22 frost-resistant plants that survive outdoors without maintenance

Some plants need to be bagged or covered with thick layers of mulch to survive the winter. But there are a few frost-hardy plants that can withstand hard freezes without additional protection and even thrive in cold weather.

From cold-hardy natives to winter shrubs and spring-blooming bulbs, here are 22 frost-hardy perennials you won’t have to worry about in the winter.

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5 IKEA hacks we are introducing from 2024 until the New Year

We love a good IKEA hack, and 2024 brought us some of the most inventive, fun and beautiful IKEA DIYs we’ve seen yet.

IKEA hacks are such a cost-effective and affordable way for DIY enthusiasts and home designers to personalize and elevate their living space by taking IKEA products off the shelf and turning them into unique, custom pieces with just a little paint and a whole lot of creativity.

Plus, since you’re already assembling IKEA furniture, you might as well have fun with it.

Here are some of our favorite IKEA hacks, renovations and paint jobs from 2024 that have taken over our social media accounts – and homes.

Hack #1: Shoe Closets Converted into Custom Storage

TikTok creator and DIY lover The Flipped Piece turned shoe cabinets into her custom dream storage. With almost 700,000 likes, this DIY takes a bit of work, but it’s worth it.

How to get the look

  1. First, this creator bought three BISSA shoe storage units from IKEA. She then cut notches in the back, used some glue, clamped all three and screwed them into the wall.
  2. She then cut some NDF and printed the bottom pieces to fit all over the bottom and other places where the cabinets meet.
  3. She sanded, primed, and got a large scaffolding board that she cut to size, sanded, and bolted to the top.
  4. Finally, she chose her favorite sage color, added new handles, and stored the shoes in her perfectly customized storage.

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Hack #2: Built-in bookcase

Kate Hewitt of @our_bears_home on Instagram did BILLY bookcase The DIY we all know and love – take classic bookshelves and make them look built-in.

How to get the look

This DIY requires a bit of drilling and a bit of sawing, but it turns out pretty perfect if you do it right.

  1. Buy the number of BILLY bookshelves you’ll need to fill your wall.
  2. Next, make a small base out of lumber from the lumber store, add your built-in bookshelves, and add some trim around the edges of your wall to ensure your built-ins have something to hold on to.
  3. Paint the bookshelf in your ideal color and there you have it – a built-in bookshelf from IKEA.

Advice

Other creators have done something similar, but added a curved edge to the top— you can really make this your DIY.

Hack #3: A crafting table for your kids

You can make a corner table for your kids to paint, play, and create pretty easily, as Babsi S. of @kreativbabs shows on her Instagram post. All you need are two KALLAX shelvestwo pieces of wood of suitable size and a drill.

How to get the look

  1. Place the shelves where you want the table to start and end, and add your wood on top.
  2. Make sure you screw it in tight, as kids can be rough on their play tables.
  3. Since it’s for kids, the height is pretty much perfect – all you need to add is a little chair and, if you’re feeling it, some storage baskets.

Hack #4: Dish book case

All you need for this DIY is one bamboo OSTBIT plate holder from IKEA. At just $4, this is probably the cheapest and easiest DIY we’ve seen all year.

How to get the look

  1. Hang the OSTBIT on the wall.
  2. Place a few light books on top of it.
  3. Complete your project to discover the perfect little book display in your home.

Advice

This hack is so popular that even IKEA Belgium published it about it on Instagram.

Hack #5: Kitchen cabinet turned into a bar cart

Tay BeepBoop, creator of the ultimate DIY, bought it IKEA IVAR cabinet ua a beautifully colorful bar cart.

How to get the look

  1. Cut a hole in one of the doors, install the reed strip and completely remove the other door.
  2. Then fill in the holes, spray a very colorful gradient on the wood and add wine bottle holders and glass holders.
  3. Finally, add new handles and legs.

23 stylish ways to decorate your console table, according to designers

Consider your console table a true moment maker. It can transform a hallway, entryway, kitchen and more with just a little expertly chosen decor and a little magic of lighting. Use it to bring the aesthetic of your home as soon as guests walk in the door, or use it as a highly functional drop zone where keys are camouflaged and shoes can be stored when needed.

Here, we’ve compiled the best design tips for making the most of your console table, the undisputed workhorse of home decor.

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Underwater Dreams Movie Review | Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media Review

Sandie Angulo Chen

By Sandie Angulo Chen

,
based on child development research. How do we rate?


age 10+







An inspiring story about the underdog of a high school robotics team.

There are no parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What is the story?

Director Mary Mazzio’s documentary UNDERWATER DREAMS is a David vs. Goliath story about how a low-income robotics team from Carl Hayden High School in Phoenix went up against teams from renowned universities like MIT in a 2004 national underwater robotics competition. undocumented Mexican immigrants from a poor Phoenix neighborhood) surpass all possible expectations, inspiring 10-year-old students interested in engineering. The last third of the film focuses on immigration reform and how Carl Hayden’s robotics students are at the forefront of the problem.

Is it good?

Our review:







Parents say :
Not rated yet

children say:
Not rated yet

This documentary is a feel-good movie reminiscent of the ghost Stop and deliver and Lean on me. Those films, like this one, show how poor, disenfranchised students can thrive when they are encouraged and supported instead of belittled and overlooked. Interviews with the original 2004 team and their advisors reveal how the team entered college because failure against MIT was more bearable and understandable than failure against other high school teams. Mazzio spends a lot of time on the MIT team and even digs into the personal lives of two of Carl Hayden’s team teachers, but it’s the immigrant students who are the most fascinating. It’s surprisingly emotional to see 20-year-old men admit that until high school they had no idea they could make a difference in the world, that in a world of negative stereotypes and messages, their robotics instructors stand out as rare beacons of hope. and encouragement.

A little more than halfway through the film, Underwater Dreams shifts its focus from the 2004 robotics competition to how the outcome affected Carl Hayden’s community of Latino students, many of whom are undocumented. Interviewing a variety of renowned engineers and robotics entrepreneurs, including Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway, Underwater Dreams argues why these Carl Hayden alums deserve a shot at the American Dream, regardless of their citizenship status.

Talk to your kids about…

  • Families can talk about it Underwater DreamsThe theme of David vs. Goliath. Why is it so compelling to see an underdog win?

  • The film is about more than a robotics competition. Were you surprised when the film turned into a story about undocumented students? Do you agree with the film’s stance on immigration?

  • What are some other documentary or fictional stories about low-income students who exceed expectations and overcome obstacles? what are your favorites?

  • How it works Underwater Dreams promote curiosity, persistence and teamwork? Why are these character strengths important?

Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children

How much does a shower remodel cost?

By remodeling your shower, you update the entire bathroom and improve the resale value of your home. It turns an outdated, uncomfortable shower space into a beautiful space that you can look forward to every day. On average, a shower remodel costs $8,500.

We talked to several bathroom remodeling experts about their thoughts on shower remodeling costs, benefits, trends, and the best ways to save money on them.

Average price

Shower remodeling costs anywhere from $200 to $15,000, with an average cost of $8,500. However, depending on the type of shower and its condition, a shower remodel can cost up to $22,500.

Shower remodeling is flexible and adaptable to your budget, needs, age of the home and condition of the shower.

As part of an inexpensive bathroom remodel, you can spend as little as $200 to $500 to freshen up your shower by replacing fixtures, replacing tile grout, resealing, adding a filtered showerhead, and replacing the shower curtain.

If the shower is in poor condition or the bathroom has been completely remodeled, the shower may need a complete renovation. A walk-in shower unit can cost as little as $700 to $1,800 for the unit itself and can be installed by the homeowner.

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Benefits of a shower remodel

One of the main benefits of renovating your shower is better resale value if you ever sell your home, says Toronto general contractor Ryan Meagher.

A complete bathroom remodel that includes a shower remodel returns close to 74 percent of its resale value, according to Remodeling 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.

“If your shower is updated, functional and clean, it will go a long way in showing good and potentially be the difference between an offer for more or less,” says Meagher.

It’s a bonus if you update your shower based on the latest trends, but not necessary if you’re on a budget.

“In general, homebuyers want to make sure the home they’re looking to buy is well-maintained,” says Meagher. “So if your shower looks like it’s been taken care of, it will go a long way toward selling your home.”

Major cost drivers

The price of remodeling a shower depends on its size, condition, age of the bathroom and type of shower.

Size

Because there are more materials, a larger shower will cost more to replace than a smaller shower. For a prefabricated unit, costs range from about $2,200 to $3,000.

Expenses Shower size Shower Type
$2,197 30 x 60 inches Tub-shower
$2,200 42 x 60 inches Tub-shower
$2,325 30 x 60 inches Just a shower
$2,390 32 x 60 inches Tub-shower
$2,580 32×60 inches Just a shower
3,000 dollars 36 x 36 inches Just a shower

Condition and age

If the shower and bath are 20 to 30 years old, there is a good chance that the shower will need extensive reconstruction.

Type of shower

Building a shower enclosure with special features can increase the overall cost of a shower remodel:

  • Walk-in shower: Installing a walk-in shower costs between $1,150 and $8,000, with an average price of $6,700. The shower cubicle doesn’t have a curb or a shower tray, so it’s often installed by people with mobility issues or anyone who likes its clean, modern look.
  • Steam shower: Prefab steam shower units cost from $2,800 to $7,100. On average, the cost of converting to a steam shower is about $4,300.

Materials

The type of shower material is a major factor in the overall cost of the shower.

Contractor Michael Peck says the most expensive shower materials are anything with marble or granite, while the more cost-effective materials are acrylic or ceramic tiles.

Acrylic is a popular choice for bathroom renovations, says Peck, because it’s versatile, durable and low-maintenance.

“Installation is usually faster and easier, resulting in lower labor costs,” says Peck. “Acrylic also offers a wide range of design possibilities.”

The cost of shower materials ranges from about $1 per square foot for ceramic or porcelain tile to $65 for a stone slab and $70 for a solid surface. High-end ceramic or porcelain tiles can cost up to $100 per square foot.

Material low price (square foot) High price (square foot)
Ceramic or porcelain tiles $1 100 dollars
Glass tile $11 $25
Stone tiles $5 $50
Porcelain plate $10 $30
Stone slab $40 65 dollars
Solid surface $40 $70

Types of shower renovations

Shower remodeling is a malleable concept, so it’s up to the homeowner to decide the level of complexity—anything from a shower refresh to shower replacement and relocation.

Shower Refresh

A shower refresh costs from $200 to $500.

A shower refresh consists of replacing the shower fixtures (shower faucet, tub spout, mixer valve) with more modern finishes, re-grouting the tiles, replacing the existing silicone seal, and adding a niche in the shower enclosure. You can even change the color of the grout by tinting it with grout paint.

“In some cases, all it takes to freshen up a shower is to clean the tile and grout to make it shine like it used to,” says Meager.

Moving the shower

“Relocating the shower is where the real money is spent,” says Hendrik Vandepoll, master plumber and co-owner of Service Force Plumbing.

Vandepoll estimates that a simple move with no surprises would run about $2,000 to $4,000. That’s just the cost of moving the plumbing in the shower; shower installation is a separate expense.

Converting a bathtub into a shower

Converting a tub to a shower costs an average of $3,000, although prices can range from $1,200 to $8,000.

Changing from a bathtub to a shower is often a good idea when you have more than one bathroom. But from a resale perspective, it’s best to have at least one tub in the house.

“Many families prefer a tub for toddlers,” he says. “Additionally, our population is aging, and as many plan to age, walk-in tubs are more affordable. In fact, we’re seeing increased demand for shower-to-tub conversions.”

Signs that you need a complete shower replacement

What are the signs that you need a complete shower replacement rather than a simple shower refresh? The answer usually lies under the shower.

“If there’s any visible water damage underneath the shower system that’s causing it to not be completely watertight, it’s probably time for a complete shower renovation,” says Meagher.

Another reason is if you are planning to renovate somewhere in the house and want to connect everything stylishly. You wouldn’t want to update your entire home and still leave the shower in a style that was popular 20 or 30 years ago.

Shower remodeling tips

Hendrik Vandepoll and Roy Barnes, co-owners of Service Force Plumbing, offer expert advice on shower remodeling.

Limit changes behind the wall

“The best way to renovate a shower while keeping plumbing costs low is to change fixtures without changing any plumbing behind the wall,” says Vandepoll. “If you already have relatively modern plumbing, it’s often quite simple.

Upgrade to Code

If you have an old two or three handle system, you may not have any type of burn protection.

“This is probably a code violation that needs to be addressed,” Barnes says.

This will prevent direct replacement of the device. Instead, installing a thermostatic valve or other solution will require a licensed plumber.

Replace tubing for higher flow devices

Older buildings may also have smaller diameter pipes to supply the bathroom. If you want to upgrade to a higher-flow fixture, such as a rain shower, you may need to replace the old plumbing inside the walls.

“This is less of a problem in newer buildings, but it can still be a problem,” Vandepoll says. So you’ll want to check the maximum gallons per minute flow to the shower before you buy the equipment.”

Use high-quality fittings

Barnes advises homeowners to think twice before buying cheap, low-quality shower fixtures.

“Over the past few years, we have been called upon to repair an increasing number of off-brand devices … only to find that there are no replacement parts available,” says Barnes. “This is particularly bad news for customers who have done a complete bathroom remodel and now have to rip out part of that remodel to replace, not repair, the fixture.”

FAQ

  • The cheapest way to redo your shower is to freshen it up. Refreshing the shower means replacing the shower fittings, replacing the tile grout, removing and replacing the silicone seal and possibly adding an element such as a niche in the shower.

  • Depending on the degree of complexity, the reconstruction of the shower cabin can last from one day to two weeks. A simple shower refresh can take a day or two, while moving and rebuilding a shower can take two to three weeks.


Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
  1. How much does a shower remodel cost? Enter.

How often to vacuum the carpet to keep it feeling clean

Most of us don’t vacuum every day, but we still vacuum regularly to keep the home fresh and clean.

Although vacuum cleaners keep our carpets tidy, some people say that vacuum cleaners damage carpet fibers. This is because the rotating bar or brush pulls, stretches and wears the carpet fibers.

While this is true, dirt often has a greater wear and tear effect on carpet than most vacuum cleaners. Read on to find out how often you should vacuum your carpet and floors and how to do it right.

How often to vacuum

The frequency of vacuuming depends on several factors such as the number of people in your household, whether it is a high-traffic home, and how many pets you have. At worst, you should vacuum once a month.

Carpets and rugs tend to be vacuumed more than hard surfaces because they pick up more soil and dust that can become harmful as it gets embedded deep into the fibers. Hard floors do not capture and retain dust and loose soil as easily as carpet. However, soil can accumulate in corners, grout lines, and cracks.

Here’s how often you vacuum different areas:

  • High traffic rooms with carpets and rugs (entrances, living areas and kitchens): 2x per week
  • Rooms with low traffic with carpets and rugs (guest rooms, formal dining rooms): 1x per week
  • Floors with a hard surface (tiles, hardwood, laminate and vinyl): 1x per week

Sometimes it’s more

If you have pets or someone in your household works outdoors, all carpets and floors should be vacuumed daily to trap large amounts of dander, dust and dirt. It is perfectly fine to vacuum the carpet every day in these situations.

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How to vacuum properly

  • Choose the right type: Choose the best type of vacuum cleaner for most floors in your home. Canister vacuums are usually more effective at picking up soil from hard surfaces, while rugs and carpets are better cleaned with an attachment or upright vacuum with a grinding bar to loosen the soil.
  • Adjust settings: It is possible to overload your carpet. If your vacuum has multiple settings that allow you to adjust surfaces, you should not vacuum carpet on the bare floor setting. Instead, save it for bare floors as the vacuum instructions suggest.
  • Check the height: Height can affect how well your vacuum cleans or carries carpet. If it is set too low, you can damage the carpet; if it is set too high, it will not pick up dirt very well. To set the correct height, turn it on to the highest setting, then lower it until you feel the vacuum pulling the carpet as you vacuum.
  • Go slow: Vacuum slowly to trap more soil. Move the vacuum a few feet in front of you and pull it back toward you following the same path. As you move to a new section of floor, overlap the tracks. Work in one direction of the room, then repeat vertically.
  • Adjust your head: Adjusting the height of the vacuum head on upright vacuums to match the type of floor will allow you to vacuum better and trap more soil.
  • Prepare the whisk: Turn the impact bar on or off depending on the type of floor surface. Leaving the beater on while cleaning hard-surfaced floors can result in dents and scratches.

General rules for carpet cleaning

When it comes to vacuuming, three more general rules should be applied.

  1. Consider what’s under your rugs: While rugs should be vacuumed twice a week, remember to remove them and vacuum the floor beneath them weekly. You should also periodically turn the carpet over and vacuum its backing with an upholstery attachment.
  2. Opt for a machine with a HEPA filter: The HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter traps as much dust, dander, spores and bacteria as possible. A HEPA filter will collect many more particles than a regular vacuum cleaner and prevent them from re-depositing on floors and other surfaces.
  3. Take care of your vacuum cleaner: Vacuum cleaners take a lot of abuse as they accidentally bump into walls and furniture. Be aware of other dos and don’ts when it comes to keeping your machine in good working order, such as avoiding vacuuming over hard or large objects. Also, don’t vacuum over the cord, don’t drag it over water, and don’t let the vacuum run with a full dustbin.

Why you should vacuum your home

Frequent vacuuming remains one of the best ways to keep your home clean. If you don’t vacuum your carpet, the dirt will break down the carpet fibers and create a breeding ground for dust mites and bacteria. Additionally, your home will begin to smell musty from dirt, dust mites, and other organisms that settle into the fibers.

If you see carpet lint in your vacuum cleaner’s dust bin, don’t panic and don’t stop vacuuming. Your vacuum cleaner does not destroy the fibers of your carpet. Carpets are intended to be vacuumed several times a week without damage.

Protecting your carpet

If you’re worried about ruining your carpet by vacuuming, consider purchasing an easy-to-apply carpet protection spray. Check if your carpet is under any warranty, as adding products to the carpet may void that warranty.

Babygirl (2024) (R) – 9.3.6 | A guide and review for parents

Sex for girls/nudity 9

– We hear sexual moans and climax in the opening sequence when the woman straddles the man’s lap and we see them thrusting into each other: they lie on the bed and kiss (we see her bare shoulders and cleavage and his bare shoulders, chest, legs and back). A man and a woman kiss in bed (we see the man’s bare back and her cleavage and shoulders; the woman hides under the sheets and tells the man she wants to watch porn while he has sex with her, then puts a pillow over her face as the man caresses her and kisses breasts and breasts (we see her cleavage and bare thighs) and thrusts as they both moan And the fully naked woman moves away from the camera and puts on a short negligee (we see her bare back, bottom and legs as he lies on the floor and opens a laptop on which he watches a pornographic film with a woman who has been hit by a man); (we hear the banging, but we do not see the action) and the woman who watches self-stimulates with her hand and we see her hips erupt as she moans and climaxes (we see her cleavage , with bare shoulders and legs).
A woman goes to a hotel room and a young man enters; the woman scolds him for “wild behavior”, they argue, and she says: “You are very young” and “I don’t want to hurt you”; a woman kisses a young man and he protests, they wrestle on the floor and slap each other, he tells her to stand in the corner, take off her clothes and get on her knees, and she protests, but then she does and he gives her a piece of candy, then she tells him to spit into his hand, he makes her lie on the floor and he penetrates her with his hand (we hear rhythmic rubbing as the woman moans). The young man tells the woman to take off her underwear, to sit on a chair and to spread her legs (we see her bare thighs, but she is in shadow under the skirt); he then tells her to take off her dress and she does so (we see her bare back, butt, breasts, stomach and private parts as she tries to cover herself with her hands), she kneels in front of the young man and oral sex is implied. A shirtless young man (we see his bare chest, stomach and back) dances and moves across the room to a woman sitting in a chair, puts his fingers and thumb in her mouth and they kiss passionately; he then pours a plate of milk and she drinks from it, he licks the milk off her face, the woman straddles him and they thrust each other moaning (we see her bare shoulders and breasts) and lie down and kiss.
The woman gets up to leave the meeting and the young man stops her and closes the door, they stand close to each other and she moves to kiss him, he pulls back, they kiss passionately, she stops and says, “That shouldn’t happen,” and leaves. Two young women kiss and hug in a swimming pool. The wife gently kisses her husband on the cheek. The young man swims in the pool, pulls the woman into the pool with him and they kiss and hug.
A woman goes to a club where people are dancing together, she walks through it and a young woman kisses her, gives her a bottle to drink and sees people dancing. The young man drops the cup on the floor and when it breaks he tells the woman to clean it up; we see her on her hands and knees collecting the shards of a broken glass. The husband kisses the woman’s bare shoulder and tries to seduce her, she refuses and tells him that she has never had an orgasm with him and slaps him.
The young man urinates and we see the stream as the woman enters the room and holds him around the waist from behind. The woman holds the young man’s tie in her hand, smells it, touches her lips and suggestively puts it in her mouth.
The young man asks the woman if they should say a safe word. The young man says to the woman: “You look like a mother.” A woman talks to her daughter about her relationship with a young woman and asks what she is doing with a teenage neighbor; daughter says, “There’s a difference between love and teasing.” A young man and a girl go to a woman’s house, and the woman is upset, saying: “You are mine” and that she does not want him to see other people. A woman confesses to her husband that she had an affair with a young man.
A woman lies on the floor while getting dressed and we see a low-cut, off-the-shoulder dress that reveals her cleavage, bare stomach, back and shoulders. The women’s dress is clean between the floral pattern that reveals the flesh through the fabric. A woman wears a tight dress and her husband tells her that she looks hot. People are dancing at the party, and the young man unbuttons his shirt and drops his tie to the floor. People are dancing in a dance club, and a young man removes the scarf from her dress to reveal her bare shoulders and cleavage.

6 smart tips to make a small home bigger, according to designers

If you live in a small space, you know that every square meter counts. While it’s impossible to make your home bigger without major renovations, there are some key decorating decisions that can help make it look and feel more spacious.

If you’re ready for a refresh and need ways to open up and expand every room in your home, these interior designers have you covered with their tips, tricks, and techniques for decorating a small living room, bedroom, kitchen, and dining room in your house or apartment. larger.

Meet the expert

  • Arin Agase is a Chicago-based interior decorator and content creator at Happily Inspired.
  • Elizabeth Vergara is the owner of the New York design and construction firm Vergara Homes.
  • Kathy Kuo is an interior designer, founder and CEO of home decor brand Kathy Kuo Home.

Maximize natural light

Brexton Cole Interiors

Looking for the best tool to make your small house look bigger? Interior designer Kathy Kuo says look no further than the natural light streaming in through the windows.

Increasing the natural light in a room and allowing it to jump around the space will instantly make it feel more spacious – and there’s a decorative piece that Kuo always reaches for to do the trick.

“Wall mirrors are a great way to add light and depth, and you can use them as a standalone design element,” she says. “Playing with light to your advantage will make a small room feel more airy and inviting.”

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Use bright colors

Becca Interiors

Another instant way to make a small space feel more spacious is a new shade of paint, and colors like white, beige and soft pastel shades of blue, pink and green will encourage more natural light to reflect and expand the look and feel of the room.

“Lighter wall colors will help add the illusion of depth and expansiveness,” says Kuo. “Darker wall colors, while often beautiful, can have the effect of making you feel heavier and really draw the final lines of where a space begins and ends.”

Advice

In order to allow even greater reflection of natural light, our designers recommend painting the ceiling in a soft shade that matches the walls.

Choose your furniture wisely

Desiree Burns Interiors

Thoughtful layouts are essential when deciding how to decorate a small space, and according to design-build expert Elizabeth Vergara, creating a sense of balance and a sense of openness through the size and placement of furniture will make all the difference.

“Furniture should be adapted to the size of the room and avoid oversized pieces that can dominate the space,” says Vergara. “Arranging furniture to maximize flow and keep pathways open is also important, and moving the couch or chair away from the wall will allow for better circulation.”

“Opting for chairs and sofas that are raised on legs will also create more visible floor space, giving the room a less crowded feel,” she says.

Find multifunctional pieces

@jcdesign1.1 / Instagram

One tip that all three of our designers swear by to make a space feel bigger is to make the most of multi-functional furniture whenever possible. These pieces can create hidden storage space, additional seating and sleeping options, and help keep floor space as open as possible.

“Any time you can bring in something that has more features is a win for a small space,” says Kuo. “Storage ottomans that can double as extra seating when you have more guests, coffee tables with multiple under-surface shelves, and media cabinets with lots of drawers and cabinet space are great choices.”

Use vertical space

@houseofchais / Instagram

Although smaller homes may have smaller square footage, they typically have as much vertical space available as their larger counterparts. And for interior decorators and small space dwellers Arin Agase, tall and narrow corners are ideal for converting into storage or shelving.

“I like my clients to think outside the box – learning how to use every crevice and nook is an art for small spaces,” she says. “For example, console pieces don’t always have to live in an entryway, and ladder shelves can house pottery, cutlery and elevate your space while creating vertical storage solutions.”

Install Chic curtains

@happilyinspired / Instagram

Vertical space can be used for much more than storage in small homes, when decorated from floor to ceiling, says Agase, it can also be a great way to make a living room or bedroom look bigger.

“Curtains will instantly lift the whole space,” she says. “No matter the size of the room or the length of the curtain, always make sure you hang the rod as close to the ceiling as possible.”

So that the light can still enter through the windows and expand the space, our designers suggest a set of transparent, light curtains of white shade or natural linen material.

5 hardware finishes that are so outdated, according to designers

Simple tweaks can do wonders to improve a space, and the hardware you choose for any room in your house can go a long way in making your home look more stylish and polished. However, it can also have negative effects and can make the room look dated or just not that sophisticated.

Looking ahead to 2025, what hardware endpoints are on the way for good? To find out, we spoke with three interior designers who share five hardware finishes they don’t expect to see much more of in the new year. They touch on why these finishes are falling out of style and best left in the past.

Machine-made finishes

Why settle for something mass produced when you can go all in and enjoy the real thing instead? This is how Laura Umansky, interior designer and founder of Laura U Design Collective, feels about certain types of hardware design.

“I’m a big fan of any finish that emphasizes craftsmanship over imitation,” says Umansky.

As such, she’s less likely to opt for machined finishes that are designed to look handmade, such as faux hammered bronze or imitation pewter.

“Authenticity in design remains paramount in the new year,” says the designer.

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Matte black

Love the sleek, black look? You are certainly not alone. However, who says you can’t try to enjoy the best of both worlds when choosing your hardware?

Matte black will continue to have its moment, says Isabella Patrick, interior designer and founder of Isabella Patrick Interiors. However, the finish is less likely to be used alone.

Patrick explains that she personally still uses matte black in bathrooms, but doesn’t stop there and instead mixes it with brass finishes. Mixing metals is definitely not something you should avoid out of caution when the technique can look quite elegant and chic.

John Keeble / Getty Images

Bronze

If you’re wondering why you haven’t come across bronze hardware as often, it’s because this finish is more of a rare choice. Patrick says bronze finishes are less common these days in most types of homes.

“In more traditional designs, you’ll see more bronze finishes, but we almost never specify that for our projects,” she says.

And in other applications, bronze still doesn’t offer much, says Ellie Mroz, interior designer and founder of Ellie Mroz Design.

“Too weathered oil-rubbed bronze tries too hard to be authentic and ends up feeling more like a fake farmhouse,” says the designer.

Brushed satin, nickel and brass

Most people want their home to boast some kind of character and uniqueness, which is why Mroz suggests avoiding the use of brushed satin and nickel in spaces. He explains how these two finishes remind people of construction-grade finishes that can look dated and plasticky.

Brushed brass, especially if it’s warm or yellow, is also no longer a popular choice, adds Patrick. The look has become so ubiquitous among manufacturers that it’s simply less in demand, she explains.

Taking some time to research a wide variety of hardware finishes will help you choose something that truly reflects your home’s aesthetic and doesn’t look so generic.

Tony Anderson / Getty Images

Chrome

You might think chrome is modern and cool, but designers think otherwise and advise you to stay away from chrome when choosing your hardware for 2025. Using this finish will make your space look a little flat. Chrome finishes can also show water stains and fingerprints more easily, which will require more maintenance to clean.

“With its bluish, cool tones, chrome lacks the warmth and depth we like to bring to all our projects,” says Mroz.

Running for Grace Movie Review

Common Sense Media Review

Joyce Slaton

By Joyce Slaton

,
based on child development research. How do we rate?


age 10+







A sweet, slow romance deals with racism in the 1920s.


age 11+







Based on 4 opinions of parents

What is the story?

Set in 1920s Hawaii, RUNNING FOR GRACE tells the story of Jo (Ryan Potter), an orphaned biracial boy who is despised by the people in the village where he lives. But Jo’s fortunes change when he is adopted by a kindly country doctor (Matt Dillon) who puts Jo to work prescribing medicine in the mountains and plantations where his patients live and work. When circumstances bring Jo closer to Grace (Olivia Ritchie), the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, a forbidden attraction blossoms. Unfortunately, Grace’s father is interested in marrying her off to Dr. Reyes (Jim Caviezel), all the better to pour money into his ailing coffers. Can Grace and Jo find a way to be together despite the many obstacles?

Is it good?

Sweet but slow and clichéd, this tale of forbidden love in plantation-era Hawaii is not without its endearing qualities—mainly, a strong cast and positively gorgeous shots of island settings. The main problem is the weakness of holding the love story I’m running for Grace together. Yes, Grace and Jo are young and attractive. It’s easy to see why they’re interested in each other. But while they exchange plenty of heated glances, they barely spoke 10 words to each other as they embraced for a corny kiss with a happy ending that’s reportedly so heartwarming that the entire cast burst into tears.

The rest of the plot is no less subtle: every twist and reveal of a character is carried forward years. It’s clear from our first look at Dr. Reyes that he is a villain who is up to something; he might as well twirl his mustache when he glances at Grace. (Who, by the way, is given very little to do except sit on her bed and stare at Jo with her angelically lightened blonde hair.) It’s hard to root against a story about a scorned underdog who triumphs against all odds through heroic acts, and this movie has heart in the right place. But like Grace’s contract role, she’s beautiful—and inconsequential.

Talk to your kids about…

  • Families can talk about it I’m running for Grace‘s setting. Why were race and class such divisive issues in Hawaii’s plantation era? What role did foreigners play in displacing native Hawaiians from their land and creating competition between immigrants and natives?

  • How does Jo show courage and perseverance in creating a life in a place where he is discriminated against? Why are these character strengths important?

  • Why are forbidden romances a popular theme in movies? What’s more dramatic about two characters who have difficulty being together than two who have an uncomplicated relationship? Is that realistic?

  • Why is Joe Cozzi calling his attempt to end his own life an “honorable suicide”? What does this mean in the context of suicide in Japan? Should suicide be seen as honorable?

Did we miss something about diversity?

Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children