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<ul class="summary-list"><li>"Boob Lights" have become a common sight in standard American homes.</li><li>Despite its widespread use, it's the cheapest option for many new <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="home">home</keyword> builders.</li><li>Its origins come from lightbulb innovation, but they will soon become an antique of the past.</li></ul>Following is a transcript of the <keyword id="21654" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="video">video</keyword>.Narrator: Yeah, you recognize this. Do you have one in your home? Do you have more than one? I have four in my one-bedroom apartment, including this one that's now home to a dead roach.If I can be honest, I hate them. Call it Freudian if you want, but they just collect dust, they're an insect graveyard, and they're just ugly. So I'm gonna start replacing them, and along the way, I'm going to find out, why boob <keyword id="22500" type="CITY" weightage="60" keywordseo="light">light</keyword>s are on the ceilings of so many homes. Why are they everywhere? Why are they designed like that? And with all of your options when it comes to how to light your home, why? Just, why? I don't get it.All right, let's be fair. We're gonna call it by its G-rated term which is a flush mount dome light fixture. but speak to any <keyword id="6397094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Lighting">lighting</keyword> designer or a contractor, and then they're gonna call it exactly what you think.In pursuit of answers, I spoke with Charles Brill, co-founder of designer lighting manufacturer Rich Brilliant Willing.Charles Brill: 'The boob light', it has a really simple construction It's usually a plastic or opaline glass sphere with a little threaded nut in the middle that kinda holds the glass in place and allows you to easily re-lamp the light fixture. That style of fixture, a sphere, a dome, with a perimeter metal is basically the bare-bones construction method of a flush mount.Narrator: The term for materials like these is builder grade, an inexpensive construction solution, as long as you're not the one living with it. Flush-mount fixtures are super-popular in construction because then you don't have to deal with hanging chandeliers or worrying about how low lights are gonna hang in a room. There are thousands of flush-mount designs from hundreds of companies.The lighting industry, in general, is booming, reaching $43 million in revenue in 2019, and boob lights are some of the cheapest, especially if you're buying in bulk. Look, I can get a pack of six for $40. But frugality can't be the only answer, can it? Who designed this and decided this looks great on a ceiling? To find out, we have to go back in time......or to your local craft bar. You recognize these, though: Edison bulbs! They're the trendiest thing now, but before 1904, they were the only name in the light-bulb game, and they kinda sucked. They were powered by a carbon filament that wasn't very bright but burned hot. Not a great thing to enclose in a diffuser and shove in the ceiling. Fire inspectors would not have approved. Builders usually hung them from ceilings but kept them low, in pendant lights.Then as cities grew, builders looked for ways to light smaller rooms with shorter ceilings, and their prayers were answered by the improvement and mass-production of the incandescent light bulb, in the early 1900s. Invented in Britain and developed by William Coolidge, these bulbs swapped the hot, dim carbon filaments with a tungsten filament. The new bulbs burned much cooler and were bright enough to be installed right next to the ceiling. Builders also loved installing flat-mount light fixtures newfangled concrete-based homes because they didn't have to install hardware in the concrete ceiling. <keyword id="6373314" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Design">Design</keyword>ers like Virden, Beller, even Sears and Roebuck created fixtures in this new style. Early flush mounts played around with the design, often relying on screws around the edge to keep the diffuser in place.Finally, around 1930, perhaps as a result of some new technology making hardware smaller, an anonymous light-fixture designer discovered that the finial could be placed at the center of the dome. This secured it in place, making it easier to swap out bulbs, and changed history forever. After that, it was game on for the boob light. The growth of the suburbs during the '50s saw a surge of construction and secured the light's position on hardware store shelves. Through the decades, styles came and went, but one thing stayed the same: This was the cheapest option. If you were building a house on the cheap, your ceiling had a boob light."So what", you may be thinking - and you're right. Besides being distracting, there's nothing wrong with relying on a boob light. The targeted lighting for a 100-square-foot living space is 2,000 lumens, which a flush-mount will do fine, but it's one source. From a lighting-design perspective, they're kind of basic.Charles: When you start with a room with only a flush-mount, the ambient light is created through the flush-mount. To really define a space, you want to be able to wash the walls, to define the perimeter of the space. Work with floor lamps or other track lighting that have a focal light to feature textiles on your sofa or an area rug.Narrator: At the end of the day, it's not that I have anything against boob lights, it's that lighting, like everything, is an art form. It should serve as both form and function, and it's fine to design a light that stands out or blends in, but this does neither, which just makes it so much more confounding that they're everywhere.It's impossible to talk about lighting in 2020 without mentioning LEDs. They've been changing the game since the early 2000s. As of 2018, LEDs own 76% of the lighting market. As more new homes are built, the slim, barely-there profile of low-power LEDs will inevitably push out the bulky boob light as the default ceiling light in newer homes.If you live with boob lights and you like them, you do you. But don't be afraid to consider alternatives. See what your local lighting shop has in stock. If the wiring is intimidating, there are even diffusers and shades that can fit easily over the existing fixture. But if you're feeling HGTV vibes, swap it out, even if you're in a rental. Just remember to turn off the breaker. It does wonders to individualize your living space.Just store the boob somewhere safe and swap it back in if you do end up moving. Chances are, you'll probably be swapping out a boob light again real soon.EDITOR'S NOTE: This video was originally published in December 2019.

How 'boob lights' took over US homes

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<ul class="summary-list"><li>Interior designer <keyword id="2995209" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Nate-Berkus">Nate Berkus</keyword> is the co-host of <keyword id="1961858" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="HGTV">HGTV</keyword>'s "Nate &amp; Jeremiah Save My House."</li><li>He says the first step to upgrading your <keyword id="107407" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Home-Office">home office</keyword> is to clean it, then you can fill it with things you love.</li><li>He recommends designating a clean, simple area as a background for virtual calls.</li><li>Candles and fresh flowers can also liven up a workspace.</li></ul>People are spending more time in their homes during the coronavirus pandemic, from working remotely to attending school online and streaming virtual events. Interior designer Nate Berkus, who co-hosts "Nate &amp; Jeremiah Save My House" and will appear on the upcoming season of "Rock the Block" on HGTV, still wants people to find joy in their living spaces, even if the same four walls are becoming tiresome after months of social distancing.While promoting a partnership with Starbucks to help families take virtual holiday portraits, Berkus spoke with Insider over Zoom to share his recommendations for upgrading work-from-home spaces.<h2>First, clean your living space</h2>"The first thing everyone needs to do is clean your house," Berkus told Insider. "You've got the time, you don't have to be showered and dressed to do it, no one's watching you. You've gotta go through the drawers, the closets, the rooms, the spaces, not only the things you have hidden but the things that are actually out, and make a decision about whether those things can be donated, whether they serve you, whether they make you happy."Berkus says that cleanliness is often an indicator of one's overall well-being. Working in a clean house can help life feel a little more under control."The first thing that starts to go when we get overwhelmed and stressed and have a million things happening is the state of the house starts to fall apart," he said. "It's kind of a very true barometer of how we're doing."<h2>Maximize the space you have by designing rooms with multipurpose functions</h2>Even if your living space doesn't have a separate <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword> office, you can repurpose other spaces with your work needs in mind."Reassigning each space a multipurpose or new purpose I think is realistic right now for everybody," he said. "We really need to be capitalizing on the square footage that we've got ... That bathroom might have to have a console table under the window with a lamp on it and our laptop because it's the quietest place with the kids in the house running around."<div type="image" title="work from home laptop bathroom" height="1414" width="1885" msid="78771118" hostid="261"></div><h2>Fill your office or workspace with things you love</h2>Berkus believes in filling your rooms with things that you love to make them places you enjoy being."The fun part is going online and buying things that you love," Berkus said. "Like, buy that pair of vintage lamps that you've always wanted. Buy the pillows made out of the African textile or South American textile that you really want to live with. We're in these environments almost 24 hours a day, and winter is coming, so make it nice."<h2>Designate a certain area as a background for video calls</h2>Berkus recommends setting aside a neat, simple area to serve as the background of virtual calls."You don't want to have the background distract from what you're saying and what you're doing," he said. "If you can angle where you're sitting so that you just see a wall with bookshelves behind you or there's uniformity or symmetry, it's usually a lot better ... No one wants to see your shampoo bottles, no one wants to see your hairbrush. That stuff needs to be swept away."<div type="image" title="prince william kate middleton zoom call" height="730" width="1296" msid="78771120" hostid="261"></div>Prince William and Kate Middleton have the right idea — a simple framed photograph and clean background made for a great backdrop at one of their recent virtual events.<h2>Add vibrant, homey touches</h2>"Fresh flowers, even from the grocery store, and a candle burning never hurt anybody," Berkus said.<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/make-the-most-out-of-small-space-according-to-experts-2020-5">How to make the most out of your small space, according to experts</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-design-interior-decorating-mistakes-nate-berkus-2019-6">Designer Nate Berkus reveals the biggest mistakes people make when they decorate their homes</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/only-things-to-spend-extra-on-in-a-home-2020-1">Interior designers reveal the 10 things worth splurging on in a home</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-your-home-peaceful-interior-designers">Interior designers reveal 10 things you should get rid of to create a more peaceful space</a></li></ul>

Interior designer Nate Berkus shares 5 easy ways to upgrade your work-from-home space

New Delhi, The increase in interest rates on home loans have affected the affordability of residential properties across all eight major cities during the first six months of this year, according to Knight Frank India. On Wednesday, real estate consultant Knight Frank India released its 'Affordability Index' for the top eight cities for the first six months of 2023 calendar year. The index tracks the EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment)-to-income ratio for an average household. It indicates the proportion of income that a household requires, to fund the EMI of a housing unit in a particular city. The index showed that higher home loan rates have reduced affordability across all markets so far in 2023. Ahmedabad is the most affordable housing market amongst the top eight cities, with a ratio of 23 per cent followed by Pune and Kolkata at 26 per cent each; Bengaluru and Chennai at 28 per cent each; Delhi-NCR at 30 per cent; Hyderabad 31 per cent; and Mumbai 55 per cent. A Knight Frank Affordability index level of 40 per cent for a city implies that on an average, households in that city need to spend 40 per cent of their income to fund the EMI of housing loan for that unit. An EMI/Income ratio over 50 per cent is considered unaffordable as it is the limit beyond which banks rarely underwrite a mortgage, it said. Knight Frank noted that affordability index witnessed steady improvement from 2010 to 2021 across the eight cities of India especially during the pandemic when the RBI cut repo rates to decadal lows. "The central bank has raised the REPO rate by 250 bps since then to address growing inflation. This has impacted affordability by an average of 2.5 per cent across cities and increased the EMI load by 14.4 per cent since then," the consultant said.

Ahmedabad most affordable homes, Mumbai most unaffordable says Knight Frank

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Slime is a great educational activity for kids, and it's easy to make at <keyword id="11898442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home" source="Orion">home</keyword>.</li><li>Slime acts as both a liquid and a solid and can be customized in a variety of ways.</li><li>To make slime, combine glue, baking soda, water, and contact lens solution.</li></ul>If you're looking for a fun and educational activity for the kids, put slime at the top of your list. Homemade slime is typically made up of household products to create a substance that's a cross between a liquid and a solid. "Making slime is an activity the entire family can get involved in," says blogger Nadia Tayob of <a href="https://www.funwithmama.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fun With Mama</a>. "Slime is a great way to engage kids in a tactile sensory experience and spark creativity. For younger children, this kind of sensory play can improve fine motor skills and help them learn to focus."Slime also offers a great way for kids to learn scientific principles while enjoying an exciting activity. With just a few ingredients, you can make a variety of colors and types of slime at home for endless fun.<h2>What you need</h2><ul><li>1 cup white glue</li><li>½ teaspoon baking soda</li><li>2 tablespoons water</li><li>2 ½ tablespoons contact lens solution</li><li>Food coloring, if desired</li></ul><h2>How to make slime <div type="image" title="Someone playing with light blue glitter slime." height="1414" width="1885" msid="86079242" hostid="261"></div> </h2><ol><li>Pour the glue into a bowl. Add liquid food coloring if desired.</li><li>Stir in the water and baking soda.</li><li>Add the contact lens solution. Slowly stir in the solution, continuously mixing until it begins to strengthen into an elastic putty. The mixture will begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl.</li><li>Knead the slime. Remove the mixture from the bowl and knead it on the counter. If it's too sticky, add more contact lens solution to continue strengthening the slime.</li></ol><h2>How to make slime with Borax</h2>Some recipes for making slime incorporate Borax, which strengthens the slime. However, depending on who will be playing with the slime, it may not be the best option. "While Borax is considered non-toxic, it's highly recommended to avoid eye contact, ingestion, or prolonged contact with the skin," says Tayob. <ol><li>Dissolve the Borax. Mix 1 teaspoon of Borax in 1/2 cup of water.</li><li>Dilute the glue. Combine 1/2 cup white Elmer's glue and 1/2 cup water.</li><li>Combine the solutions. Stir the Borax solution into the glue solution and mix until the slime thickens into a putty.</li></ol><h2>How to make different types of slime</h2><div type="image" title="A kid holding glittering blue slime." height="1409" width="1878" msid="86079243" hostid="261"></div>While a classic slime recipe provides hours of fun, there are plenty of ways to switch up the texture and color of slime.<ul><li>Cloud slime: Mix together 1 cup glue and 1 cup shaving cream. Slowly stir in ¾ cup liquid laundry starch until the slime strengthens. Activate ½ cup instant snow with water until fluffy. Knead the instant snow into the prepared slime to make a slime that looks and feels like a fluffy, stretchy cloud.</li><li>Fluffy slime: Fluffy slime is made with shaving cream to make the finished texture softer. Mix together 1 cup clear glue and 1 cup shaving cream. Slowly stir in ¾ cup liquid laundry starch until the slime strengthens. </li><li>Butter slime: This slime is soft, smooth, and not as sticky as other kinds. Mix together 1 cup white glue, 1 cup shaving cream, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 2 pumps of any lotion. Add in 2 tablespoons of contact lens solution to strengthen and knead the slime with a small amount of cornstarch until it's no longer sticky.</li><li>Crunchy slime: This slime enhances the sensory play of slime even further with a unique textured feel. Make slime and knead 1 cup of mini foam balls into it.</li><li>Clear slime: Use clear glue instead of white glue in a classic slime mixture to switch up the look.</li><li>Glitter slime: Swap out the white glue in a classic slime recipe for any color of glitter glue to give your mixture an extra glimmer.</li><li>Glow-in-the-dark slime: Make a classic slime recipe and add two to three squirts of glow-in-the-dark paint before adding the contact lens solution. Mix it up and watch it glow.</li></ul><h2>How long does slime last?</h2><div type="image" title="People playing with pink slime." height="1412" width="1883" msid="86079247" hostid="261"></div>While slime can provide hours of play, you can also store it for your next session. Store the slime in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. According to Tayob, slime will last for months when stored correctly. If your slime is too hard when you pull it out again, knead it with a bit of water or hand sanitizer to help it soften. If it's too sticky, knead it with a bit of baking soda or add saline solution.<h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>While slime is available for purchase in many store toy sections, it can also be made at home just as easily. Making homemade slime allows you to customize the recipe to create different colors, textures, and add other decorations. It's quick and simple to make and provides endless hours of fun and educational opportunities for kids.<a data-type="6022b7c15c53db2087320faf">The most effective homemade grout cleaners to help make tiles look new again</a><a data-type="60e5e1e2bd691205ed08d32c">How to make homemade candles</a><a data-type="611d6f65b0b35f577c1a5372">How to make homemade weed killer out of 3 household ingredients</a><a data-type="6124f86ff8805a26f41cb207">How to tie-dye any fabric, plus 6 fun patterns to try</a>

How to make slime at home, plus 7 fun slime types to try

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="5739630" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="home-Inspector">Home inspector</keyword> Bryan Standley has become TikTok-famous for roasting flipped houses.</li><li>In his videos, Standley highlights ways that house flippers can slip up and cut corners.</li><li>A lack of receipts for work done on a house could indicate costly hidden problems, Standley said.</li></ul>If you're looking to buy a recently renovated <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword>, make sure you ask to see receipts first.A lack of receipts for work done on a house can be a sign that a home has not been properly renovated and may require costly repairs in the future, TikTok-famous home inspector <a href="https://inspectkc.com/team/">Bryan Standley</a> told Insider.When licensed and qualified tradespeople work on a home, they usually provide a receipt for the work performed, according to Standley, whose videos have been liked more than 1.1 million times since he joined <keyword id="6762469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="TikTok">TikTok</keyword> in January 2020. "Being a house flipper does not automatically make a person qualified to perform every type of work a home needs," he told Insider. "Be sure that any work done by the flipper or their in-house crew was within their wheelhouse and they used professionals when necessary."Standley says one of the most common problems he encounters on the job is improperly installed items, like dishwashers that are incorrectly connected to garbage disposals, causing drainage and flooding issues.In one video, Standley said issues like these are so prevalent that he carries towels with him during his inspections. Typically, dishwashers are the last element of a kitchen to be finalized, Standley said, and might be overlooked if a renovator is trying to save time or doesn't know what they're doing."The flooring, cabinets, countertops, and plumbing all have to be in place before the dishwasher can be installed," he said. If a dishwasher is simply not installed, the home buyer would need to make a service call to the plumber, which could cost around $200 depending on their location, Standley told Insider.Repairing floors damaged by drainage and flooding issues can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for a few boards to $20,000 if the damage is extensive enough, <a href="https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/flooring/repair-flooring/">according to HomeAdvisor</a>.While Standley often shares tips to help future <keyword id="6371902" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="home-buyers">home buyers</keyword> save money, his main recommendation is to hire a qualified home inspector, since there are "hundreds, if not thousands of things that we're keeping an eye out for."To see more of Standley's videos, follow him on TikTok at <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@bryanstandley?lang=en">@bryanstandley</a>. You can learn more about his home-inspection business on his company website, <a href="https://inspectkc.com/">Inspect KC</a>.

Looking to buy a flipped home? You should ask to see receipts first.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Leanne and Steve Ford spoke to Insider ahead of the premiere of "<keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">Home</keyword> Again With the Fords."</li><li>They told Insider that raising your ceiling can make your home feel bigger.</li><li>Their new show premieres Tuesday on <keyword id="1961858" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="HGTV">HGTV</keyword> at 9 p.m. ET.</li></ul>Brother-sister duo Leanne and Steve Ford are teaming up on HGTV again.After the success of "Restored by the Fords," the siblings are returning to the home-decor TV scene with their new show, "Home Again With The Fords."In the new series, the Fords are renovating houses in their hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for other Steel City-natives who are moving back home.Ahead of the premiere, the Fords spoke to Insider about how to make your home as functional as possible for your life as you renovate it.<h2>If you want your space to feel bigger, look up</h2>As people renovate their spaces, they often have the goal of making their home feel more spacious.Many people turn to <a href="https://www.insider.com/hgtv-open-floor-plans-on-its-shows-to-attract-male-viewers-2020-1">open-concept floor plans</a> to create that larger feel, particularly since many HGTV shows spotlight the style.But <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-make-home-feel-new-without-spending-money-2019-10">Leanne told Insider</a> that taking down walls isn't always the right move. "I like that in the right home, but I always liked to go up," Leanne said of open floor plans.<div type="image" title="dining_room" height="1333" width="1778" msid="80602780" hostid="261"></div>Whether you realize it or not, <a href="https://www.insider.com/home-design-rules-you-should-be-breaking-2020-1">the ceiling</a> plays a big role in how you view a space, according to Leanne."When you're looking straight ahead, you see everything in the space," she said, which is why making changes to the ceiling can make such a difference in the overall feel of a room.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/hgtvs-head-digital-on-strategy-a-very-brady-renovation-2019-9">An HGTV exec explains how the network combined 'Brady Bunch' nostalgia and its homegrown stars to score its biggest hit in 2 years</a>"I think that people kind of ignore the ceiling when, in fact, it's just as important as the walls," she added.Leanne suggests exposing the rafters, raising the ceiling, or adding texture to a ceiling to make a room feel more spacious and inviting. <h2>With any renovation you do, remember to think about the big picture</h2>Whether you're making changes to your ceiling or painting a wall, it's important to keep in mind why you're making adjustments in your home."Think big picture first," Leanne advises. "As you are going to do a renovation think, 'What's the vision for the home? How do I want to live here? How do I want to enjoy it?'""I think a <a href="https://www.insider.com/mistakes-youre-making-when-decorating-a-living-room-2019-11">big mistake people make</a> is renovating for a life they don't actually have," Leanne said. "That's kind of a waste of space."For instance, if you're someone who spends more time in your living room than your kitchen, it doesn't make sense to invest a lot of money in creating more counter space."When you're looking at style and design, don't try to do what your friends and family think you should do," Leanne told Insider. "Think about what you're drawn to and do what makes you happy." "Home Again With The Fords" is premiering on HGTV on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET. You can learn more about the series <a href="https://www.hgtv.com/shows/home-again-with-the-fords">here</a>.<ul class="read-more-links"><li>Read more:</li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/home-improvement-shows-making-houses-look-the-same-2021-1">Please stop modeling your house after home-improvement shows</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/family-lives-in-250-square-foot-school-bus-full-time-2021-1">A family of 5 lives full-time in a 250-square-foot school bus with a rooftop porch and reading loft</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/comfortable-home-trends-replacing-modern-decor-2021-1">Modern home decor is moving out to make room for more comfortable trends - and it's about time</a></li><li><a href="https://www.insider.com/dark-walls-best-home-paint-colors-hgtv-interior-designers-2021-1">Why dark walls could change your home for the better, according to interior design experts</a></li></ul>

Renovating your ceilings could be the best thing for your home, according to design experts

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Niamh Sproul, HR leader at a financial services firm, started working from <keyword id="6363870" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home">home</keyword> during the pandemic.</li><li>Tired of sharing a space with her husband and kids, she moved her <keyword id="107407" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Home-Office">home office</keyword> to her spare <keyword id="59914" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="bathroom">bathroom</keyword>.</li><li>A year later, Sproul is still working from a desk above a toilet. She said she loves the room.</li></ul>The pandemic drastically changed how many people work. No longer in cubicles or seated at work desks, people have been tuning into Zoom calls from their beds, sofas, and kitchen tables. Niamh Sproul, the head of learning and development at a financial services company, relocated to the most unlikely room in her home: the bathroom.After unsuccessfully working in her bedroom with her husband, Sproul, 44, transformed <a href="https://www.insider.com/things-in-your-bathroom-to-get-rid-of-according-to-interior-designers">a spare bathroom</a> into a home <keyword id="23557" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="office">office</keyword> in her apartment in Brooklyn, New York. "Everyone had to make major adjustments to their life, and this was a quirky, on-a-whim, random idea that I had," the mom of two told Insider. "And it worked."<div type="image" title="bathroom turned office quarantine" height="1124" width="1500" msid="82915390" hostid="261"></div>About a month into the pandemic, Sproul said she realized her <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/work-from-home-remote-work-ways-to-break-monotony-2021-4">work-from-home situation</a> wasn't working. Sproul said she and her husband were constantly moving in and out of their bedroom, which served as their primary office, to answer calls and video chats. Meanwhile, her two children occupied the living room for <a href="https://www.insider.com/professors-teaching-to-blank-screens-students-turn-on-cameras-tiktok-2020-9">virtual school</a>, she said.Sproul said she started brainstorming where she could have privacy for calls and landed on the half bathroom in her two-bedroom apartment.The 1,400-square-foot apartment has 2.5 bathrooms, and at the time, Sproul's family didn't use the half bath, she said. Instead, she said it was their "dumping ground" for their bikes, excess luggage, and strollers. Since the pandemic meant few friends and guests would be stepping into their home, a guest bathroom had no purpose, she said.One Saturday in April 2020, Sproul said she decided to <a href="https://www.insider.com/before-and-after-transformations-from-extreme-makeover-home-edition-2020-4">transform the space</a>. The whole transformation took about an hour, she said.She said she measured the length and width of the bathroom and realized that her desk would fit above the toilet, plus there'd be enough legroom to avoid touching the ceramic toilet bowl. Using a blanket, she said she dragged the desk from her bedroom into the bathroom. Then, she said, she added her computer monitor and searched her home for decor to make it feel less like a bathroom. She said she used a fake plant to conceal the towel rack and added a few books and candles on the vanity, as well as some framed family pictures on the walls. She even added a "do not disturb" sign to the outer door handle, she said.<div type="image" title="bathroom turned office quarantine" height="1124" width="1500" msid="82915392" hostid="261"></div>The following Monday, when she logged onto her first video call, Sproul said her colleagues immediately noticed the change of scenery. One wanted to know if she had relocated to a hotel, she said, while another asked if the family had moved.Sproul said she's received mixed responses to the bathroom-turned-office. Some thought it was a creative solution, while others found it icky, she said."I'm not grossed out by it. It's not a functioning bathroom. There's no smell. It's actually quite pleasant," she said. "The only thing that's negative about it is there's no natural light."<div type="image" title="IMG_1653.JPG" height="799" width="1066" msid="82916146" hostid="261"></div>A year later, Sproul says she is still working in her unconventional office - even after her children have gone back to in-person school - and that she likes the space. Sproul said she doesn't plan to be working from her spare bathroom forever, though.At the end of June, Sproul said her family is relocating to Los Angeles, California, where she'll be working at the same job. Her suburban home will be an upgrade, she said, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms - and this time, an office.

A mom turned her bathroom into a home office, where she's worked for over a year above a toilet

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="201254" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Home-Depot">Home Depot</keyword> just announced yet another strong quarter thanks to the ongoing <keyword id="836139" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="home-improvement">home improvement</keyword> boom.</li><li>The retailer saw average ticket sizes increase 10.3% year over year.</li><li>According to CEO Craig Menear, the market remains an "unprecedented demand environment." </li></ul>The home improvement boom has shown no signs of abating among US consumers, even as vaccination rates rise. In fact, the latest sales numbers from Home Depot indicate that shoppers are moving into more ambitious and expensive projects. Home Depot reported its earnings Tuesday, seeing comparable quarterly sales spike 29.9% in the US. Overall, customer transactions increased by 19.3%, and they were spending more year over year: The company's average ticket jumped 10.3%, from $74.70 on May 3, 2020 to $82.37 on May 3, 2021.Executives pointed to "unprecedented levels of web traffic," as well as strong in-store sales. CEO Craig Menear said that Home Depot was navigating an "unprecedented demand environment." "Similar to what we reported in our previous three quarters, the growth in our comp average ticket was driven by elevated project demand, customers trading up to new and innovative products, and continued inflation in many product categories, including lumber," Chief Merchandising Officer Ted Decker said.Wealthy consumers in particular have been dropping <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/appliance-shortages-leads-to-delays-for-expensive-stoves-refrigerators-2021-4">thousands of dollars</a> on home repairs and projects like installing high-end appliances, despite logistical tangles. The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inflation-consumer-price-index-april-cpi-economic-reopening-price-growth-2021-5">Consumer Price Index</a> also recorded a spike on furniture prices in April, and household furnishings and operations <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.nr0.htm">bumped</a> up 0.9%.Decker said that Home Depot's lumber, kitchen, and bath departments soared in terms of comparative performance in the first quarter, and that 14 departments "hosted comps at or above 20%."In response to a question from Evercore analyst Greg Melich, the CEO also called out the company's "pro business" and "service business" as factors that helped "drive a higher average ticket."Professionals like contractors are some of Home Depot's biggest customers, and account for around 45% of the company's sales. According to Decker, consumers are increasingly allowing these pros back into their houses for larger home improvement projects."We're happy with the fact that the pro seems to have easier access to the job site and is getting to the job site easier," Decker said.

Home Depot sees surging demand as consumers seek to tackle bigger home improvement projects

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="201254" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Home-Depot">Home Depot</keyword> posted "record-breaking" quarterly sales numbers on Tuesday.</li><li>Consumers trapped indoors by the pandemic are continuing to spend on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-and-lowes-benefit-bored-shoppers-hammer-away-home-2020-8">home improvement.</a></li><li>Home Depot saw sales jump 23.4% from last year.</li></ul>Home Depot posted record-breaking sales in the second quarter, largely thanks to consumers' continuing push to fix up their homes during the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> pandemic.The <keyword id="836139" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="home-improvement">home improvement</keyword> giant raked in $38.1 billion in sales during the quarter, a 23.4% boost since last year.Net <keyword id="6357061" type="SPONSORED" weightage="60" keywordseo="earnings">earnings</keyword> for the second quarter of fiscal 2020 were $4.3 billion compared with net earnings of $3.5 billion in the same period of fiscal 2019. Home Depot and its home improvement sector rival Lowe's have soared since the coronavirus pandemic began in March. Analysts have attributed the success of the retailers to a shift in consumer spending trends. With many shoppers stuck at home and canceling vacations and dining-out plans due to the pandemic, consumers have been dedicating more money to tackling <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-and-lowes-benefit-bored-shoppers-hammer-away-home-2020-8">home improvement projects</a>.According to financial data firm <a href="https://www.facteus.com/reports/first-report-8-12-2020/">Facteus</a>, Home Depot has overtaken Lowe's head start when it comes to consumer spending. And foot traffic tracker <a href="https://www.placer.ai/blog/placer-bytes-home-depot-lowes-and-the-endless-home-improvement-surge/">Placer.ai</a> reported that Home Depot saw a 19.1% and 19% year over year spike in foot traffic in June and July.CEO Craig Menear, merchandising executive vice president Ted Decker, and chief financial officer Richard McPhail spoke to investors and analysts on the company's Tuesday earnings call."The COVID-19 pandemic have forced us to change the way we live, work, and interact with each other," Menear said, adding that Home Depot's number one priority remains "the safety and wellbeing of our associates and customers."Home Depot has seen strong results since the beginning of the pandemic, although its second-quarter strategy saw the company take "a more localized approach" to in-store safety measures, according to Menear."I could not be more proud of the resiliency and strength that the team has demonstrated," he said.The CEO said that Home Depot has also pushed closing time from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in order to avoid "end of day bottlenecks." He called out "healthy growth" from the company's professional and do-it-yourself consumer bases, saying that customers are continuing to "take on projects throughout their homes.""These record results were driven by broad-based strengths across our stores and geographies," Menear said.Decker said that the company has seen an increase in basket size per customer, with shoppers reaching for "new and innovative items" more than before the pandemic. He said that interior departments like hard surface flooring, interior lighting, and painting have seen an especially "strong growth" with both new and existing customers."Our DIY customers are reengaging with their homes," Decker said.A third of Home Depot's recently acquired customers have also "reengaged" with the company for new purchases in different departments, according to Decker.McPhail said that comparative sales in the United States were up 25% for the quarter, with each of Home Depot's 19 US regions posting "double-digit positive" comparative sales. He characterized the spike as one driven by "broad-based" demand.In response to analysts' questions, the Home Depot executives stressed that there is too much "uncertainty in our external environment" to extrapolate how the retailer will continue to perform as the pandemic drags on."The investments we have made across the business have significantly increased our agility, allowing us to respond quickly to changes while continuing to promote a safe operating environment," Menear said in a statement published on Home Depot's <a href="https://ir.homedepot.com/~/media/Files/H/HomeDepot-IR/reports-and-presentations/quarterly-earnings/q2-2020-press-release.pdf">website</a>. "This enhanced our team's ability to work cross-functionally to better serve our customers and deliver record-breaking sales in the quarter."Are you a Home Depot employee? Send tips to acain@businessinsider.com.

Home Depot sees a record-breaking sales spike as home improvement remains the obsession of consumers stuck at home

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Low-light plants have adapted to their shady environments both indoors and in their natural habitats.</li><li>Most low-light plants don't need to be watered very often, making them even easier to keep alive.</li><li>Bird's nest fern and calatheas are both shade tolerant and non-toxic to pets.</li></ul>Most beginner plants have one thing in common: low-light tolerance. These plants are favorites for dimly lit apartments, dark offices, and shady corners of the <keyword id="11898442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="home" source="Orion">home</keyword>. While all plants need light to create food through the process of photosynthesis, some can survive and continue to grow in less than sunny conditions.Erin Marino, editorial lead and plant expert at <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">The Sill</a>, shares her top eight choices of plants that tolerate low light, making them perfect <keyword id="12021028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="houseplants" source="Orion">houseplants</keyword> for the duskiness of autumn and winter.<h2>What makes certain plants tolerant to shade?</h2>Houseplants, like humans, are adaptable to change. In the case of shade-tolerant or low-light plants, Marino explains that it is adaptation over time in the plant's natural environment, adaptation over time through cultivation in a controlled environment like a greenhouse, or a combination of both that makes these plants resilient in low light."Some plants like ferns are native to dark forest floors. Thanks to a dense canopy of trees above, they receive little direct sunlight, but have adapted over time to thrive in this shady environment," says Marino. "This natural tolerance in their native habitat makes for a popular houseplant, so they are then cultivated by growers to strengthen that tolerance even more over time."<h2>1. Snake plant </h2><div type="image" title="snake plant" height="662" width="882" msid="87292243" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata 'Laurentii'</li><li>Light level: Bright indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: No</li><li>Watering frequency: Every two to three weeks, when soil is dry</li><li>Common problems: Root rot from overwatering</li></ul>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/snake-plant-care" target="_blank" rel="noopener">snake plant</a>, also known as the mother-in-law's tongue and Saint George's sword, is the low-maintenance houseplant every novice plant parent needs. It also claimed a top spot in <a href="https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NASA's Clean Air Study</a> in 1989 as being able to reduce indoor air pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde."The snake plant is also a succulent plant that tolerates low light," says Marino. "What does this mean if you're brand new to taking care of plants? You can forget to water it and put it almost anywhere in your home!"<h2>2. ZZ plant </h2><div type="image" title="Three potted plants with a ZZ plant on the right" height="1412" width="1883" msid="87292245" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia</li><li>Light level: Medium indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: No</li><li>Watering frequency: Every two to three weeks, when soil is dry</li><li>Common problems: Overwatering/underwatering</li></ul>The <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b0061668059d2dfe078859&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2Fproducts%2Fzz-plant%3F_pos%3D1%26_psq%3DZZ%2520plant%26_ss%3De%26_v%3D1.0%26variant%3D39488665190505&amp;sessionid=1635340921765sionid=1635340921765" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">ZZ plant</a> is not only able to survive the shade but is also drought tolerant. "Having evolved in arid environments, ZZ plants have developed rhizomes that store water to help them survive droughts in their natural habitat," says Marino.<h2>3. Bird's nest fern </h2><div type="image" title="Potted bird's nest fern" height="1412" width="1883" msid="87292248" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Asplenium nidus</li><li>Light level: Medium indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: Yes</li><li>Watering frequency: Every one to two weeks; keep slightly humid</li><li>Common problems: Overwatering/underwatering, bacterial blight</li></ul>Known for its wavy fronds that grow out of a central rosette, the <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b0061668059d2dfe078859&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2Fproducts%2Fbirds-nest-fern%3Fvariant%3D33064812281961&amp;sessionid=1635340921765sionid=1635340921765" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">bird's nest fern</a> will add a vibrant pop of green to your space. This charming houseplant is also pet-friendly - a perfect foliage friend for your fur baby."Ferns get a bad rap for being difficult to care for, but the bird's nest fern variety is relatively low maintenance," says Marino. "It is epiphytic in its natural habitat, meaning it grows on other things like trees or rocks to reach more light."<h2>4. Pothos </h2><div type="image" title="A hanging devil's ivy a.k.a. pothos plant" height="1413" width="1884" msid="87292250" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum</li><li>Light level: Medium indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: No</li><li>Watering frequency: Every one to two weeks, when soil is dry</li><li>Common problems: Mealybugs, scale, overwatering/underwatering</li></ul>The crowd-pleasing <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b0061668059d2dfe078859&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.afloral.com%2Fcollections%2Fsilk-flowers-real-touch-flowers%2Fproducts%2Fhanging-real-touch-pothos-house-plant-48&amp;sessionid=1635340921765sionid=1635340921765" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">pothos</a> plant has been one of the most popular houseplants for decades, not just for its attractive trailing vines and different shades of green, but for its enduring nature in several types of environments."There's a reason you see it just about everywhere, from malls to doctors' offices to your friend's living room - it'll tolerate just about any environment," says Marino. "It's even sometimes referred to as the 'cubicle plant' because of its tolerance to less than ideal conditions like low natural light."<h2>5. Philodendron </h2><div type="image" title="A heartleaf philodendron in a gray pot sitting on a round white table" height="2000" width="2666" msid="87292252" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Philodendron hederaceum</li><li>Light level: Bright indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: No</li><li>Watering frequency: Every one to two weeks, when soil is dry</li><li>Common problems: Spider mites, overwatering/underwatering</li></ul><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2Fproducts%2Fphilodendron-green%3F_pos%3D1%26_psq%3Dphilodendron%26variant%3D39550909743209" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Philodendrons</a> are revered for their unique heart-shaped green leaves, easy-going nature, and trailing vines that make it a popular pick for beginners and collectors alike to put high up or in a hanging basket."It often gets confused with the pothos, which makes sense, as aesthetically these plants look similar and require similar care," says Marino. "Both also climb and trail in their native habitats to maximize sun fleck capture."<h2>6. Chinese evergreen</h2><div type="image" title="Chinese evergreen plant" height="1414" width="1885" msid="87292254" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Aglaonema</li><li>Light level: Bright indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: No</li><li>Watering frequency: Every one to two weeks, when soil is dry</li><li>Common problems: Spider mites, root rot from overwatering</li></ul>The hardy <a href="https://www.insider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=in%7C60b0061668059d2dfe078859&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leonandgeorge.com%2Fplants%2Ftiger-evergreen-medium-nouvelle&amp;sessionid=1635340921765sionid=1635340921765" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">Chinese evergreen</a> plant is frequently seen in more dimly lit offices and darker corners of the home because of its adapted resilience to low light. "Native to the tropical forest floors of Asia, the Chinese evergreen plant prefers indirect sunlight - direct can scorch their variegated leaves - and has adapted to survive lower light levels," says Marino. <h2>7. Prayer plant</h2><div type="image" title="A prayer plant in a white pot on a table" height="1414" width="1885" msid="87292256" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Botanical name: Calathea</li><li>Light level: Bright indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: Yes</li><li>Watering frequency: Every one to two weeks; keep slightly humid</li><li>Common problems: Overwatering/underwatering, over-exposure to sunlight</li></ul>Calatheas are renowned for their low-light tolerance. Often called "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloomscape.com%2Fproduct%2Fred-prayer-plant%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">prayer plants</a>," Calathes raise and lower their leaves from day to night in a praying motion as part of their circadian rhythm - a phenomenon called nyctinasty. "It is theorized that these movements are meant to follow the sun and catch as much light as possible, an essential trait for a forest-floor-dwelling plant," says Marino. <h2>8. Dracaena </h2><div type="image" title="A potten dracaena plant" height="1268" width="1691" msid="87292259" hostid="261"></div><ul><li>Light level: Bright indirect to low light</li><li>Pet-friendly: No</li><li>Watering frequency: Every one to two weeks, when soil is dry</li><li>Common problems: Leaf loss and root rot due to overwatering</li></ul>Almost all <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbloomscape.com%2Fproduct%2Fdracaena-gold-star%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener sponsored">dracaenas</a> are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance and tolerance for low light. With over 100 different species within the genus, there is a dracaena for every plant parent out there."They are sometimes referred to as dragon trees," says Marino. "Dracaena comes from the Ancient Greek word drakaina meaning 'female dragon.' Their thin, sword-like leaves can come in a variety of colors and are perfectly shaped for maximizing sun fleck capture."<h2>Best places to buy these plants online</h2>We test and recommend the best <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-buy-plants-online" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">places to buy plants online</a>. Find our recommendations linked throughout the story, or check out our favorite retailers here.<ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5e45be454b661b0bb3069709&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesill.com%2F&amp;sessionid=1635341421118sionid=1635341421118" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noindex noopener sponsored">The Sill</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5e45be454b661b0bb3069709&amp;sc=false&amp;type=LINK-WITH-REVIEW-SLASH-OUT&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.leonandgeorge.com%2F&amp;sessionid=1635341421118sionid=1635341421118" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noindex noopener sponsored">Leon &amp; George</a></li><li> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/reviews/out?platform=browser&amp;postSource=bi%7C5e45be454b661b0bb3069709&amp;sc=false&amp;sessionid=1635341418956goon1405&amp;type=ALREADY-AFFILIATE-LINK-NOT-AMAZON&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.redirectingat.com%2F%3Fid%3D35871X943606%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fbloomscape.com%252F%26xcust%3Dxid%3Afr1635341424414fhb&amp;xcust=1635341421822ahn6g5dkk|xid:fr1635341424414fhbk|xid:fr1635341424414fhb" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored nofollow sponsored">Bloomscape</a></li></ul><h2>Insider's takeaway</h2>While low-light or shade-tolerant plants are preferred among new plant parents who want to test out their green thumb with hardy plants, they are also favorites of plant experts because of their reliability and simple care routine. With an infrequent yet consistent watering schedule and careful observation to avoid pests and problems, low-light plants can reward you with thriving foliage for years to come. <a data-type="6021985306adf8705342b9c5">11 pet-friendly houseplants that can coexist safely with your cats and dogs</a><a data-type="60ef2ce90cf12a1446591376">10 low-maintenance indoor hanging plants to add height and brightness</a><a data-type="61649894440ead04c73d4267">How to grow and care for a money tree</a><a data-type="615cbe34ea58a431f727ea53">How to grow and care for peace lilies</a>

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