keeps food fresher longer. Plus, its Zero Clearance feature means you can enjoy a built-in look without the hassle or expense of major renovations.

Smart solutions for every home system

Homeowners are increasingly turning to smart technology to improve the efficiency of their essential home systems, from water heaters to laundry. KBIS this year focused on this space with products designed to help save energy while offering better performance.

New “laundry centers” like the LG “WashTower” is a perfect example of how technology can make laundry day more efficient. Its stacked design with a center control panel takes up less floor space, while features like the dual inverter heat pump and ventless drying offer greater energy savings. What’s more, AI-powered intelligence ensures optimal wash and dry settings every time, taking the guesswork out of laundry.

Another highly energy-efficient solution showcased at IBS 2025 combines heat pump technology with LG’s advanced smart control systems, offering homeowners significant savings and reducing their carbon footprint. Unlike conventional water heaters, the inverter heat pump water heater surpasses ENERGY STAR certification requirements and is available in a variety of capacities to suit different home sizes.

From kitchens to laundry rooms, the latest innovations at this year’s builder’s show make it easy to elevate your home into a more efficient, modern space. Whether you’re upgrading your appliances or looking to redesign your entire home, these smart solutions are designed to make your life easier and more stylish.

This sense of style extends to cabinetry trends as well, where natural tones like soft whites, layered creams and weathered finishes are making a fresh statement in the kitchen. Dura Supreme Cabinetry is leading the charge, blending biophilic design with natural wood grains, greens and stone accents that promote harmony and wellness. At the same time, earthy tones like bronze and terra-cotta are merging with sleek, modern cabinetry, blending traditional and contemporary styles for a timeless look.

Learn more about these and other great product innovations to inspire your next home renovation at LG.com/us and SignatureKitchenSuite.com.

2025-02-24T11:01:00

(BPT) – As the population ages, more older adults are choosing to stay in their home as long as possible. According to AgingInPlace.org, about 9 in 10 seniors plan to remain in their homes over the next five to 10 years. Choosing to remain in the home you’ve known and loved for decades gives you a sense of security and comfort that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. If this is what you or a family member wishes to do, plan now by creating a safer, worry-free environment, especially if you or your loved one lives alone.

Many steps you can take to improve the safety and convenience of your home are simple and cost-effective, and making those improvements now can mean many more years of enjoying your home. Here are some ideas to get you started.

1. Reduce trip and fall hazards

Balance becomes a serious concern for many older adults, and falling can cause serious injuries. Because it’s often hard to recognize potential dangers in your own home, you may want to have an occupational therapist or Certified Aging in Place Specialist visit to identify areas for improvement. Even asking a friend or family member to look with you can be helpful. Items of concern include:

• Area rugs
• Excess or unstable furniture
• Stairs with poor railing or lighting
• Uneven surfaces and cords

While you can easily remove small rugs or extra furniture, you may need a contractor for installing better railings, lighting upgrades and improving surfaces like thresholds that could cause tripping, as well as relocating electronics or rewiring to reduce troublesome cords.

2. Improve bathroom safety

The bathroom is a primary area of concern when it comes to falls and other hazards. You’ll first want to ensure that your home provides a bathroom on every floor, and that you use non-slip floor tiles and grab bars in shower or bath areas. Make sure to find a professional contractor who is knowledgeable and experienced in correctly installing grab bars for the safety of older adults.

A bathroom on every level: Having at least a powder room on each level avoids hazards from having to use stairs in a hurry, or when it’s dark and you may not be fully awake. Thanks to the technology of Saniflo products, you can have a new bathroom or powder room located virtually anywhere in your home without the expense, mess and hassle of creating below-floor plumbing drainage where none currently exists. Saniflo products provide an innovative, above-floor plumbing solution that lets you add or renovate bathrooms or even kitchens and laundry rooms without the need for costly, invasive, time-consuming below-floor plumbing work.

How it works: Saniflo systems use macerating and drain pump technology to efficiently handle wastewater from various fixtures, making them ideal for aging-in-place renovations. Unlike traditional plumbing that requires breaking through floors and foundations, Saniflo systems allow homeowners to install new bathrooms and other plumbing fixtures virtually anywhere in the home — including basements, garages or under staircases — without major structural changes. By eliminating need for extensive excavation and pipe rerouting, Saniflo products significantly reduce labor costs and construction time, making home upgrades more affordable.

Compact options like Sanicompact offer all-in-one solutions for small spaces, while models like Saniaccess 3 can handle up to three fixtures in a single installation, making them ideal for full bathroom additions. For example, New Jersey homeowner Joe O’Neill created a garage apartment with its own bathroom on a limited budget by using a Saniaccess 3 macerating toilet for the perfect cost-saving solution in a limited space.

Safer bathing options: A walk-in shower eliminates the need to step up into a shower or over a bathtub wall, which can be dangerous as you age. If you’re adding a new bathroom in an easy, accessible location, consider raising the entire bathroom floor a few inches from ground level. This removes the need for the shower itself to be on a 6-inch platform when installing Saniflo products such as their Sanishower and Sanibest Pro. It also relieves the additional worry of missing your step when you’re at your most vulnerable — getting in or out of the shower.

Tina, a homeowner in Connecticut, needed to have a shower installed immediately for her elderly parents’ suite right after her father had a heart attack. The installation of a Sanishower in the lower level of her home took only four hours, giving the family instant peace of mind.

3. Boost kitchen convenience

You can also have a contractor modify aspects of your kitchen to improve safety and usability. Two renovations to consider are lowering cupboards to make it easier to reach all necessary items, and/or having countertops lowered to better suit your height.

Simpler changes to your kitchen can include removing trip hazards (such as area rugs or excess bar stools) and replacing your traditional faucet with a newer faucet that’s easier to operate — or touchless, for easy use when your hands are full or you have joint or muscle stiffness. You may even want to consider having a pot filler installed to help you avoid lifting heavy pots of water to the stove.

Aging in place means having the comfort of your familiar home around you as long as you can live independently. To make your home safer for many years to come, consider tackling some of these improvement and renovation projects now. Learn more about these and other products at SFASaniflo.com/us.

2025-02-18T07:01:00

(BPT) – Do you find yourself putting on an extra sweater or pair of wool socks to avoid turning up the thermostat and increasing your utility bill? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 10% per year in heating and cooling costs can be saved with thermostat regulation. But you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your comfort to stay on budget. As temperatures creep down this winter, homeowners should consider switching to a cold climate heat pump — a more sustainable alternative that can heat and cool the home by utilizing electricity instead of gas, potentially keeping more money in your pocket year-round.¹

Cold climate heat pumps explained: The key to winter comfort

A heat pump is a type of central HVAC system that works like an all-in-one cooling and heating system. Heat pumps also operate on electricity, eliminating the need for natural gas or propane. A cold climate heat pump is specifically designed to operate in temperatures as low as -20°F while still efficiently heating the home.

While heat pumps use a similar refrigerant cycle as air conditioners, a heat pump is capable of reversing that cycle, allowing it to not only cool your home, but heat it as well. During the warm summer months, a heat pump does the job of an air conditioner by pulling heat from inside your home and transferring it outside. When the weather cools, the process is reversed, and heat is collected from the outside air and transferred indoors.

Hot takes: Cutting costs and carbon footprints with cold climate heat pumps

The U.S. Department of Energy created the Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Technology Challenge to partner with HVAC manufacturers who value innovation and sustainability to provide heat pump options for homeowners that could perform well in harsh winter climates, while remaining energy efficient. Greater efficiency from these units leads to less energy use, which leads to greater cost savings for homeowners. Switching to a cold climate heat pump can save you money, reduce your environmental footprint and provide comfort no matter what the temperature outside may be.

From high bills to big thrills: Save money with heat pumps

How does a cold climate heat pump help you save money as a homeowner? Here are a few ways:

• Lowers your energy bills: Heat pumps can save homeowners hundreds of dollars on energy costs. While space heaters or electric furnaces are able to warm the home using electric resistant heating, they’re far less efficient than a heat pump. Natural gas or propane can be expensive depending on utility prices. Because a cold climate heat pump moves heat from the outside to the inside of the home, they can reliably keep you comfortable while helping to lower your monthly energy bill.
• Rebates and tax credits: Due to the Inflation Reduction Act, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) can save homeowners up to $2,000 on a qualifying heat pump. The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHRP) can also provide up to $14,000 in rebates per household. Stacking these incentives can make it more affordable to upgrade to a new, energy-efficient cold climate heat pump.
• Long-term savings: Upgrading to a newer unit can ensure that homeowners are reaping the benefits of a longer-lasting heat pump, which likely won’t need to be replaced for years to come.

Greater savings, greater peace of mind

If you’re thinking of upgrading your home heating system, choosing the new Lennox SL22KLV Cold Climate Heat Pump is a great way to save money and provide your home with greater efficiency and precision at temperatures as low as -20°F. This unit is the most precise heat pump available¹, featuring Lennox’s most advanced cold climate technology.

To learn more about the SL22KLV Cold Climate Heat Pump and explore Lennox’s range of industry-leading products, visit Lennox.com.

¹ Efficiency claim based on comparison of the combined heating and cooling efficiency within a single product family (HSPF2, EER2, and SEER2 of the SL22KLV) as compared to the HSPF2, EER2, and SEER2 of competitive R-454B and R-32 ducted heat pump as published in AHRI (December 2024). Actual system efficiency may vary based on the system match and other factors; consult AHRI Directory for exact system efficiency. Precision claim based on the average cooling capacity range of the SL22KLV as compared to the average cooling capacity range of the competitive variable capacity compressor units based on published competitive data (January 2025). Cooling capacity ranges calculated across 2, 3, 4 and 5 tonnage at maximum and minimum speed at ARI standard rating conditions: 95°F outdoor and 80°/67° indoor (80°F dry bulb and 67°F wet bulb).