you-should-never-do-this-with-your-dishwasher-pods
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You Should Never Do THIS With Your Dishwasher Pods

ByRebecca Wright Brown

Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images Published on Nov. 08, 2024 TikTok users love sharing cleaning hacks, but not all of the advice is good. Recently, they’ve been divided over where to put dishwasher pods. Now Trending CleanTok, the TikTok community, is focused on sharing cleaning tips and tricks, and it always has something new up its sleeve. Some of the advice is good, like teaching people how to make simple homemade cleaners. But other advice is dangerous, like encouraging people to mix ammonia-based cleaners with other products including bleach. So whenever there’s a new trend, it’s worth investigating it carefully. This time, CleanTokers are suggesting a new way to use your dishwasher pods. What’s the Hack? The latest CleanTok hack has to do with where you put your dishwasher pods. According to many users, it’s more efficient to toss the pods in the bottom of the dishwasher or in the silverware portion instead of the detergent dispenser. Their reasoning is that residue from the pods can damage the dispenser. They also fear that the residue will build up and stay on your dishes or cause clogs in the plumbing. By keeping the pods in the center, these TikTokers argue, the pods will dissolve better, and the risk of a clog will be much lower. Where Is the Best Place for Dishwasher Pods Individual machines may vary, so it’s always best to double-check your dishwasher’s manual to confirm its instructions about where to put dishwasher pods. But as a general rule, the pods will work best when they’re put in the detergent dispenser. Familiarize yourself with your machine and it’s manual. Unless your machine has a dedicated pod slot, use the detergent dispenser. Maytag’s instruction manual explains that the pods have a coating that dissolves when it comes into contact with water. By putting them in the detergent dispenser, you can ensure that the pods dissolve at the right point in the dishwasher cycle for maximum efficiency. The manual even directly addresses some of the TikTokers’ concerns, saying, “Although some believe that throwing a pod in the dishwasher protects your dispenser, pods are designed to dissolve when they touch water and may not work if not properly dispersed via the dispenser.” We can’t stop you from trying the hack out for yourself. But dishwasher manufacturers, who are the experts on this subject, say that you’ll be making your pods less effective, and your dishes won’t come out as clean as they would if you used the pods correctly.

hot-trends-in-home-heating:-electric-wallpaper
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Hot Trends in Home Heating: Electric Wallpaper

ByGemma Johnstone

Early feedback suggests that electric wallpaper could be an eco-friendly, efficient and affordable alternative to traditional heating systems. We spoke to a leading electric wallpaper manufacturer to understand more about the encouraging results of the product’s pilot trials and how this new technology could benefit your home. What Is Electric Wallpaper? Electric wallpaper is typically installed on ceilings. It contains thin strips of copper and graphene, which utilize infrared technology to produce heat. Michelle Ansell, Project Manager for electric wallpaper manufacturer NexGen, explains that this low-level, invisible-to-the-naked-eye light works similarly to how the sun provides warmth. Traditional convection systems heat the surrounding air, but infrared heats people and objects directly. “The energy from infrared sinks directly into us humans first,” Ansell explains. “Then it’s absorbed into and stored within the furniture and fabric of the building. So walls, floors, and everything you touch has a comfortable, even temperature.” Ansell explains that the NexGen investors wanted to tackle fuel poverty and provide a low-cost, low-carbon, efficient and green heating technology. “Currently, in the UK, we’re targeting social housing,” she says. “We’ve got pilots running up and up and down the country.” One of the major pilots involves a collaboration between researchers at Strathclyde and Glasgow Universities, Glasgow City Council and the West of Scotland Housing Association, with funding from Scotland Beyond Net Zero. Scotland has an ambitious target to reach net zero greenhouse gases by 2045. Given 84 percent of Scottish homes use gas heating, clean energy alternatives to fossil fuels are a priority. The trials are focusing on social housing in old, poorly insulated, mold-prone tenement buildings in Glasgow, and so far, the feedback and results have been positive. Benefits of Electric Wallpaper Below are some reasons why silent, inconspicuous electric wallpaper has the potential to be a viable alternative to traditional home heating methods. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly Electric wallpaper is an energy-efficient, low-carbon home heating option that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. Hooking the electrics up to roof solar panels makes it even more eco-friendly and cuts your heating bills further. Electric wallpaper heats rooms quickly (within minutes), and because the heat sinks into the objects, the room retains warmth well after you switch it off. Electric wallpaper also covers a large surface area, producing a consistent temperature across the room. Ansell says this avoids those cold spots you get from convection heaters, making it especially useful for hard-to-heat homes. “Every time you open a window or a door, that warm air is not escaping because we’re not heating the air,” she says. “The efficiencies also come because you don’t have to heat the whole home,” Ansell says. “Each room becomes its own targeted individual zone.” Protects against mold Mold thrives on damp surfaces prone to gathering condensation. Because the infrared technology of electric wallpaper generates warmth on and within the surfaces of your home, it can effectively wick away mold-encouraging moisture. Ansell explains that smart technology monitors humidity levels. “If it senses you’re at a point where condensation, damp and mold can form, there is an override switch that can automatically kick in to raise the room’s temperature,” she says. Affordable to buy and install Exact prices are not yet available in the U.S. However, despite electric wallpaper being a new-to-the-market product, you don’t have to worry about it costing an arm and a leg. “In the UK at the moment, we are cheaper than an air source heat pump in terms of physical product and installation,” Ansell says. “We are on par or cheaper than a gas boiler.” Easy to install You don’t want to DIY install electric wallpaper unless you’re a licensed electrician. However, it’s usually easier and quicker to install than a gas boiler or furnace. A decorator can install the rolls of wallpaper to your ceiling with a standard adhesive, and then an electrician will wire it in. “When we install it, all the cables get hidden behind coving or trunking in rooms, just to tidy them away,” Ansell says. You can then paint the ceiling as you would normally. “The only caveat is you can’t put black paint on it,” Ansell says. “It affects the efficiency of the infrared energy coming into the room.” Low-maintenance Another cost-saving and convenient benefit of electric wallpaper is that it’s low maintenance. Ansell describes it as “fit-and-forget.” “We give a 15-year guarantee, but really, it’s the lifetime of the house because there are no moving parts to it, and it’s out of reach,” she says. “The paper is fireproof and water-resistant as well.” Space-saving Electric wallpaper can be beneficial in small, multifunctional rooms with limited wall space. Ansell says the ceiling installation gives people back the space in front of the radiators. Drawbacks of Electric Wallpaper While the trial results are encouraging, electric wallpaper is a new product. Data on true longevity, running costs, and efficiency are still being scrutinized. Plus, if you’re installing electric wallpaper in an existing home rather than a new build construction, you need to factor in the costs associated with removing the existing heating system, and you’ll also need a water heating system. Ansell explains that, with the ceiling installation, electric wallpaper is less prone to damage. However, she cautions, “If you’re moving tall furniture around that might scrape the ceiling, that might damage it.” Is Electric Wallpaper Available in the U.S.? Electric wallpaper isn’t currently widely available in the U.S. However

recently-sold-vancouver-home-loses-$820k-in-just-over-one-year
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Recently sold Vancouver home loses $820K in just over one year

ByAmir Ali

A recently sold Vancouver home lost some big money in just over a year. The home at 6869 Beechwood Street was listed for sale in September 2023 for $9,998,000, but it didn’t sell for over a year after that last week for $7,281,580. It sold for nearly $3 million under the asking price of $9,998,000. According to Zealty, the home was last sold in May 2023 for $8,100,000, with the same asking price of $9,998,000. That means that between May 2023 and November 2024, there was a loss of $819,420. Zealty says the Beechwood Street home in the Vancouver SouthWest Marine region was built in 2018. It features seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms, and is a sizeable 7,889 sq ft. The lot is quite large, at 11,814 sq ft. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. Royal Pacific Realty Corporation’s listing says the home is an “exquisite mansion” with premium hardwood flooring and European stone throughout. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. It also features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, and even golf training equipment, but the listing doesn’t include pictures of the fun stuff. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. The home’s most recent assessed value was $6,702,000. Royal Pacific Realty Corp. After the Vancouver home sold, there was discussion on X surrounding the amount it lost compared to the previous sale. Massive loss of capital. Almost 1 mil. That stings big time. — Law of Reflection (@david_door57003) November 15, 2024 This is another example of a long line of similar sales over the past year, with many owners looking to sell for more than the assessed value but having to bring the price down to snag a buyer. “October sales numbers suggest buyers may finally be responding to lower borrowing costs after waiting on the sidelines for months,” said Greater Vancouver Realtors in last month’s report. Earlier this month, we spoke to Ryan Dash, who works with eXp Realty and is one of the people behind the Vancouver Life Real Estate Podcast ; he also had some thoughts on the current real estate climate. Dash said there’s been a bit of a stalemate, as everyone thought buyers would flood the market after rates went down. Instead, sellers flooded the market. “They wanted to sell and move on and a lot of sellers that wanted to sell a year ago chose not to because interest rates were so high.” After that, inventory wasn’t moving, and sellers kept flooding the market with housing supply. “We’ve seen a lot of buyers sit on the sidelines, and they’re letting sellers compete. Sellers are lowering their prices to try and make buyers come and put a deal together.”

5-paint-color-trends-to-say-goodbye-to-in-2025
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5 Paint Color Trends to Say Goodbye to in 2025

ByMaria Sabella

As the end of 2024 approaches, plenty of paint companies have already announced their 2025 Colors of the Year to give us a sneak peak of next year’s hottest trends. Paint color trends represent much more than just a shift from one color to another—they also reflect a way of life at a given time. As we look forward to fresh and exciting color trends in 2025, take note of the paint color trends that won’t be carrying on into the new year. Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer at Silo Studios, shares her professional insight on the paint color trends she sees disappearing, and what they will be replaced with. She predicts rich hues, muted pops of color, and textured finishes will be big in the year to come, and shares what you should leave behind to keep your home on trend. Ali Harper 1. Trade All-White Color Palettes for Rich, Saturated Hues As evidenced by the recent 2025 Color of the Year reveals, rich and saturated hues will be a big trend in the coming year. These deep hues will take over traditional all-white spaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms. “Over the past few years, all-white color palettes have faded, making way for earthy tones and richer hues, and I think this trend will keep going strong through 2025,” Eisenhart says. Whether it’s a captivating jewel tone or a deeply luxurious shade of brown, the coming year will embrace rich hues that produce environments which are equal parts bold and cozy. Lisa Romerein; Interior Design: Heidi Caillier 2. Choose Warm Neutrals Rather than Cool Undertones This past year saw a strong shift away from the cool grays that dominated homeowners’ paint color selections for over a decade and toward cozier, warmer neutrals. The color brown has become the new “it” neutra,l and Eisenhart predicts this trend will continue. “Neutrals will shift toward warm earth tones,” she says. Shades like chocolate brown, warm beige, and classic taupe can take on a surprisingly sophisticated look when used in a tonal color palette and layered with natural materials such as wood, leather, and stone. John Bessler 3. Swap Bright Colors for Muted Tones Instead of bright pops of color, get ready for accent colors to come in gentler hues. “Pops of color will take on muted or dusty shades,” Eisenhart predicts. Muted colors offer contrast in a more delicate and approachable way, creating spaces that are familiar and comfortable. These subdued pops of color lend themselves well to earthy color palettes and spaces where you want to create a calm and serene ambience. Tria Giovan Photography Inc 4. Embrace Matte and Textured Paint Finishes Paint trends aren’t just about color: A paint finish can make as much of a design statement as a color can. Rather than high-gloss surfaces adding a glamorous touch in 2025, Eisenhart shares a more earthy paint trend emerging. “For special finishes, matte and textured techniques, like limewash or plaster, will stay popular,” she says. The limewash paint trend gives walls a textured look and instantly infuses spaces with old-world charm. It creates a lived-in, ‘always been there’ atmosphere that moves away from generic, cookie-cutter spaces and celebrates environments with unique character. Astrid Templier 5. Forget Millennial Gray: Nature-Inspired Color Palettes Are In “2025 paint trends will focus on creating comfortable, approachable spaces that feel grounded and connected to nature,” Eisenhart says. This falls into the recent biophilic design trend which celebrates nature and brings the outdoors in, both through decorative elements and color. This doesn’t just mean bringing in shades of green—although greens hues such as olive are a big trend right now. It includes a move away from stark whites and towards gentler off-white shades, and a departure from cool grays and a plunge into the world of warm neutrals such as brown.

these-5-unexpected-christmas-ornament-styles-are-trending-this-year
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5 Unexpected Christmas Ornament Styles Are Trending This Year

ByClaire Hoppe Norgaard

Velvet bows, black trees, and minimalism have all dominated the holiday decor world in Christmases past. Whether they were one-season wonders or have stood the test of time, Christmas trends are a fun excuse to try something unexpected and experiment with your style. Take inspiration from this year’s Christmas ornament trends, whether you prefer a modern matte finish, a fresh spin on classic stripes, or craft your own custom felt ornaments, to upgrade your tree. 1. Velvet Ornaments Inspired by last year’s velvet bow trend, velvet ornaments are set to be one of the biggest Christmas ornament trends of 2024. With their matte, powdery finish, velvet ornaments put a unique twist on typical solid-color ornaments. Mix velvet ornaments with metallic ones to create a tree with tons of texture and visual interest. To make your own velvet ornaments, mix 1 Tbsp. plaster powder with 1 Tbsp. cold water. Once combined, add 2 ounces of matte finish craft paint. Paint clear plastic ornaments with the mixture, adding coats until the ornament is opaque. Carson Downing 2. Honeycomb Ornaments Another popular ornament style—spotted this year at West Elm, Anthropologie, and McGee & Co.—is honeycomb. Typically made from paper, honeycomb ornaments are made from intricate, accordion-style folds that create shapes like stars, bells, and trees. Plus, the ornaments are lightweight, so you don’t have to worry about weighing down the branches of your tree. Add honeycomb ornaments to your Christmas decor this year to put a fun twist on the typical round styles. Choose rich shades of burgundy, forest green, and powder blue, or stick to a neutral palette of beige, cream, and black ornaments for a modern farmhouse effect. When packing away your Christmas decorations for next year, carefully wrap each ornament in tissue paper to ensure paper ornaments don’t get bent. Store the ornaments in a container with dividers so they aren’t damaged throughout the year. 3. Circus Stripes Popular circus stripes are sticking around for the holidays. Expect to see ornaments with thick, bold stripes on trees this year. Home decor stores like H&M, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel offer ornaments with classic red and white candy cane stripes for a traditional. Or opt for funkier color schemes featuring pink, blue, and yellow. Lean into a maximalist aesthetic and pair circus-stripe ornaments with bold patterned bulbs. Incorporate ornaments with different shapes and colors, tinsel, and garland to achieve an over-the-top look. David Land 4. Unique Felt Ornaments Quirky felt ornaments of all shapes and sizes are all over social media and home decor sites alike. Made from colorful felt and stuffed with cotton, these plush ornaments are often embellished with sequins, beads, tassels, and decorative stitching. Letters, wreaths, bells, and other unique shapes can all be found in felt form. Felt ornaments depicting animals in silly scenes are also gaining popularity—think swans wearing tutus, fishing polar bears, and mice on ski lifts. Pair felt animals with brightly colored bulbs in different shapes and sizes. Lean into the whimsy with a homemade paper garland or a string of popcorn to complete your Christmas tree. 5. Photo Frames Show off your favorite photos from the year by using small photo frame ornaments. This Christmas is all about nostalgic traditions and adding personal touches to your holiday decor, so it’s no surprise photo ornaments are having a moment. You can purchase modern photo frame ornaments from stores like Target and Pottery Barn, or choose to craft your own by hand. In a TikTok video, Andrea Pierre shows how to create photo frame ornaments using miniature vintage frames from Amazon. All you need to do is hot glue your favorite photo to the back of a mini frame, then attach a ribbon loop to the back so you can hang it on your tree. Make it a tradition to add a new photo ornament every year, or add fun art prints to the frames that speak to your style.

these-were-the-top-7-home-renovation-trends-of-2024,-according-to-pros
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Top 7 Home Renovation Trends of 2024

BySophie Flaxman

Over the past year, homeowners focused on creating environments that nurture well-being, provide comfort and serenity, and reflect their personal values. The home renovation trends of 2024 were all about creating intentional and personalized spaces. Whether it was enhancing the home with wellness features, embracing nature and the simplicity of Japanese-inspired interiors, or crafting spaces for family fun and relaxation, these trends emphasize a shift towards meaningful, mindful living. Drawing on insights from experts at the leading design platforms like Houzz and Pinterest, we reveal how the top trends are shaping the future of home interiors and how homeowners are transforming their living spaces into personalized retreats. Annie Schlechter Organic Modern Style In 2024, organic modern emerged as the design style of choice, seamlessly blending modern simplicity with nature-inspired elements and materials. By incorporating elements like stone, wood, and organic fabrics, organic modernism fosters a calming, cohesive, and well-balanced space. “With searches on Houzz for ‘organic modern bedroom’ jumping nearly 3.5x year-over-year, homeowners may be looking for a soft place to land at the end of a long day,” says Mitchell Parker, senior editor of Houzz. But it’s not just the bedroom where this style shines. Organic modern is also trending across dining rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, underscoring its versatility and widespread appeal. Japanese Design Influence “Japanese design, which embraces simplicity, natural elements, and harmonious living spaces, is experiencing a resurgence, reflected in notable increases in searches related to kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms,” Parker says. Searches for ‘Japandi living rooms’ (a fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality) have risen 48% on Houzz, while Pinterest searches for ‘Japanese living room design’ are up by 135%. Popular Japanese concepts like wabi-sabi and zen gardens also saw notable search growth, suggesting homeowners seek peaceful, sanctuary-like spaces inside and outside their homes. Better Homes & Gardens Leisure Spaces The pursuit of work-life balance is reshaping how we use our homes, with homeowners carving out dedicated leisure spaces. Searches for ‘listening rooms’ have more than doubled on Houzz, and interest in ‘living room pianos’ is up by 39%, reflecting a trend towards creating spaces for music and relaxation. Social areas for group activities have also gained momentum, with searches for ‘bowling alley,’ ‘game room,’ and ‘bocce court’ increasing as well. These areas enable homeowners to enjoy downtime with family and friends, enhancing the home’s role as a haven for entertainment and connection. Wellness Features Wellness remains a priority in home renovations as homeowners strive to create spa-like retreats within their living spaces. Searches for cold plunge pools, indoor saunas, home spas, and steam showers surged on Houzz in 2024, reflecting a growing interest in transforming bathrooms into sanctuaries of relaxation. Shower rooms, which offer an enclosed, intimate space and feature steam and sauna capabilities, are increasingly popular. According to Parker, homeowners are tapping professionals to bring nature indoors in subtle yet impactful ways, such as increasing natural light with large windows and skylights to support wellness and align with circadian rhythms. Ali Harper Dark and Moody Color Palettes Deep paint colors reigned this year, as we saw with many of the 2024 Colors of the Year. Searches for ‘moody living room’ and ‘moody kitchen’ more than doubled on Houzz compared to the year prior, signaling a shift away from light grays and whites. “Designers on Houzz use dark and moody colors to help make spaces feel cozy and intimate or bold and dramatic,” Parker says. According to Pinterest’s Autumn 2024 Trend Report, searches for ‘moody purple bedroom’ and ‘dark green bathroom’ rose by 350%, highlighting these spaces as focal points for exploring more daring, experimental, and personal color preferences. Even ceilings are joining the trend, with searches for ‘dark ceiling’ on Houzz more than doubling, proving that the fifth wall is now a canvas for homeowners looking to make a statement. Kids’ Zones Creating playful, personalized spaces for kids is another trend that took hold in 2024 as parents sought inspiration to cater to their children’s evolving needs. On Houzz, searches spiked for ‘Jack-and-Jill bathrooms’ and ‘teen lounge.’ These searches reflect a desire to design spaces where kids can express themselves and feel a sense of ownership within the home and a forward-thinking approach to home renovation.  Cameron Sadeghpour Outdoor Kitchens Dining al fresco took on an entirely new meaning in 2024, with homeowners expanding their outdoor kitchens far beyond the classic grill. According to the  2024 Houzz U.S. Outdoor Trends Study, nearly 9 in 10 homeowners include a grill in their outdoor remodels, but new additions like pizza ovens, smokers, kamado-style barbecues, and Argentinian-style gaucho grills have also become increasingly popular this year. This shift reflects a deeper commitment to alfresco living, with homeowners creating versatile spaces that cater to diverse cooking styles and outdoor gatherings.