Home & Leisure
/ArcaMax

9 common cleaning habits you should break, according to professionals
Sometimes it’s obvious when you’re cleaning something incorrectly. Other times, it’s not — until something happens, like damage to your home or even sickness. The good news? Often, fixing the bad habit just saves you time and money. This is what to look out for in your own cleaning routine.
1. Using too many cleaning products
According...Read more

Living Space: 9 things you should definitely declutter before spring
There is often a lot of talk surrounding spring cleaning, but many tips and guides don’t mention an important first step: decluttering. After all, if you fail to declutter your home first, your hard work scrubbing won’t be as effective. Too much unnecessary stuff makes it harder to clean around, and can hide dust, dirt, or, worse — mold ...Read more

Here’s how often you should clean carpet
Carpets are a common feature in most homes. They make a room feel cozy while adding texture and warmth. However, dirt, dust, and allergens thrive in carpets. Regular vacuuming removes surface debris, but only deep cleaning can eliminate bacteria and nasty stains. So, how often should you clean your carpets?
The answer depends on several factors...Read more

6 easy ways to refresh old kitchen countertops without tearing them out
Countertops are one of the most important features of a kitchen. Whether you go with marble, granite, or engineered stone, they truly make or break your kitchen in terms of style. While reviving old cabinets really just requires a fresh coat of paint (plus a little prep work), it feels like when you have old countertops you’re basically stuck....Read more

How to choose between conventional vs. peel-and-stick wallpaper
Wallpaper has made a major comeback in recent years. There’s a good reason for this. It instantly adds color, texture, and style to a home. One of the biggest innovations in this category is peel-and-stick wallpaper, which is sometimes called temporary or removable wallpaper. While it has some advantages over conventional wallpaper — it can ...Read more

9 ways to get rid of dust and dust mites in your house
Dusting is one of those household chores it’s easy to skip over, but dust can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and other unwanted complications. Whether you suffer from an obvious allergy or not, it’s still necessary to keep dust at bay because it can affect others in the house—including pets and guests—and cause long-term health ...Read more

4 home decor items you’re better off buying used, designers say
Your home decor says a lot about who you are, but it doesn’t always have to be brand new to do it. Many home designers say used items can work just as well, if not even better, to add personality to your space. We spoke with two design experts to hear their recommendations on the best home items to buy used, and what to look out for when ...Read more

5 questions to ask yourself before choosing a paint color
When it comes to interior design, paint can work magic. A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform a room from basic to fabulous or from stressful to calming. However, with so many colors available, it can be hard to choose the right one — and if you aren’t 100% sold on your decision, you may end up second-guessing yourself even after the...Read more

7 easy ways to add more color to your home this winter
Now that the holiday decorations have come down and are safely packed away until next year, your home may be feeling a bit empty — and in need of some serious color!
We spoke with Southern designers and asked them for their go-to tips on how to best add a little vibrancy to the home. There’s a suggestion for everyone, whether you’re ...Read more

6 easy indoor home projects to do this winter
Winter is officially here and there’s a good chance you’re going to be spending more time indoors. While it’s nice to relax and enjoy some cozy days, you can also maximize this time for home improvement projects. The good news is that lots of those projects are not only easier than you think but they can also have a major impact on the way...Read more

6 things every living room needs according to interior designers
The living room is one of the most important rooms in the home. It’s where we gather with friends and family, catch up on our reading (or streaming), and just relax. A living room's design should be inviting and cozy — but that involves a bit more than just finding a super comfy couch. Designing a beautiful and comfortable living room is ...Read more