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There are myriad advantages to adding houseplants to your home. For starters, many different types can help to purify the air and provide a healthier living space. Visual appeal is an added bonus that can make any room feel livelier by bringing the outdoors inside.

Here are a few popular houseplants that are easy to maintain and will add a creative design element.

Ficus Audrey (ficus benghalensis)

A natural statement piece with its large, velvety leaves, the ficus Audrey is having a moment among houseplant enthusiasts. If you want a plant that requires minimal care and a minimalist look, this is the one for you.

Chinese Evergreen (aglaonema modestum)

Named among the top air-filtering houseplants by NASA, the Chinese evergreen is visually stunning with its pink and green leaves. Even if you dont have the greenest of thumbs, theyre quite resilient and can survive with indirect sunlight.

Rattlesnake Plant (calathea lancifolia)

If you enjoy bold patterns and vibrant colors, the rattlesnake plant will make the perfect addition to your home with its bright green and purple leaves. Theyre low maintenance, dont require direct sunlight, and will freshen up any room with a tropical feel.

Bunny Ear Cactus (opuntia microdasys)

Native to northern Mexico, the bunny ear cactus adds instant visual drama. Named for the two pads that are shaped like rabbit ears, it will sprout flowers in the summertime and is incredibly easy to keep alive as long as your home is not too humid. Whether you have a modern or minimalist look, cacti are an easy way to spruce up your homes design.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (ficus lyrata)

Theres no denying the fiddle leaf fig is among the trendiest of houseplants and its easy to see why. Those lush leaves add a bit of flair to your homes aesthetic and its the ideal size to fill unused space without feeling overbearing. Plus, these stylish trees improve the air quality, so you can breathe easy.

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In addition to being unsightly, mold in your home can create numerous health problems, from breathing issues to skin irritations, fevers and more. Below are some tips for keeping your home mold-free.

Treat topically. Homeowners often have their own mold-murdering solution they prefer. Whether you prefer vinegar, hydrogen peroxide or bleach, clean surfaces monthly to keep mold growth under control. Make sure you research your topical solutions before applying them ” bleach to a painted wall can discolor it.

Add ventilation. In addition to removing mold when it pops up, adding ventilation to an under-ventilated space can be key in keeping mold at bay. Your bathroom and basement are prime mold spots, so decide whether or not you should add an extra window to open the space.

Seal spaces. A crack in your basement’s foundation may be the culprit of the mold popping up. Have an expert do a walk-through with you to point out problem areas and then plug them up to battle mold even when you’re off-duty.

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No matter the size of your home, odds are you could still spend all day cleaning. Even though life tends to get in the way of secondary chores, identifying your homes major bound-to-be-disorganized areas can help ease the clutter tension in your home and save you cleaning time.

Kitchen: With so many pots and pans and accumulated bric-a-brac, your kitchen can go from tidy to out-of-control in no time. Sometimes, you just dont have the energy to put everything back exactly where it should go. To get back on track, take one day to strategically organize everything in your kitchen.

Take into account how often you use certain items and in what areas you use them. Keep your pots close to your stove, your utensils close to your plates; you get the picture. Divide your drawers so each item you are looking for is easily accessible. The way to win at this is to think lazy. Figure out what would be the most effortless way to go about cleaning up your kitchen and follow that path.

Closets: There are never enough hangers, there is never enough space, yet you are always adding more clothes. The trick to closets is to make sure everything stays in its place. Find ways to create divisions between your clothing items, be it drawers, hanging shoe-shelves, dividers, or boxes. The point is to make sure the proper clothes are getting appropriate hangers, and that everything else is staying out of the way.

Everything thats out of season can be packed away. Neatly putting them away in a box can even open up space by creating a surface that you can stack things up on. Also, dont forget your doors. Hang jewelry or shoe racks inside closet doors, clearing up more space for your other items.

Bathrooms: Last, but not least, is the never-ending disorganization that is the bathroom. With so many products and appliances, the task of organizing never seems to end. In this case, do the same as with the kitchen. Shampoo, conditioner, soap, and scrubs: it all goes in the shower. If your shower doesnt have built-in shelves, buy hanging organizers.

Use your storage space wisely by stacking towels under the sink, getting baskets to contain your lotions, perfumes, etc., and purchasing additional storage to stow away brushes, cotton balls, and other bathroom items.

Get in touch with your inner organizer and benefit from the perks of decluttering!

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Here are a few tips to style a foyer to make a warm first impression…

Keep It Organized

Designate a space for everything: A tray for keys, cubbies for shoes and a stylish armoire for extra storage.

Dramatic Floors

Incorporate elaborate tile-work or stone to create a grand entryway that demonstrates attention to detail.

Add Some Plants

Plants liven up the space by providing visual appeal, making your home feel more calming.

Oversized Mirror

A large mirror near the entryway will make the space feel bigger while reflecting natural light.

Practical Seating

Consider a bench or chairs where guests can sit while getting their shoes on and off.

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There are more materials, colors, and patterns available in kitchen countertops than ever before”and since many are close in price, the decision may be even harder.

The product testers at Consumer Reports scratched, stained and scorched seven of the leading contenders. What they found may help potential remodelers narrow their choice of materials:

• No two slabs of granite are alike, but they all survive abuse with ease and maintain beauty and luster. But edges and corners can chip, and counters will need periodic sealing. Estimated cost: $100 – $200 per square foot.
• Also known as engineered stone, quartz is a blend of stone chips, resins, and pigments, which can take plenty of use and abuse, although edges and corners can chip. While quartz comes in an array of vibrant colors and styles, they can appear unnaturally uniform, although manufacturers are trying for a more random look. Estimated cost: $100 – $185 per square foot.
• Ceramic tile. Tile comes in a wide selection of colors and patterns, mixes nicely with other materials and works well on a backsplash or island top. Not only is it inexpensive, but it also offers excellent heat resistance. While the grout is likely to stain even when it’s sealed, darker grout can help. Edges and corners can chip, so buying a few extra tiles will allow you to repair localized damage easily. Estimated cost: $20 – $75 per square foot.
• Butcher block. Handy for a lot of chopping and dicing, these mostly maple countertops are lovely, but they do sustain damage from heat, cuts, scrapes and impact. They should also be varnished and treated regularly with mineral oil or beeswax. Estimated cost: $35 – $200 per square foot.
• Beautiful and classic, marble takes on a patina over the years that some may see as marred. While it chips and scratches relatively easily, small nicks and scratches can be polished out. Estimated cost: $125 – $250 per square foot.
• Stainless steel. Very resistant to heat and stains, this material gives kitchens a sleek, commercial look. While stainless steel does show dents and scratches, the material can be welded, ground or buffed. Estimated cost: $75 – $140 per square foot.
• Generally custom-formed, concrete can be tinted and textured. Not only does it chip and scratch easily, but it can also develop hairline cracks. Topical sealers can protect against stains but not heat; penetrating sealers can handle heat, but not stains. Estimated cost: $70 – $140 per square foot.

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