Author: Stan S.

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    6 Reasons Your Lights Are Flickering, Plus Easy Fixes

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / Kateryna Kukota Lights flickering in your home might seem like a cause for concern, especially if you’re unfamiliar with how home electrical systems work. While flickering lights can stem from a major electrical problem, it is more likely that the issue is related to the bulb or switch. However, it is essential to identify the cause of the flickering lights so you can rule out any serious electrical issues. Learn the most common causes of flickering lights and how to fix them, as well as when it’s advisable to call an electrician. 6 Potential Causes of Flickering Lights Before calling an electrician, try troubleshooting these potential causes of flickering lights. 1. Bulb Issues One of the most common causes of flickering lights is an issue with the bulb. Fortunately, bulb issues are also the easiest fix. Solution: If you suspect the light bulb is burning out, you can easily test your theory by replacing the light bulb. If the new one doesn’t flicker, you’ve likely solved the problem. 2. Switch Issues Light switches see a lot of use. While premium switches may last a lifetime, budget light switches are likely to fail over time. In this case, you might notice the lights flicker when you touch the switch. Solution: If you suspect the light switch is causing the flickering lights, replacing the switch should solve the problem. To do so, turn off the electricity and the circuit breaker box, remove the switch plate, and uninstall the light switch. Wire and install the new light switch exactly like the old one, reinstall the switch plate, and restore the power. 3. Fixture Issues Less commonly, the light fixture itself may be to blame. If there are loose connections or corrosion in the fixture, the lights may flicker. Solution: You can attempt to repair the fixture by fixing the connections or removing corrosion, especially if it’s a premium fixture. However, it may be more beneficial to replace cheaper light fixtures. 4. Incompatible Bulb or Dimmer Switch If you’ve ever shopped for light bulbs, you may have noticed language on the box referring to dimmer compatibility. This is because some types of bulbs and dimmer switches don’t play well together. If you install a light bulb that’s incompatible with the light switch, it will likely flicker as a result. Solution: To ensure your light bulb is compatible with your switch, check the bulb’s specifications before purchasing a replacement. If you’re having trouble finding a light bulb that won’t flicker due to dimmer incompatibility, your best bet is to try a traditional incandescent light bulb. However, they may be difficult to find in some areas due to government restrictions on energy usage. Even LED light bulbs that specify dimmer compatibility can sometimes flicker when tied to a dimmer switch. 5. Wiring Issues Sometimes, the fixture, the bulb, and the switch may all be in good, working condition, but the wiring is to blame for the flickering lights. The wires could be worn or damaged, but it’s more likely that they are loose, causing an intermittent connection, which results in a flicker. Solution: With the power turned off, inspect the wiring and all relevant connections, including those at the switch, circuit breaker, and light fixture. 6. Electrical Load Issues If you notice the lights flickering whenever other appliances turn on, such as a vacuum, dishwasher, blow dryer, or other power-hungry products, it’s likely because you’re running them on the same circuit as the lights, causing an excessive electrical load on the circuit. Whenever these devices turn on, they draw a large amount of power, which causes the current running to the lights to fade, resulting in flickering. Solution: If the circuit is overloaded, move the high-power appliance to a different circuit. For something like a blow dryer or vacuum, unplug it and plug it into a different outlet. Install a dedicated circuit for large, permanently installed appliances, such as dishwashers. When It’s Time to Call a Professional Electrician If none of these solutions resolve your flickering lights or if the lights are accompanied by buzzing sounds, burning smells, heat around the fixture or outlets, or frequently tripping breakers, contact a professional electrician immediately. You should also consider professional help if multiple lights in your house are flickering and the issue isn’t isolated to a single fixture or circuit. If you haven’t already, a professional will likely instruct you to cut the power at the breaker until the problem can be remedied.

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    Home Exterior Mistakes That Designers Want You to Quit Making

    ByStan S.

    Credit: KIM CORNELISON / Design: Lucy Penfield The exterior of your home is a billboard. It tells the world about you, your personal style, and what you value. So, of course, you want to get it right. Yet great-looking exteriors are made up of so many elements—architectural style, color palette, lighting, landscaping—that it’s easy for one or more to be off without even realizing it. Here, design pros share their pet peeves about home exteriors in order to help you identify and fix what is keeping your house from looking its best. 1. Going Too Small with Light Fixtures “The number one problem—and I don’t even have to think about it—is the lights being the wrong scale for the house,” says designer Hanna Shiplett of Eden + Gray Design Build. Because many houses have prominent garage doors on the front facade, the lights flanking them need to be large enough to balance them. Shiplett recommends fixtures that are at least 12 inches tall. For a more modern fixture that hugs the wall tightly, go as large as 20 inches. The good news is that lighting is one of the easiest exterior problems to remedy by installing new fixtures. “You have to start with where your lights are already roughed in because if you have brick or stone, it’s difficult to change that,” Shiplett says. Make sure the larger fixture doesn’t end up too low or sticking out too much based on where it needs to connect to the electrical wiring. 2. Using Too Many Materials Architect Todd Hotchkiss always cringes when he sees a house where too many different building materials and surfaces have been used, and in a way that’s not realistic. “Materialitis” is his term for this common problem. “I see a lot of people try to put brick or stone on their house without any care as to whether it looks like masonry material,” he says. Instead of being used solely as decoration, a material should look like it’s part of the construction of the house, even if it’s not. “It should look like if the house burned down, the only thing that would be left would be the stone,” he says. One of his tricks for achieving that illusion is to extend brick several inches around a corner to give the impression of a solid brick wall when it’s really just a surface covering. Interior designer Amanda Reynal also stresses the importance of using building materials thoughtfully, which often means using fewer and repeating them. “Sometimes we get into trouble when we just use a material once and we don’t use it in a big way,” she says. “We just use it as an accent, then we don’t repeat it anywhere else. And then it just feels sort of out of left field instead of intentional.” 3. Not Highlighting Your Front Door If you’re not making your front door into a wow moment, you’re missing an opportunity. “Do a really cool finish on that front door, something that introduces your personality and the personality of the house,” Shiplett says. That might mean a heavy-duty old-school wooden door with a stained finish or a high-gloss paint color that stands out from the street. “Painting your front door and changing the color is just not that big of a deal. It’s not that much money, and it can have a really great impact,” she says. If it’s in your budget and space constraints, you might want to consider replacing your door with a larger one. In her remodeling practice, Shiplett is seeing clients swap out single doors with sidelites for double doors. “There is usually just enough space,” she says. Related 4. Getting the Scale of Your Landscaping Wrong “A lot of times we forget to acknowledge the scale of our landscaping in comparison to the house,” Reynal says. “Sometimes it’s too big. There could be some big, beautiful trees in front of a house, but they block the house and don’t frame the elevation well,” she says. “It can be overwhelming for the exterior of the home.” Landscape elements that are too small are just as problematic. “Too many small flowers and plants in front of a house can sort of trivialize the architecture and make it look a little bit too sweet,” Reynal says. “It’s appropriate for a small Nantucket or Cape Cod cottage, but often a bigger house needs appropriate landscaping and shrubbery to complement that and not become too many broken-up little areas of landscaping.” 5. Overlooking the Path to the House “The other thing I wish people would do more often is try to enhance the inside-outside transition,” Hotchkiss says. “You have to use the space between the street and the house in a way that draws you into the house. Try to think of your front yard as a series of spaces.” Define those spaces with pergolas, pathways, trees, and plantings. “Give yourself and your guests an in-between space so that they can shed all the stress of travel and get ready to enter the house,” he says. “That’s why I always love porches.” 6. Ignoring Your Existing Architecture “I think sometimes we try and reinvent exteriors instead of working with what we’re given, and we make it more difficult than it needs to be,” Reynal says. “If you live in a Colonial house, for example, look at what a classic center

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    The Cash Damming Redirect: 3 Alternative Options for Maximizing Returns

    ByStan S.

    If you’re using cash damming with your rental property, you already know how powerful the strategy can be. By paying expenses through a HELOC and deducting the interest, you generate a sizeable tax refund each year. Traditionally, that refund gets applied straight to the mortgage on your primary residence, helping you pay it off faster and reduce your overall interest costs. It’s a solid, no-frills move, and makes a lot of sense. But that’s not the only path forward. Depending on your financial priorities, there may be more strategic ways to put that refund to work. Here are three alternative options worth considering. 1. Pay Down Consumer Debt If you’re carrying credit card balances, personal loans, or other high-interest debt, using your refund to eliminate those obligations can offer a stronger short-term return than paying down your mortgage. It also improves your monthly cash flow, giving you more flexibility with your budget or room to invest elsewhere. This move clears the way for you to free up valuable cash flow and tackle your next financial goals. 2. Invest in the Market Once high-interest debt is behind you, your refund can become the fuel for long-term wealth. Rather than leaving that cash idle or reducing low-interest debt, consider reallocating it to market investments that grow over time. Even modest, recurring contributions made consistently each year can meaningfully improve your net worth over a 10 to 20 year horizon. It’s less about making big bets and more about establishing a habit of reinvesting tax savings into productive assets. 3. Fund a Life Insurance Strategy Putting your refund toward a permanent life insurance policy can provide more than just a death benefit. Over time, these policies can accumulate tax-advantaged cash value, which can later be used to supplement retirement income, cover future tax liabilities, or serve as a low-cost borrowing source. It’s a way to convert your annual tax refund into a long-term financial tool that grows quietly in the background, while also protecting your family’s future. The earlier you start, the more efficient and flexible the strategy becomes. Final Thoughts Choosing to redirect your tax refund away from the mortgage isn’t about doing things right or wrong. It’s about making choices that reflect your current financial priorities and long-term goals. At the core of this is the rental cash damming strategy itself. By optimizing your cash flow for maximum tax efficiency, you unlock a source of capital that wouldn’t otherwise exist — a refund that can be used strategically to generate even greater financial gains. Whether it’s paying off debt, investing for the future, or building long-term insurance value, that refund becomes a tool, not just a rebate. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best approach is the one that aligns with your goals, your cash flow, and the kind of financial life you’re trying to build.

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    B.C. landlord ordered to pay huge sum to evicted tenant in home reno fight

    ByStan S.

    A Metro Vancouver landlord attempted to overturn a Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) arbitrator’s decision in the B.C. Supreme Court, seeking to avoid paying a former tenant thousands of dollars. Fatehjit Kaur filed a petition for judicial review, asking the B.C. Supreme Court to set aside the earlier RTB decision made in February 2023 in the dispute resolution with Melvin Javier. According to the Reasons for Judgment, Kaur claimed that the original decision by the arbitrator should be set aside because it was both procedurally unfair and patently unreasonable. wutzkohphoto/Shutterstock Javier lived at the property located at 7520 Garfield Dr. in Delta from Feb. 1, 2021, to May 20, 2022, with a rent of $2,500 a month. In April 2022, Kaur served her tenant with a two-month notice to end tenancy for the landlord’s use, indicating that she intended to occupy the property with her partner and children effective June 9 of that year. According to court docs, after Javier vacated the property on June 1, the landlord renovated it throughout the summer. She then sent her former tenant a text message in September that stated in part: “Hi, how are you doing. Are you looking for rent the house? We fully renovated and extended the house with five bedrooms and four full bathrooms. “Let me know if you are still interested. I was like I can ask you first. But this time will be $5,000 rent. It’s with AC unit and fireplace, everything brand-new. “If you want, you can come look at it. Am putting on rent add in this week. So just telling you [in] advance.” Upon receiving the text, along with photographs of the property, Javier filed an application for dispute resolution at the RTB and claimed 12 months’ rent as compensation. “At the Hearing, the Landlord and her son stated that the new rental unit they offered to the Tenant in September 2022 was not the Property but instead a property in Surrey that they had also renovated prior to that time,” explained Justice M. Taylor. “The Landlord testified that she did not explain that she was actually offering a rental at the Surrey Property in the text message because English is not her first language. “[However,] the Tenant testified that he understood the Landlord to be offering to re-rent the same rental unit at the Property, which is located in Delta and not Surrey.” According to the judgement, some of the photos texted by Kaur to her evicted tenant matched closely with the property’s room configuration while Javier was still renting it. Kaur testified that she had to renovate the whole house at 7520 Garfield Dr. because there was a water leak, the roof was damaged, and she wanted a new kitchen and a fully renovated home. Javier refuted this in his testimony, claiming that the property was in good condition and that the single water leak in the basement of a bedroom originated from old pipes, so there was no roof damage. Upon reviewing all of the evidence, the arbitrator found in favour of Javier for $30,100. The landlord brought the case to the B.C. Supreme Court in an attempt to get the RTB decision set aside. She also claimed that if she had understood the renovation delay was the issue, she would have presented additional evidence at the hearing to try to explain it. However, Justice M. Taylor was not persuaded by their grounds for review. The Justice noted in the Reasons for Judgement that no evidence was presented in Kaur’s petition to suggest that she was denied the chance to present her side. “Kaur was given the full opportunity to provide the arbitrator with written materials in advance of the Hearing and also to present oral and documentary evidence at the Hearing,” wrote Taylor. “In my view, the fundamental weakness in the Landlord’s argument is that her argument about procedural unfairness is derived principally from the fact of her own ignorance about the applicable law rather than any specific procedural steps taken or not taken by the arbitrator.” The Supreme Court decision also noted that the Arbitrator’s factual determination that a three-month reno period was unreasonable was not decided irrationally. “The Arbitrator clearly accepted the Landlord’s argument that she ultimately did move into the Property in September 2022. Nonetheless, despite accepting these factors, the Arbitrator determined that the length of time taken to renovate the Property before the Landlord moved in was not reasonable. “In reaching this conclusion, which was consistent with the statutory test, the Arbitrator expressly weighed the evidence of the Landlord concerning the reasons for delays in completing the renovations to the Property and concluded that the Landlord’s testimony was ‘vague’ on this central issue.” The B.C. Supreme Court upheld the arbitrator’s decision and dismissed the petition from the landlord. Want to stay on top of all things Vancouver?  Follow us on X .

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    Nearly 4,300 properties in Broadway Plan and Cambie Plan areas to be proactively rezoned by the City of Vancouver

    ByStan S.

    The City of Vancouver is moving forward with a sweeping proposal to proactively rezone thousands of properties in the Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan areas, as part of an ambitious effort to streamline the development process and boost housing supply near existing and future SkyTrain stations. In next Tuesday’s public meeting, City Council is expected to endorse City staff’s recommendation to refer bylaw amendments to a future public hearing for deliberation and final decision, which would likely be held in September or October — after the forthcoming summer break. This follows City staff’s public consultation beginning in March 2025, when they first announced the proposal. In an interview with Daily Hive Urbanized early this year, Josh White, the City of Vancouver’s general manager of planning, urban design, and sustainability and director of planning, also outlined many of these forthcoming changes. More details have now been released. If approved by City Council later this year, this would introduce standardized zoning for low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise residential buildings — generally aligning with the existing prescriptions and stipulations of the property’s location under the Broadway Plan or Cambie Corridor Plan, while also considering more recent economic and financial viability factors. Generally, R3 zones would allow low-rise apartments up to six storeys — or eight storeys with affordable housing, and a floor area ratio (FAR) density of a floor area up to three times the size of the lot. R4 zones would support mid-rise buildings, typically around 12 storeys and a FAR density of up to 4.0. R5 zones would permit high-rise towers up to 22 storeys and a FAR density of up to 6.5, depending on the proximity to SkyTrain stations and affordability requirements. It is noted that FAR densities will be retained, but a more generous maximum building height will be considered to accommodate a greater range of design approaches due to varying site conditions and on-site public spaces and landscaping. Through such City-initiated rezoning over large swaths of neighbourhoods, this eliminates the need for property owners, developers, and builders to submit an individual rezoning application for their project. Instead, such projects on a City-initiated rezoned site can go straight to the development permit application, which will save applicants costs related to City fees and hiring architects and consultants to achieve the rezoning regulatory step, as well as reducing opportunity costs and added construction costs from inflation as a result of a longer timeline. City staff estimate that these blanket zoning reforms over the qualifying properties will shave 12 to 15 months off the overall development timeline. As well, this will reduce City staff’s time set aside for reports and public hearings with City Council, enabling them to reallocate resources to other tasks and priorities. So far in 2025, rezoning applications in the Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan account for about 40 per cent of all public hearings. In sites where a tower form is permitted and complex site conditions also exist — such as tower per block limit policies, building shadowing considerations, and contaminated soils, a “rezoning-to-district” process would still be required. This rezoning-to-district process would be streamlined and shorter than the standard rezoning process. The overwhelming majority of these properties are located within the Broadway Plan area, specifically sites closest to the Millennium Line’s future stations on the Broadway extension, as well as southern areas within the area plan. For the Cambie Corridor Plan area, the properties are clustered near the Canada Line’s Oakridge-41st Avenue Station. In total, the City-initiated rezoning would apply to 4,294 parcels across the Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan areas. City of Vancouver City of Vancouver City of Vancouver Over the last few years, the municipal government performed some notable City-initiated rezonings of large single-family neighbourhood areas in the Cambie Corridor Plan, enabling more expedited townhouse developments as already prescribed by the area plan. However, the forthcoming changes are the largest standardized rezoning in Vancouver’s history, and align with the Government of British Columbia’s legislated requirements for the City and other municipal governments. This specifically aligns with provincial legislation relating to transit-oriented development at designated Transit-Oriented Areas and other regulatory changes. As well, through these changes, the City will standardize affordable housing requirements using newly enabled provincial inclusionary zoning powers. Additionally, the real estate industry and provincial officials have called individual site-specific rezoning applications as redundant if the proposed uses and built form are already enabled by an area plan. In addition to aligning with the Broadway Plan and Cambie Corridor Plan, the changes also follow the City’s 2022-approved Vancouver Plan. While there was strong support for the initiative during the public consultation earlier this year — especially for its potential to speed up much-needed housing — concerns were raised about neighbourhood character, infrastructure capacity, and construction impacts. City staff responded by noting that all developments will still undergo design review, and there will still be an opportunity for public input at the development permit application stage. Enhanced tenant protections will remain in place for areas with existing rental housing. A time-limited approach will allow current rezoning applicants to transition into the new zoning framework without redoing tenant relocation plans, as long as they submit development permits within one year of bylaw enactment. Currently, there are about 40 in-stream rezoning applications involving Tenant Relocation Plans within the proposed City-initiated rezoning areas. It is noted that some of these project applicants may withdraw their

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    Vancouver mayor seeks to unlock development potential of five ‘exceptional’ sites

    ByStan S.

    Mayor Ken Sim is calling on City of Vancouver staff to explore new planning approaches for five strategically located industrial areas that could play a pivotal role in delivering both jobs and housing — particularly near existing and future SkyTrain stations. In a member motion expected to be approved by Vancouver City Council next week, Sim is calling on City staff to process without delay existing and new rezoning applications at what he describes as five “exceptional sites” across the city. Furthermore, City staff will perform a deep dive on the technical and policy implications of the redevelopment potential of each site. One of the biggest hurdles is the designation of these sites as protected industrial lands by Metro Vancouver Regional District. The regional district is generally very cautious with removing industrial land designations, as the region is experiencing a growing industrial land shortage, which is having major economic implications. At the same time, some of the protected industrial lands across the region are no longer suitable for traditional industrial uses for reasons such as site-specific issues, the location adjacent to emerging residential areas, and accessibility to major roads required for truck traffic, as well as the opportunity costs of not optimizing transit-oriented development sites near SkyTrain stations. The five sites identified by Mayor Sim are the former Molson Brewery at the south end of the Burrard Street Bridge, the former industrial sites owned by the municipal government at the southeast corner of the intersection of Main Street and Terminal Avenue next to SkyTrain’s Main Street-Science World Station, the Marine Gateway area next to SkyTrain’s Marine Drive Station, and the Mount Pleasant Industrial Area. Concord Pacific owns the 7.6-acre former Molson Brewery site. Prior to the pandemic, the developer unveiled its “Quantum Park” concept of redeveloping the under-utilized property into towers up to 25 storeys, with 1.8 million sq. ft. of building floor area providing 300,000 sq. ft. of creative industrial, office, and retail/restaurant space and 3,000 homes. The brewery was built at a time when False Creek saw heavy industrial uses. As well, the site’s freight needs were previously served by Canadian Pacific’s Arbutus railway corridor, which has since been dismantled, sold to the City, and converted into its current uses as an active transportation greenway. Moreover, the adjacent built form of the Senakw’s high-density grove of towers up to 58 storeys likely sets some new precedent for what is possible for Concord’s brewery site. Previous 2019 artistic rendering of Quantum Park, the redevelopment of the old Molson Coors brewery in Vancouver, conceived before the Senakw project. (Concord Pacific) Previous 2019 artistic rendering of Quantum Park, the redevelopment of the old Molson Coors brewery in Vancouver, conceived before the Senakw project. (Concord Pacific) Previous 2019 artistic rendering of Quantum Park, the redevelopment of the old Molson Coors brewery in Vancouver. (Concord Pacific) PCI Developments has also been looking to build a second phase of Marine Gateway on a five-acre site, replacing car dealerships immediately south of the 2015-completed first phase. Marine Gateway’s second phase would feature more high-rise towers — providing significant secured rental housing and affordable home ownership units on top of substantial creative/light industrial uses and some additional retail/restaurant space. The City of Vancouver also has a major works yard immediately east of this site. Previous 2021 artistic rendering of Marine Gateway Phase 2 at 8530 Cambie St., Vancouver. (Perkins&Will/PCI Developments) Previous 2021 artistic rendering of Marine Gateway Phase 2 at 8530 Cambie St., Vancouver. (Perkins&Will/PCI Developments) The Mount Pleasant Industrial Area is the largest of the five sites, spanning the general area framed by Cambie Street to the west, 2nd Avenue to the north, Main Street to the east, and Broadway to the south. Within the City’s Broadway Plan area, Sim states this is a centrally-located employment district with sites within the provincial government’s legislated Transit-Oriented Areas, specifically around SkyTrain’s Broadway-City Hall and Olympic Village stations and the future Mount Pleasant Station. He suggests there is a need for “modernized policy guidance” to “support innovative tech clusters, light industry, and creative economy uses while carefully considering residential uses.” Currently, existing policies allow for a broader range of uses only along the perimeter of the Mount Pleasant Industrial Area. This has enabled high-density, mixed-use residential and office developments along the west side of Main Street, including projects such as the Main Alley tech campus and the City Centre Motel redevelopment. Sim’s motion suggests he wants to go even further than the current allowances. Mount Pleasant Industrial Area. (City of Vancouver/Google Maps) October 2022 artistic rendering of Prototype/M5 at 2015 Main St., Vancouver. (Henriquez Partners Architects/Westbank) Artistic rendering of the City Centre Motel redevelopment at 2111 Main St., Vancouver. (Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership/Nicola Wealth Real Estate) The fourth site at the southeast corner of Main Street and Terminal Avenue has been planned as an “Innovative Hub” under the City’s False Creek Flats Plan. A mix of innovation economy uses are envisioned, including laboratories, research and development, creative/light industrial, tech offices, arts and cultural facilities, local food economy spaces, some residential uses, and the active ground-level uses of retail and restaurants. Recently, the City conducted a procurement process seeking a contractor to conduct a detailed technical feasibility study identifying redevelopment options for this 11.5-acre City-owned property next to Main Street-Science World Station. The fifth exceptional site identified by Sim is the 11-acre Railtown district spanning about six city blocks

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    6 Ways to Unstick Windows That Have Been Painted Shut

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / Vicki Smith Opening windows that have been painted shut can prove challenging, as dried paint creates a surprisingly strong hold. Whether it was a simple window painting mishap or your home got the “landlord special,” where every surface was covered with layers upon layers of white paint, you’ll need to break the seemingly impenetrable seal that the dried paint creates. To help you get started, this guide explains various methods for opening a window that has been painted shut, along with the necessary safety measures to use. How to Unstick Windows That Have Been Painted Shut To open windows that have been painted shut, you need to break through the paint holding the window shut. While this may sound simple, it can be difficult. Here are a few different effective methods, but you need to choose the one that is right for your situation. For example, if you want to preserve the paint on the window, choose a method that disturbs it as little as possible. 1. Apply Heat A heat gun is useful for warming and loosening the paint bond, which allows you to easily scrape it off the window and remove it from the sash so you can open the window. It can be challenging to pinpoint precisely where to apply the heat, so you should only rely on heat application if you aren’t looking to preserve the surrounding paint. Before using a heat gun, ensure there’s nothing nearby that can be damaged and refrain from using heat on plastic window sashes, as they may warp and melt. 2. Score the Paint With a Multitool Painter’s multitools, such as a 5-in-1 tool, are effective for scoring and cutting out paint that’s holding a window shut, as they’re both strong and sharp. However, the thicker blade might damage the surrounding paint, so choose this option only if you’re looking to replace the surrounding paint. 3. Score the Paint With a Utility Knife If you want to preserve the paint finish while also unsticking the window, scoring the seal with a razor blade or a utility knife can offer the cleanest cut. However, if your paint is old, brittle, or has several layers, it can be difficult to score it cleanly. If this is the case, a heat gun can be effective for warming and softening the paint, allowing you to score it more easily and cleanly. To preserve the paint on the window, avoid applying too much direct heat, as it can cause the paint to bubble and compromise its integrity. 4. Break Deeper Seals With a Putty Knife If you’ve scored the paint along the window sash, but the window still won’t budge, dried paint may have seeped deeper into the sash. To break this invisible paint’s hold, place a thin, flexible putty knife in the gap and lightly tap it with a hammer. Work your way around the window until you’ve fully broken the seal and the window opens. If the window has been painted shut, there’s a good chance it hasn’t been operable for years. To aid in future operation and prevent your window from getting stuck again, apply a spray lubricant, such as silicone spray, to the tracks. 5. Use Wood Shims to Open the Gap As you work your way around the window, slide thin wood shims into the gap to slightly hold the gap open, lightly tapping them into place with a hammer if needed. Be careful not to push the shims in too far, as this may stress the window and could even break the glass. 6. Score the Outside of the Window Still no luck? If you haven’t already, check the outside of the window to ensure it hasn’t been painted shut as well. Window Paint Removal Safety Tips Before attempting to remove paint, take the necessary safety precautions to keep you and those around you safe during the paint removal process. Test for lead paint. Removing lead paint requires a higher level of precaution . Most experts recommend skipping lead paint removal and instead opting for encapsulation, so your safest bet may be to score the paint enough to open the window without removing it altogether. Wear the appropriate safety gear. Whenever removing paint, wear the proper respirator to protect against both particles and fumes. Additionally, wear safety glasses and gloves when working with tools for paint removal. Use caution when scoring paint. Whenever you’re using a blade to score paint, use extreme caution and do so slowly and steadily. Moving too quickly or applying too much force may result in injury or damage to the surrounding materials. Consider masking the glass. When working around windows with hand tools, there’s a risk of broken glass. To protect your windows, consider taping cardboard to cover the glass while you work.

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    8 Patio Furniture Trends Designers Swear by for an Outdoor Escape

    ByStan S.

    Your outdoor space is a part of your home—and it deserves just as much thought and personality as your interiors. “Since the days of COVID, we’ve leaned heavily into outdoor living, and it’s changed the way we decorate our exteriors,” says home style expert Ursula Carmona. To help you bring the same level of intention and style to your backyard, patio, balcony, or porch, we tapped interior designers and experts at leading patio furniture brands. Read on for the patio furniture trends they’re seeing in 2025—and how to bring them to life in your space. Ursula Carmona is a content creator and home style expert. Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald is the senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate, a home and garden retailer. Lindsay Schleis is a design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD, an outdoor furniture brand. 1. Room Vignettes Think of your outdoor area as a true extension of your home—one with defined zones for how you actually live. “Start by considering the ‘rooms’ you wish to define and how you envision living within these spaces,” says Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald, senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate. “Will it be a retreat? A place to host gatherings? Or an intimate spot for friends? Integral to outdoor living is the creation of distinct areas—like an outdoor living room, dining zone, relaxing retreat by the pool, or an outdoor kitchen for a complete alfresco dining experience.” Once the layout is in place, add layers of decor. “Don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out—cozy seating, layered textiles, styled vignettes,” says Carmona. 2. Elevate Small Spaces A sprawling patio isn’t a prerequisite for great outdoor design. A small balcony or backyard can shine with the right pieces. “We’re seeing a heightened demand for furniture solutions tailored to small or uniquely shaped living spaces,” says Lindsay Schleis, design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD. “Limited square footage doesn’t have to equate to limited style. Consumers are getting creative to transform a tucked-away corner into a cozy nook with a deep-seated chair or find the perfect dining set to fit their balcony.” Finish the look with layered lighting, potted plants, and textured cushions to maximize comfort and visual interest. Related Credit: Rett Peek  3. Blend Modern with Traditional Modern design isn’t going anywhere—but now, it’s being softened with timeless touches. “New traditional style is about crafting a space that seamlessly bridges classic and modern aesthetics,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “This results in an environment that is both comfortable and sophisticated, inviting yet cohesive, and—at its core—truly timeless.” Classics like Adirondack and rocking chairs remain evergreen staples, but when paired with streamlined forms and modern materials, they feel fresh and updated. “Blend classic silhouettes and colors with modern ones in furniture or accent pieces,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Then add layers of textiles, such as patterns and solids in rugs and pillows to infuse texture, comfort, and a dash of personality.” 4. Extend Patio Season with All-Weather Furniture Summer may be the official patio season for those who live in colder climates, but thanks to all-season furniture, patios and porches are becoming year-round destinations. “Our patios and porches are getting just as much love as our living rooms, which means durability and performance materials are a must,” Carmona says. Schleis is seeing the same: “Homeowners are extending their living spaces outside, where they can host friends and entertain at any time of year,” she says. “For that reason, all-weather dining, lounge, and fire pit table sets continue to grow in popularity.” 5. Design a Kid-Friendly Outdoor Space Outdoor design isn’t just for adults anymore. As more families invest in their exterior spaces, we’re seeing a rise in furniture collections made just for kids. “We launched our kids collection last year and it’s been met with enthusiasm,” Schleis says. “Parents are clearly eager to create comfortable and stylish outdoor areas specifically for their children, mirroring the adult spaces they’ve created.” Credit: Victoria Pearson 6. Infuse Nature into the Aesthetic Designers are embracing earthy tones and organic textures to help outdoor spaces feel grounded and serene. “Nature-inspired palettes and textures bring a sense of calm and relaxation to our busy lives,” says Schleis. “All shades of browns and natural, warm tones allow your furniture to both blend in with the environment while making a statement.” Look for woven accents, wood finishes, and stone-inspired materials that enhance the natural vibe. 7. Go Bold With Art Deco Decor The bold glamour of Art Deco is making a comeback—yes, even outside. Characterized by clean symmetry, curved forms, and metal materials, this iconic design style brings sophistication to patios and porches. “To incorporate Art Deco outdoors, opt for designs that provide a sleek foundation with refined details,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Introduce geometric patterns and colors through pillows and rugs and accentuate the area with brass items like lanterns and statuary for understated elegance.” Carmona has seen jewel tones trending both indoors and outdoors. To amp up the color when you’re entertaining, try emerald green cushions, sapphire blue rugs, or ruby red tableware. Credit: David Tsay 8. Play with Patterns Patterns are having a moment outdoors—from florals and stripes to geometric and global-inspired prints. “Seasonal motifs can complement any patio style, infusing fun and personality into your design,” says Smith-Fitzgerald, who says the key to adding pattern without overwhelming your space is balance. “Let these elements shine as focal points, ensuring they don’t

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    3 Things I Learned Hanging Grasscloth Wallpaperand 1 Big Mistake to Avoid

    ByStan S.

    Grasscloth wallpaper is notoriously difficult to install. Real grasscloth wallpaper is made from natural fibers like jute, hemp, arrowroot, or seagrass, which are handwoven and backed with paper. The organic construction is super fragile (it tears more easily than vinyl or synthetic papers), and the natural fibers actually absorb adhesive and moisture, which poses the risk of staining or warping. On top of that, grasscloth wallpaper is super difficult to trim because the natural fibers fray when cut, making clean edges very hard to achieve. You also only have one chance to apply it to the wall, as  repositioning can stretch or damage the delicate paper backing and fibers. Now, I have my fair share of experience installing wallpaper. That said: If you’re not experienced with wallpaper, definitely call a professional before attempting grasscloth. Call me crazy, but I actually love putting up wallpaper. I’ve installed almost every kind: ultra-patterned, textured vinyls, peel-and-stick—you name it. But I’ll admit, I was nervous to attempt grasscloth. I knew it can be finicky (and I can be a little clumsy) but I figured that I’m relatively experienced with wallpaper, so I’d give it a shot. Here are the top 3 things I learned—plus one huge mistake to avoid. Key Takeaways Real grasscloth wallpaper, made from natural fibers like jute or seagrass, is extremely fragile and sensitive to moisture, paste, and pressure. Prep and precision are everything: successful installation depends on meticulous preparation. Patience pays off (but it’s not for beginners). Even for an experienced wallpaperer, installing grasscloth was time-consuming and mentally taxing. Credit: David Tsay 1. Do: Paste the Paper and the Wall Most grasscloth wallpapers will call for the paste the paper method, where you apply the paste directly to the back of the wallpaper. Actually pasting the grasscloth is probably the stickiest part of the process, figuratively and literally. You need to find the sweet spot. Too much and you risk it seeping out the seams and staining the edges, but you need enough to make the wallpaper pliable and have it actually stick to the wall.  To get the right amount, I used a foam roller to apply the paste (I used Roman’s Ultra-Premium Clear Pro 880), then used a brush to do the edges. I made sure to apply enough that the wallpaper would actually stick to the wall, but not too much that would pool under the paper. Evenly spread coats are key; avoid leaving spots with excess, pooling paste. This will create problems later on. After I booked the panel (a common paste-the-paper step that allows the wallpaper to absorb the paste and expand before being hung on the wall) I used the roller to apply a small amount of paste (I’m talking an ultra-thin layer) to the wall. This way, I knew my seams would be well-covered and hopefully avoided the need to go back and re-paste the edges. It also gave me a little bit more “give”, letting me very gently slide the wallpaper in place without risking stretching or tearing it. Once its up, use a wallpaper roller (not a flat smoothing tool, which can damage the paper) to smooth it out. Cut the overage with a super sharp knife. If you have any paste that comes out of the sides, use a paper towel to wipe it out and away from the wallpaper. Do not let any paste touch the front of the paper as it’s impossible to remove. Related 2. Do: Cut Before You Paste Regular wallpaper (not grasscloth) is usually quite pliable and easy to cut. Grasscloth is not. It’s very (very, very) difficult to work around beams, doorways, and corners. That said: I recommend cutting the wallpaper panels to size before you paste them to the wall. This crucial step seems like a headache but will save you so much time in the long run. Use super sharp, clean scissors to cut the wallpaper panels, then use a very sharp knife to trim the edges once it’s up. If you’re working in an inside corner, cut two separate panels that join together. (However, if you’re wrapping around a corner, work with a single large panel.) Make sure your knife always stays sharp as you work. Dull knives risk damaging the paper and make for messy, frayed edges. 3. Do: Plan Panels Before You Start Unlike regular wallpaper, grasscloth is not all the same. Because its handmade from natural fibers, every single roll is different and color can vary from one roll to the next. That said, plan your roll transitions carefully. When you’re wallpapering a large focal wall, use as much of the same roll as you can, with the main panels coming from the same roll. If you were to use one panel from one roll and another from the next in the center of a focal wall, you risk a major color difference right in the middle of the room. While these natural imperfections and color variations are the draw, beauty, and charm of grasscloth, it’s still important to make sure the final look feels cohesive.  Try to plan your room so that you’re transitioning from roll to roll in inconspicuous areas like corners or behind curtains or pieces of furniture. That way, a major color difference or seam ins’t as noticeable. While we want to be able to see each individual panel and the natural changes, major variations

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    5 Summer Habits That Might Be Spiking Your Utility Bills (and What to Do Instead)

    ByStan S.

    Credit: Getty Images / StockSeller_ukr Summer weather is ideal for enjoying the pool, the yard, and the sun, but after being outside for a few hours, it can also be a great relief to step into an air-conditioned home. These hot temperatures often cause many homeowners to adopt certain habits that are more wasteful than helpful. In an attempt to escape the heat, keep the house cool, and maintain the lushness of the yard, it can be all too tempting to try things that actually increase utility bills, costing you more in the long run for minimal relief. Use this guide to discover what summer habits secretly spike utility bills and what to do instead. Scott Levene is the vice president of Levco, a fuel and HVAC solutions company. He is also a licensed HVAC professional with nearly 20 years of experience. Read on to discover the ways you might be increasing your monthly bills without even realizing. 1. Cooling Unused Areas of the House Air conditioners help to cool down the home, but when you aren’t actively using specific rooms, there is no need to keep the doors open to these areas of the home. Central air conditioning systems might still provide some cooling to these areas through the ductwork, but ultimately, the cooling capabilities will be more focused in the central areas of the home where the thermostat is typically located. Closing certain doors allows the temperature to drop more effectively in the areas you are actually using, while saving energy. This particular trick works incredibly well for window and standing air conditioners, since their output is already focused in a single area of the home. 2. Running Fans 24/7 Fans can help move cool air throughout the home and provide direct relief to individuals who are near the fan. However, fans do not actually cool down the house, and their continuous operation can even add heat to the house. “A common habit is leaving fans on in empty rooms. Fans cool people, not rooms, so leaving them on when no one’s around just adds to the electric bill without any benefits,” says Scott Levene, vice president of Levco and licensed HVAC professional. 3. Frequent Lawn Watering Watering the lawn frequently might keep the grass looking lush and the gardens blooming nicely, but it is also a huge use of water that will drastically increase the cost of your water bill throughout the summer. In some areas, watering the lawn and yard might even be against local regulations due to droughts and water conservation efforts. Instead, it’s best to consider possible alternatives that can avoid waste and help save on your water bill. 4. Running the Air Conditioner with the Windows or Doors Open Many homeowners know to turn off the air conditioner if they are opening a window or door. However, this same knowledge might not be as obvious to other people living in the home, like children or teenagers. Additionally, some adults might open the windows on cooler evenings to bring in fresh air, but then forget to turn the AC off, which increases energy waste and leads to higher energy bills. 5. Setting the Thermostat Temperature Too Low Unfortunately, just because you turn the thermostat temperature as low as possible, this does not increase the speed at which the home will be cooled, though this doesn’t stop many homeowners from trying year after year. “The most common habit we see is turning the thermostat down too low, thinking it will cool the house faster. Setting the thermostat to 65°F instead of 75°F doesn’t make it work any faster; it just makes the system run longer and work harder, which drives up utility bills,” explains Levene. How Do These Habits Burn Your Budget? Deciding to put a stop to these habits and making the switch to a more budget-friendly alternative will help keep more money in your wallet and reduce waste. “The examples listed might only cost a few extra bucks a day, but that adds up over time,” Levene says. “Additionally, the extra strain on the HVAC system causes faster wear and tear, which can shorten the lifespan of the equipment. Frequent repairs or premature replacement costs are a major expense.” Related 7 Budget-Friendly Alternatives to Beat the Heat The more unnecessary warm-weather habits you tend to do each year, the higher the cost of your energy bills and the larger your ecological footprint, which is reflected in water and energy waste. Instead, work toward adopting budget-friendly habits that can both keep you cool and reduce your spending this summer season. 1. Use a Programmable Thermostat When you have a regular thermostat, it’s your responsibility to change the temperature throughout the day and when you leave the home. “Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature. We recommend 76°F to 78°F when you’re home and 78°F to 80°F when you’re away,” Levene says. With a programmable thermostat, you can simply set a specific schedule based on when you leave for work, when you typically go to sleep, and when you wake, so you can reduce energy waste without even thinking about it. 2. Set Up a Rain Barrel Constantly watering the lawn is a huge waste of water, and it can quickly add up on your water bill. Instead, use one or more rain barrels in the yard to catch and collect rain. The collected water