For a good reason, houseplants are becoming more popular- they give any space a natural, organic feel and can even enhance the air quality in your house. But could houseplants be giving off bad vibes? We rounded up expert advice to see which feng shui plants you should avoid and those that bring positive energy. … Read more
For most Americans, homeownership is still the ‘American Dream.’ Having a place of your own is something we all covet, essentially because homeownership also happens to be the number one way most adults build wealth. The increase in a home’s equity made possible by appreciation is how many Americans can build wealth over time. Home … Read more
One of the most exclusive homes in the entire Napa Valley region has recently been listed for sale — asking a whopping $25 million. This price point makes it the most expensive active home listing in the county, the Napa Valley Register reports. Surrounded by over 40 acres of lush grounds set amidst California’s world-class wine country, … Read more
If there’s a room in your house that should feel like your “safe space,” it’s your bedroom. A cozy bedroom can inspire feelings of peace and protection that can lead to better-quality sleep. “Your bedroom is where you end your day, unwind, and fall asleep,” says Anna Franklin, interior designer and founder of Stone House Collective. … Read more
Is your home drafty with rooms that are never the same temperature? Unfortunately, most U.S. homeowners experience this, along with noise pollution and stale, poor-quality indoor air. It wasn’t until the oil crisis of the 1970s that residential building codes became mandatory. So, many of the 130 million homes in our country suffer from poor … Read more
Weathertight, thermal insulation, and airtight are the three continuous functional layers in thermal envelope design in home building to provide adequate protection from the elements. These layers’ performance must be tested on paper and in the field. Once these layers are installed, gaining access to correct any remaining flaws is prohibitively expensive. If weaknesses persist, … Read more
Pothos or Devil’s Ivy is the little black dress of indoor plant decoration. It’s versatile, always in fashion, and it goes well with everything. Here are 20 beautiful indoor pothos decoration ideas that complement and elevate the look of any room. And for those aiming to find inspiration and take their plant home decor to … Read more
Air that is of high quality is necessary for a healthy home. Contaminants that damage or irritate us, have an unpleasant scent, or interfere with our ability to see appropriately (smoke) can impair the air quality within buildings. These toxins may be released inside the home (from furniture, household products, stoves, pets, and people) or … Read more
In simple terms, a net zero building annually produces more energy than it consumes using exclusively renewable energy. But, there is more to it. There has been substantial debate regarding the meaning of “net zero” and the criteria a net zero project should meet. The discussion has grown fairly in-depth, typical for a new concept. … Read more
Since the 1970s, building scientists have discovered a great deal about home air barriers. They now understand that air barriers are crucial to a home’s durability, the energy needed to heat and cool it, and the comfort of its residents. No other building element is as critical in high-performance homes, and building and energy requirements … Read more
