Enhance Your Home’s Beauty With Faux Finishes
Amy Newcomer • January 20, 2025

Thanks to modern printing technology, homeowners can now add luxurious finishes to their home without the hefty price tag. One of the top design trends that homeowners are taking advantage of is using faux finished looks at a fraction of the cost. From floors to backsplashes to fireplace surrounds, faux finishes are a great way to bring new elements od design to your home.
Whether you want stone, wood, or tile for your floor, you can now use advanced printing technology to get that look. Plus, installation is easier than using the traditional materials themselves and takes a lot less time, which is optimal for the busy homeowner. Add some variety to your home and take your decor to the next level with faux finishes.

Some packaging and household items are more durable than they seem — and with a little creativity, they can serve new purposes. Coffee Bag Ties – Many specialty coffee bags come with sturdy twist ties. Save them to bundle cables, cords, or rope neatly. Soda Bottles – Cut the top and bottom off a 2-liter bottle, smooth the edges, and fill it with plastic bags. Hang it inside a cabinet for an easy dispenser. Old Window Shades – Instead of buying new shelf liners, cut old or leftover shades to size. Local home centers may even have scraps you can repurpose. By reusing simple items from your kitchen, you’ll save money and give everyday materials a second life.

A shed doesn’t have to be just for storage — with a little effort, it can become a highlight of your yard. Here’s how: Add Décor – Use wall art, hanging plants, or herbs to make it visually appealing. Install Windows – Bring in natural light and add charm that matches your home’s style. Give It Paint – A fresh coat in bold colors instantly refreshes the look. Maintain Regularly – Clean gutters, check the roof, and fix damage early. Plant Around It – Surround your shed with flowers or greenery for extra beauty. With these quick steps, your shed can be both practical and a stunning feature of your backyard.

Electricity powers the appliances and gadgets we use every day — from refrigerators and washing machines to TVs and smartphones. To enjoy this convenience safely, it’s important to practice good electrical habits in the kitchen. Here are some key safety tips to keep in mind: Avoid plugging more than one cooking or heating appliance into the same outlet. Never overload a power strip by using all the outlets at once. Don’t use extension cords for high-energy appliances like refrigerators. Consider installing smart outlets that shut off automatically in case of overload. Choose energy-efficient appliances to reduce the overall electrical load in your home. In practice, this means you shouldn’t plug a rice cooker and a coffee maker into the same outlet at the same time. The same applies to toasters, electric grills, sandwich makers, woks, and other high-powered kitchen devices.

After mowing, trimming, or clearing weeds, lawn debris can pile up fast. While a wheelbarrow works, a basic plastic tarp is often the easiest and most affordable solution. For just a few dollars, a large tarp lets you drag branches, brush, leaves, and other yard waste wherever it needs to go. Even if it gets a tear, duct tape can patch it quickly. A tarp also makes transferring debris into lawn waste bags simple — just funnel everything in with ease. It’s a low-cost, practical tool that makes yard cleanup faster and more efficient.

Look around your kitchen — that empty wall could become a stylish and functional pantry. Depending on the space, you can add prefabricated shelves or create a custom-built design that fits your needs. An open pantry is both practical and attractive with the right organization. Use bins to hide clutter, and store dry goods like pasta, beans, and seeds in clear jars with decorative lids. Oils, teas, and coffee tins can double as accents, while adding plants or favorite serving dishes brings personality to the space. With a little creativity, you can transform a bare wall into a beautiful and useful kitchen feature.

A home office is more than just a desk — it should be a space that’s comfortable, functional, and inspiring. Here are four essentials to keep in mind: Lighting – Bright, natural light reduces eye strain. Add a desk lamp for extra clarity. Comfort – Choose an ergonomic chair and set it to the right height for support. Style – Use colors and décor you love while keeping your workspace organized. Inspiration – Surround yourself with art, books, or personal items that motivate you. With these simple elements, your home office can boost productivity while remaining stylish and comfortable.