The Top Storage and Organization Trends of 2023

The industry of home organization is constantly undergoing change, and as a result, there is no shortage of innovative items or effective methods available today. Systems that allow homeowners to save time and money while also adapting to the ebbs and flows of their lifestyles are becoming increasingly important to homeowners. Since the year 2020, the importance of our homes has increased significantly, and the rise in the number of organizing businesses, as well as the abundance of TikTok organizing tips that flood my "For You" tab, surely represent this shift.

During my conversation with other experienced organizers, we discussed the themes they believe would be prevalent in the year 2023. And although some of these trends may not come as much of a surprise, such as a focus on developing better work-from-home arrangements and environmentally friendly items, others may cause you to rethink your organizing plans for the coming year.

1. Sustainability Is the Overarching Priority

It's not exactly groundbreaking to become more eco-conscious and structured at the same time. In 2022, there was a rise in the number of storage goods that were manufactured from recycled or environmentally friendly materials. Brandie Larsen and Ryan Eiesland, the cofounders of Home+Sort, predict that this trend will become even more widespread in the coming year. According to Larsen, "2023 is going to be the year for sustainable organization." "People are embracing the options that are environmentally friendly but get the job done by making their lives easier in any room in their home," said one researcher. "People are loving the solutions that are ecologically friendly but get the job done."

Look for alternative containers made out of materials like as hyacinth, rattan, and jute to arrange your belongings rather than purchasing plastic, which adds to the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. According to Larsen, other viable solutions include "glass jars with bamboo tops," "baskets created with natural materials," and "organized bins built from recyclable plastic."

2. Matching Minimalism

The practice of minimalism is more than just a fad; it's a way of life. Adopting the mindset that "less is more" can result in less clutter and more free space in your home or office. As with sustainability, minimalism is not a new concept; nevertheless, there is a contemporary spin on the concept that I've seen both on social media and in real life.

Especially in the kitchen, the days of mismatched and excessive goods are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Homeowners are ditching their collector mugs and souvenir cups in favor of sets that are more streamlined and come in transparent or neutral colors. Being your own at-home barista, which began as a method to keep safe during the epidemic and has evolved into a way to save money, feels extravagant when you use a handmade textured cup and gold spoon. This was initially a way to stay safe during the pandemic. An additional advantage is that the overall appearance of the cabinets and counters is cleaner and more organized after the renovation. Consider this trend to be the 21st-century equivalent of the traditional practice of collecting china.

3. Upgraded Private Offices in the Home

One storage trend that is continuing to gain popularity is the renovation of rooms in which people work from home. "As we go towards 2023, we think people will really lean into constructing raised, useful home workstations," says Ashley Murphy, cofounder and CEO of Neat Method. "We think people will really lean towards creating elevated, functional home workstations." "It is becoming abundantly evident that remote and hybrid employment will continue to be prevalent in the workforce. Because of this, more and more people are beginning to make long-term investments in the areas that they use for their home offices.

Even if your business has resumed operations and moved back into its old office space, having a specific area in your home where you can complete administrative tasks or pay bills is still quite desirable. The good news is that there are currently on the market more workplace organization products than ever before that are both appealing to the eye and readily available to meet your requirements. "Whether it's renovating your desk drawers or building onto your existing storage solutions, we anticipate that this will be a large focus in the year ahead, as consumers aim to improve both their productivity and the atmosphere in which they work from home. This could include anything from "says Murphy.

4. Individualized Space-Saving Solutions

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in interest in projects relating to home improvement, such as the installation of custom closets and kitchens, which not only maximize storage but also make a space work for a family. However, many house modifications have been hampered by the high cost of lumber as well as delays caused by shipment. This is where the more cost-effective alternatives come into play.

As an alternative to purchasing pricey cabinetry, many of my customers are deciding to have track systems installed, such as the Elfa line sold at The Container Store. Both the wooden and the metal tracks require an investment; however, the investment required for the track systems is far less than that required for the wood. They also have the ability to be customized, such as by rearranging the shelves or adding drawers, so that they may develop alongside you and your belongings.

If you are planning on renovating a room in 2023, you should give equal weight to the functionality of the area, if not more weight. In your new kitchen, for example, you could want to include sliding cabinets for the garbage and recyclables, an appliance garage that tucks away your toaster, and built-in spice racks.

5. The Completeness of the Pantry

The pantry is quickly becoming the most important room in the house, despite the fact that the kitchen is traditionally thought of as the heart of the home. Kristy Potgieter, CEO and founder of Sortifi, the first online tool designed for professional organizers to plan spaces and products for clients, looked into their recent data and identified the new organization hot spot. Sortifi is the first online tool designed for professional organizers to plan spaces and products for clients. As we get closer to the end of the year, we are noticing an upsurge in the number of different designs for pantries. According to Potgieter, "since pantries are such an important component of the house, more and more individuals are prioritizing the space in their homes to provide for one."

The preparation of meals, storage for weekend snacks and supplies for baking are just a few of the many functions that pantries perform in the kitchen. However, if your pantry does not have any sort of organization, it is far more likely to become a central location for stale food, which will lead to clutter and unneeded waste. With the help of products like stackable and space-saving food containers that allow you to decant dried goods to your heart's content, intentional pantry organization designs are on the increase. These containers can be found at grocery stores and home improvement stores.

How to Arrange Living Room Furniture

It can be difficult to arrange the furniture in a living room with a TV. Filling a room around your gadgets in a way that is both functional and visually beautiful can seem like a daunting challenge when you are presented with an empty space. But through time, interior designers have learned a few straightforward, practical rules that help your TV appear beautiful in your living room. If you simply adhere to these common sense guidelines, you'll discover that placing furniture—TV included or not—isn't quite as intimidating as you might have thought.

Consider The Most Popular Furniture Layouts

Consider classic living room designs that designers frequently use to create the most attractive spaces to narrow down your possibilities. Here are a few examples of how to arrange furniture in a living room.

• Symmetrical Layout: Because it visually balances the area, a symmetrical layout works in any size or form of room. A symmetrical arrangement would have two sofas facing one another, separated by a table. A symmetrical couch is one that has matching side chairs on either side of it.
• Floating Layout: Choose a floating furniture layout if your living room has a lot of windows but not enough wall space to attach your furniture. To create an island in the middle of the room with a TV installed on one wall, place your furniture a few feet away from the walls.
• L-shaped Layout: An L-shaped living room and dining room combo is regarded as an awkward area and comes with its own set of difficulties, including a lack of available wall space for placing furniture and a TV. The sofa sits on the long wall and the TV can be placed on the wall directly in front of the sofa in rooms with two walls that can be used for furniture placement.
• Layouts for Irregular Rooms: Asymmetrical or awkward-shaped rooms include those that are narrow, have nooks and crannies, or have fireplaces that are at an angle. Create zones with furniture by placing it on area rugs in awkwardly shaped living rooms. A striking floor lamp or another large statement piece can serve as an additional anchor for a space.
• Layouts for Long, Narrow Rectangular Living Rooms: Since there are two long walls available, it's typical to position the sofa against one wall and the TV—whether mounted or on a stand—against the other.

Decide on a Focal Point

Never undervalue a room's main point's influence. They can be created intentionally, like with TV stands and televisions, or they might come organically, like if you have a large window or a built-in fireplace mantel. Decide on a focus point and stay with it, whatever that may be. Furniture should be placed as closely as feasible to it.

Avoid Pushing Furniture Up Against Walls

The size of the room will determine how far you can draw your furniture away from the walls, but even in a small room, you should leave a few inches between the backs of furniture pieces and the walls to give the items some breathing room. Contrary to popular assumption, this little piece of area might really provide the illusion that a room is larger. Naturally, if you have a larger room, feel free to arrange the furniture so that conversation areas are made in the middle of the space, allowing a few feet between the furniture and the walls.

Identify TV Position

The size of your TV and a few other things may affect where you put it in your living room. Here are some pointers:

• The area of your living room where the TV is to be positioned should not be exposed to direct sunlight or glare from other types of illumination.
• Keep your TV away from busy places. Nothing is more annoying than attempting to watch TV while people are constantly passing by.
• Generally speaking, your TV should face your sitting so you can watch it comfortably from your couch or chairs.
• There are advantages and disadvantages to mounting a TV over a fireplace, but if done properly, it can free up floor space in a tiny living room layout.

Make Conversational Spaces

Without having to strain their necks or shout across the room, people ought to be able to naturally communicate with one another. Place the couches and chairs close enough to one another so that people can talk without raising their voices, but not necessarily facing one another directly. Create additional chat spaces if the space is too vast.

Find Balance When Arranging Furniture

When placing furniture and other items in your living room, balance is especially crucial for décor. A room can feel uneven and a little disturbing if all the large or little pieces are grouped in one spot or on one side of the room, so take into account the size and location of the various components. Make sure the shapes are varied as well; if your seating is straight, for instance, think about a spherical coffee table.

Think about Traffic Flow

Traffic flow is one of the most crucial factors to take into account when placing furniture in any room. To move through the room, people shouldn't have to trip over the furniture or each other. A few feet, give or take a few inches, should be left between the coffee table and sofa as well as between the chairs. Make a path that is clear so that people may easily move from one end of the room to the other.

Use Rugs of the Correct Size

Area rugs should be placed below all of the furniture, if possible. It's acceptable to expose some flooring at the room's edges, but if you use an area rug, make sure it's large enough to accommodate all the furniture in a seating arrangement. Large pieces should at the very least have their front legs resting on the rug.

Choose a Large Coffee Table

Larger is usually preferable when it comes to coffee tables. A big coffee table in the middle of a seating area serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. It serves as the room's focal point and provides lots of room for people to set their drinks down or for you to display your favorite accessories. Large tables are also simpler to get to from the chairs surrounding them. In light of this, be certain to leave enough space for traffic to pass between the furniture and the coffee table. Additionally, two smaller tables or other coffee table options can work well as a substitute if you can't find a large coffee table that suits your needs.

Place Tables at a Safe Distance

A side or coffee table should be easily reachable from every seat. Avoid seating arrangements that require people to get up from their chairs to place things down or get drinks. In relation to table height:

• If it's not possible to have side or end tables at the same height as the nearest chair arms, lower is preferable.
• Coffee tables should be at least as high as the seat of a chair or sofa.

Allow for Light

One of any room's most crucial components, lighting is frequently disregarded. Use a variety of floor lamps, table lamps, and overhead lighting at all times (and sconces, if you can). A floor light looks fantastic behind an accent chair or at the end of a sofa. On side tables, bookcases, and even mantels, table lamps look charming. Use a range of fixtures widely all throughout your room as balanced lighting requires placement at various levels.

Use the Appropriate Art Size

Whether they are pieces of art, mirrors, or sculptural sculptures, anything that hang on walls need to be positioned thoughtfully and in proportion to the furniture. Instead of hanging a tiny photo over the back of your sofa, for instance, use a huge piece that is around two-thirds its length or a collection of pieces. If you must use a piece of art that is too little, enclose it in a wider frame and a larger matte so it may stand out when placed next to a huge piece of furniture.

Bringing Everything Together

If your plan involves purchasing new items, it is best to plan ahead when it comes to furniture and accessories arrangement. To draft your ideal floor plan, use either a traditional piece of graph paper or an online floor planner. The only surefire way to determine whether or not things will work out as you want is to do it.

How To Budget Home Renovation

Home renovation refers to the process of improving or updating a home. This can involve tasks such as painting, replacing old fixtures, and making repairs to the home's structure. It can also involve more extensive renovations, such as adding new rooms or making major changes to the home's layout. In some cases, home renovation can be a major project that requires significant planning and investment. However, even smaller renovations can make a big difference in the look and feel of a home.

Budgeting Advice for a Remodel

When budgeting for a home renovation, it's important to first make a list of the projects you want to tackle and prioritize them based on their importance and cost. This will help you determine how much money you will need to allocate to each project.

Once you have a rough idea of how much each project will cost, you can start looking for ways to save money. For example, you can shop around for the best prices on materials and labor, and consider doing some of the work yourself if you have the skills and knowledge to do so.

It's also a good idea to set aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Home renovation projects often have unexpected costs, such as the need for additional materials or unexpected repairs, so it's important to have some extra money on hand to cover these expenses.

Overall, the key to successful budgeting for a home renovation is to plan ahead, prioritize your projects, and be prepared for unexpected expenses.

Unexpected Home Renovation Costs

There are many potential sources of unexpected costs during a home renovation. Some common examples include:

• Unforeseen structural problems, such as a damaged foundation or rot in the framing.
• The need for additional materials, such as more flooring or additional insulation.
• Unexpected repairs, such as fixing a leaky roof or replacing old plumbing.
• Changes in the scope of the project, such as deciding to add an additional room or upgrade to higher-quality materials.
• Increased labor costs, such as when a contractor takes longer than expected to complete a task.

To help avoid unexpected costs, it's important to carefully plan and research your home renovation project. This can involve getting multiple estimates from contractors, checking for any potential problems with the home's structure, and setting aside a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses. By being prepared and taking the time to plan carefully, you can help ensure that your home renovation stays on budget.

How do Home Renovations Stay on the Budget?

There are several steps you can take to help ensure that your home renovation stays on budget. These include:

1. Make a detailed plan and budget for your renovation project. Start by listing all of the tasks that need to be completed, and then prioritize them based on their importance and cost. This will help you determine how much money you need to allocate to each project.
2. Shop around for the best prices on materials and labor. Compare prices from multiple sources to ensure that you are getting the best deal.
3. Consider doing some of the work yourself if you have the skills and knowledge to do so. This can help save money on labor costs.
4. Set aside a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses. As mentioned earlier, home renovation projects often have unexpected costs, so it's important to have some extra money on hand to cover these expenses.
5. Stay organized and track your expenses carefully. Keep receipts and other documentation of your expenses, and regularly review your budget to ensure that you are staying on track.

By following these steps and being prepared, you can help ensure that your home renovation stays on budget and is completed successfully.

How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost?

Unlike any other flooring option on the market today, carpet brings warmth, elegance, and softness. There are countless carpet options for your home, with a huge selection of designs, styles, and fibers. It might even be difficult for you to pick just one carpet because there are so many stunning grays, soft neutrals, and even vibrant, vivid patterns to choose from!

One of the greatest methods to get ready before beginning a new improvement or remodel in your house is to do some cost research on the proposed project. If you anticipate needing new carpet, it's a smart idea to estimate carpet cost to have an idea of what to budget for. Educating yourself on the overall cost will have you ready before your job even begins, whether you want to install new carpet in just a few bedrooms or your entire house. The measurements of your room and the price per square foot of the carpet you're interested in are all you need to get started with our carpet cost calculator below.

How Much Does Carpeting a Room Cost?

The entire cost of placing carpet in a space depends on a variety of factors, including carpet pricing. The price of carpeting a room depends on the size of the space, the carpet's quality, its softness, thickness, density, and pile height. However, you should plan to spend, on average, between $3 and $4 per square foot of carpet.

When installing new carpet in your home, you'll also need to spend money on new carpet cushion, bringing the overall cost of your project to a total of. Even if you're replacing the carpet, you should get new carpet padding because the old one can hold onto previous spills, mishaps, and pet dander. It's advisable to spend money on new cushions in addition to new carpeting to start over. Depending on the style of cushion, carpet cushions might cost anywhere between.59 and.89 cents per square foot.

Do you need to know how much carpeting will cost for a particular room? To estimate the cost of carpeting for your home, use the carpet cost calculator below. Enter the room's measurements in feet and inches along with the carpet's price per square foot. Make sure to measure precisely so that our calculator can provide the most accurate estimate of your project. Use the calculator for each room in the project you want to estimate the cost of, and then combine the total costs of all the rooms together.

Remember that our calculator does not factor in the cost of a cushion or an allowance for overage. The precise amount required for your particular space can be determined by your local Carpet One Floor & Home flooring professional, who can also assist you in selecting the ideal carpet cushion.

Knowledge of Carpet Prices

The entire cost of laying carpet in a space depends on a variety of factors, including carpet costs. These considerations include the type of carpet used, its thickness, density, pile height, and the room's square footage. Let's examine these determinants of carpet price:

• Material: Natural or synthetic fibers can be used to make carpet. Natural fibers are formed from organic materials like wool, sisal, jute, and silk while synthetic fibers are made of materials like nylon, polyester, olefin, and acrylic. Natural fiber carpet is typically more expensive than synthetic carpeting.
• Carpet Types: There are many various carpet styles available, including cut pile, loop pile, berber, and cut-loop. Your price may change depending on the type of carpet you choose.
• Thickness: The density of fibers in a rug pile is referred to as the carpet's thickness. A rug's thickness is calculated from the surface to the backing.
• Density: Carpet density refers to how closely spaced each fiber strand is at the carpet's base and is based on the total number of fiber strands in the carpet. Higher density generally results in less matting and less signs of foot traffic, increasing the cost of the carpet product.
• Pile Height: Three pile heights, low, medium, and high, are offered in carpet. The carpet is plusher and softer to the touch the higher the pile height.
• Square Footage: The cost of your new carpet depends on the size of the room in which it will be installed. Although it may seem obvious, the more carpet you need to buy and the more square footage you need to cover, the more expensive the space will be altogether.

On average, you can anticipate paying $2 to $4 per square foot for carpet.

But the overall cost of the carpet doesn't stop there because you also need to account for labor fees and new carpet padding.

Other Factors Affecting Carpet Prices

Cost of Carpet Padding

When you put new carpet in your home, you must spend money on new carpet padding. Even if you're replacing the carpet, you should get new carpet padding because the old one can hold onto previous spills, mishaps, and pet dander. It's best to spend money on new carpet padding in addition to new carpet if you want to start again. Depending on the type of cushion used, carpet padding might cost anywhere from 0.59 to 0.89 cents per square foot.

Cost of Installing Carpet

The price of carpet installation varies, in addition to the price of carpet and carpet padding. The complexity of the installation, your region, the cost of labor in your zip code, the layout of your property, the type of subfloor you have, and the removal of existing flooring are all factors. For instance, because it takes more time, effort, and skill to finish the project, you should prepare to pay a little more if you want to lay carpet on your interior stairs and a corridor. Additionally, since the carpet needs to be tailored to fit around the spindles, steps with spindles can be even trickier to install.

Additionally, moving furniture and removing existing flooring will raise the cost of installation, particularly if the previous flooring is difficult to work with or takes a long time to remove. Remember these items when looking for new carpet because it's likely that at least one of the aforementioned characteristics exists in your home.

More Info About Carpet Costs

It's ideal to order between 10% and 15% extra carpet than you need to ensure that you have enough for your project. There will need to be extra carpet cuts in some rooms because of the numerous angles. This necessitates ordering extra carpet. Since the quantity of carpet you should order depends largely on the particulars of your room, it is preferable to consult with your sales representative.

When creating a budget for your flooring project, you must take other costs and aspects into account in addition to the price of the flooring materials. Read our Associated Expenditures guide to have a better understanding of what other costs can be involved with your flooring job.

Calculating the Total Cost of Your Project

When calculating the entire project cost for your new carpet, take into account all the following:

• Carpet costs
• Padded carpet
• Cost of installing carpet

Remember that the overall project cost can change depending on the selections and site conditions. We advise requesting a free estimate from the Carpet One Floor & Home staff. Our carpet cost estimator, which can be seen above, uses the size of your space and the price of your carpet product to get an estimate of carpet pricing if all you're concerned about right now is figuring out the cost of carpet supplies.

How Much Will It Cost to Install Drywall in My Home?

If you're renovating an old house, including a new room, or turning your basement into a livable space, you might be thinking about drywall installation. Professional drywall installation typically costs $50 to $100 per hour, with a $1,907 average project cost. Regardless of the purpose of your project, the price of installing drywall will rely on a number of elements, such as the room's size and form, the type and thickness of the material, and the desired finish.

Costs of Drywall Installation Near You

Depending on where you reside, the cost of home improvement tasks and repairs can change. The averages listed below show how pricing might vary across the United States and can provide you with a general estimate of how much drywall installation would cost where you are:

State	Cost
Alabama	$1,600
Atlanta	$2,000
California	$1,800
Mississippi	$2,700
Florida	$1,700
New York	$2,300
North Carolina	$1,600
Ohio	$1,400
Pennsylvania	$2,300
Texas	$1,600

How Much Does Drywall Installation Cost Per Square Foot?

Between $1.50 and $3 per square foot is the typical cost of installing drywall, including finishing, taping, labor, and material costs. A drywall panel would cost between $60 and $90 at this price. As a result, the overall cost for a typical 12-foot by 12-foot room (with 18 panels) could range from $1,000 to $1,600.

Normally, hiring a professional for this job runs $50 to $100 per hour. You'll receive a personalized estimate from a reputable nearby drywall installation contractor. It's generally a good idea to get in touch with multiple professionals so you can compare their rates and portfolios of prior work.

How Much Drywall can I Buy Within My Price Range?

You might need to make some adjustments to your drywall installation if your budget is tight. Check out what's available at various price points.

$500

You could ask for a simple drywall installation if you have a tiny utility room added to your house and only want to conceal the exposed wood. Although the job would likely not include taping, mud, or finishing for this fee, the contractor would hang the drywall.

$1,500

The average living room is 200 square feet. Budgeting about $1,500 for this kind of job, including installation, is acceptable as long as you aren't seeking the most opulent finish or the priciest kind of drywall panel.

$5,000

If you're not seeking specialty panels, you may anticipate paying a local basement remodeling expert roughly $5,000 for drywall installation in a large basement.

$10,000

The price of installing drywall might reach $10,000 if your basement is larger than 1,000 square feet, you want to use moisture-resistant panels, and you want a high-quality finish.

What Elements Affect Drywall Installation Costs?

The price of installing drywall might vary depending on the kind, thickness, and finish of the drywall as well as the age of your house.

Drywall Type

Standard drywall is the least expensive alternative, although in some cases, more expensive varieties could be advantageous.

• Moisture-resistant panels: Beneficial in moist areas like the kitchen or bathroom.
• Mold-resistant panels: Choosing a mold-resistant material may be worthwhile if the room you are drywalling is prone to high amounts of moisture. They still can't handle saturated, flooded circumstances, and they cost more than typical moisture-resistant panels.
• Fire-resistant panels: It is typical in commercial environments and uses non-combustible fibers with various grades. However, a garage must have them if it has a shared wall or ceiling with the house itself.
• Soundproof panels: Panels made of soundproof material are perfect for a music room, a nursery where you want to muffle outside sounds, or even a teen's room where they like to listen to loud music.
• Eco-friendly panels: Drywall panels consisting of recycled materials are available, but normally cost extra due to their sustainability.

Thickness of Drywall

Four different thickness options are offered for drywall panels. The thickest of these is the most expensive option, as one might anticipate. The thinnest quarter-inch panels might be the best choice if you have a limited budget. The most popular sizes are three-eighths and half inches. Typically, soundproof and fire-resistant panels are five and a half inches thick.

Quality of Finish

Depending on the amount of finish you decide upon with your contractor, your drywall installation costs will change.

• Level 0: The contactor only hangs the drywall.
• Level 1: The gaps of the drywall are taped shut before being covered in mud.
• Level 2: Typically has one coat of compound to enable for the top to be tiled.
• Level 3: A smoother finish is achieved with two layers of compound.
• Level 4: Professionals advise applying three coats of compounds if you intend to use matte paint.
• Level 5: The greatest option for applying enamel and gloss paint, this finish is very high quality.

Your Home's Age

It's possible that lead paint or asbestos are present in a house that is more than 40 years old. Mold issues are also a more frequent problem. Before starting any work on hanging new drywall, it makes sense to get your home inspected if you have any worries about this risk. If any of these are present, the cost of lead, mold, or asbestos removal in your area could range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.

Dimensions and Height of the Space

Your contractor may have to undertake more drywall cutting if your space is higher than normal, has rounded corners, intricate overhanging cornices, or arched entrances.

Cost of Doing My Own Drywall

Even while you can save a lot of money by doing the drywall installation yourself, a DIY novice shouldn't typically do it. A professional installation would cost roughly two-thirds more than purchasing the panels, which range in price from $0.40 to $0.65 per square foot (excluding additional labor and finishing charges). Additionally, you'll need to spend money on outside corner beads, paper tape, screws, and joint cement (often known as mud).

It can be worthwhile to try if all you need to do is add some paneling to a garage for neatness and more insulation. You could be better off hiring professionals to finish a huge space to a high standard. You'll pay a little bit extra, but you'll avoid a lot of hassle and possible back pain.

How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost?

The average price of artificial grass is $5,124, but the majority of homeowners spend between $2,941 and $7,491, or $5 to $20 per square foot.

Costs vary depending on where artificial turf is installed and the materials you use, but in either case, you'll spend less time maintaining your lawn. Instead of mowing your yard on Saturday, spend the day relaxing in it.

Cost Factors for Artificial Turf

Although the grass is always green, the price is not always the same. There are many variables that determine the ultimate cost of the project, and artificial turf is not a one-size-fits-all answer. This is a detailed breakdown.

Labor

Depending on the size of the yard and the quantity of excavation required, labor charges might range from $3 to $9 per square foot. The cost of labor will increase as the job becomes more complex.

Amount of Yard

Stores either offer artificial grass by the roll or linear foot, with prices ranging from $2 to $8 per square foot. The price will increase as you need more turf for your project.

Shape of Yard

It will cost more to cut curves or fit turf into an irregular location, like between individual pavers, because artificial grass is normally offered in squares or rectangular rolls. Your overall labor costs can increase by an additional $1 to $3 per square foot as a result.

Location

Since some locations require specific installation and materials, prices vary depending on where you wish to install your fake grass. Installing grass on rooftops, stairways, pool areas, and concrete will cost more than installing it in a typical backyard.

Brand

Brands that sell higher-end turf can be several dollars per square foot more expensive.

Turf Substance

Materials ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot can be used to create synthetic grass. The most expensive alternative is heat-resistant, highly durable nylon, whereas polyethylene turf is typically less expensive.

Blade Shape

Turf blades come in a variety of forms that are designed to resemble actual grass. Others are stiffer and more durable, while some are softer and feel amazing on the foot. Spending more on heat-resistant, highly durable blade types (such W-shaped blades) than on softer, less resilient blades is to be expected (like S-shaped blades).

Base Material

Installing a base material is necessary if you don't want your artificial turf to develop creases, bumps, or potential floods. Artificial grass sub-bases come in a variety of styles and pricing ranges. Decomposed granite is most frequently chosen by homeowners because of its excellent drainage capabilities. Spend between $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot as a guide.

Infill

Infill gives your fake grass a springy padding under your feet, shields it from the sun, and keeps the blades bouncy. The most common infill materials are silica sand or crumb rubber, although more expensive options include cooling, anti-odor, and antibacterial infill.

Costs of Setting Up and Cleaning Up

Excavating the area is a necessary step in the installation preparation for your contractor. $50 to $200 per cubic yard is what this costs. When the project is finished, they will also need to clean up, which involves getting rid of old grass, dirt, and building materials. Per cubic yard, cleaning normally costs between $1 and $15.

Costs of Artificial Grass by Type

Artificial grass comes in three different varieties. The least expensive option may save you a few bucks per square foot, but it may not be the greatest grass for the area. By selecting fake grass that is resilient enough for your lifestyle, you'll save money on long-term upkeep and repairs (and your pets).

Synthetic grass made of nylon costs between $5 and $6 per square foot. Although this more expensive material provides stronger strength and keeps its shape even when subjected to intense foot activity, it can feel a little odd. If you live somewhere with hot summers, you might want to think about using nylon because it typically withstands intense heat better than other materials.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene costs about $2 to $6 per square foot. If you require artificial turf for sports, polypropylene is a fantastic solution. Even though it is sturdy for cleats and golf clubs, it nevertheless has the appearance and feel of real, soft grass.

Polyethylene

The cheapest alternative is polyethylene, which costs between $2 and $4 per square foot. It's recommended to keep this type of grass out of locations that receive a lot of foot traffic or intense heat because it's also the least resilient.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Artificial Grass?

Installing artificial grass yourself might run you anything from $2,000 to $4,000. Many homeowners find the procedure to be extremely straightforward, and this is substantially lower than the national average.

Although artificial turf spreads out like a rug, it can be challenging to assemble the pieces without gaps, secure the grass, and set up adequate drainage so your yard doesn't flood. Many homes seek assistance from landscapers as a result.

Cost of Do-It-Yourself Installation vs. Hiring a Contractor

If you do it yourself, the total cost of the artificial grass and the tools and materials will be about $650.

The cost of labor alone, if you use a local turf installation professional, ranges from $3 to $9 per square foot. In other words, if you perform the job well, DIYing could save you a lot of money, especially if your yard is huge or strangely shaped. Uneven turf, water damage, and flooding can all result in expensive repairs.

Price of Typical Add-Ons

Some homeowners decide to roll out a sizable piece of artificial turf on their patio and install it like a carpet. That won't improve your landscaping long-term, while it might appear beautiful in the short term. You're going to need to install some add-ons if you want longevity.

Irrigation

Make sure your artificial turf has the necessary irrigation in order to avoid pooling. A sub-base made of decomposed granite can be helpful, but you might also want to set up a drainage system for the fake grass. For a yard inlet, the cost of landscape drainage can be as low as $100 or as much as $2,000 for an underground downspout.

Weed Fence

Per square foot, landscaping fabric costs $0.40 to $0.80. This acts as a weed barrier to stop weeds from growing through your artificial turf and causing damage.

Edging

Artificial grass edging alternatives are available to add structure and stop ground erosion. While stone edging can cost up to $5 per linear foot, flexible edging is less than $1.

Three Strategies for Cheaper Artificial Turf

Want the neighborhood's greenest grass without paying the price? The price of fake grass is somewhat flexible, particularly if you shop around online or buy your grass in bulk. Here are some suggestions to help you cut installation costs for artificial grass.

1. Perform Your Own Setup

By doing your preparation in advance, you could be able to cut down on labor costs by as much as $3 to $5 per square foot and save time when it comes to laying down the turf.

You may usually take care of the following in advance:

• Getting rid of the top 2 inches of soil.
• Removing current weeds and installing weed-control membranes.
• Gravel is added, then compacted to form an even surface.
• Adding sand on top to smooth out any ridges created by the gravel.

2. Opt for Cost-Effective Materials

Although adopting less expensive materials in low-traffic areas can result in greater long-term maintenance costs for the lawn, you can save money by doing so. When selecting turf, sub-base, infill, or edging, avoid expensive labels and choose instead for reputable, budget-friendly manufacturers.

3. Make Use of Reclaimed or Recycled Turf

Turf is readily recovered and reclaimed as it is essentially just plastic. Recycled turf is more cost-effective than new turf.

20 Stunning Haircuts for 9-Year-Old Boys

Getting a proper haircut for a 9-year-old boy might be as difficult as it is for an adult. Do you ever go over old images of yourself and wonder what your mother was thinking when she gave you that awful haircut?

Fashion changes throughout time, and chances are, no matter how hard you try, your 9-year-old will look back at childhood images and ask, 'Gosh, what is that on my head?'

Best 9-Year-Old Boy Hairstyles

We attempted to compile a list of 20 hairstyles for 9-year-old boys that we believe are timeless and suitable for practically every face shape or style.

1. High Fade Ponytail

Here is a nine-year-old boy's haircut that is genuinely trendy. For medium to long hair, try this high, tight ponytail and give the sides a high fade to shape them.

2. Blonde Layered Fade

This nine-year-layered old's haircut is a little bit cooler thanks to a low fade. Hair can be easily kept from tangling or getting messy by adding layers.

3. The Hard Part

A hard part haircut goes perfectly with the circular glasses on this nine-year-old boy's face. The top is the longest, while the sides gradually get shorter as they get closer to the ears.

4. Ombre Dreads

Ordinarily, you wouldn't see ombre on young guys, but it looks good here on the dreads. Your little boy will adore this playful style whether you keep the color natural or allow him to play around with color.

5. Fohawk

The fohawk has the same spiky texture as a mohawk but is shorter in length. You may even give your nine-year-haircut old's a little extra flair by allowing the back hair to grow out like a rat's tail.

6. Bowl Haircut

The bowl haircut is making a comeback, and as this nine-year-old boy demonstrates, it suits kids as well! The length usually covers the ears and is uniform all the way around. Some young people want a bit of additional length on the sides and back.

7. Low Fade and Short Hair

This haircut is a wonderful choice for young boys whose hair doesn't have a lot of texture. The majority of it should be cut to be approximately an inch long, and the sides should be shaped with a medium fade.

8. Curly Mohawk

Most parents wouldn't give their nine-year-old a mohawk, but it looks great on this boy's curly hair. He has a slight edge because of the faded sides.

9. Quiff

The quiff is another mature appearance for nine-year-old males. It resembles a cross between a long top with some surfer texture and combed hair (on the sides). He can arrange this look with just a tiny bit of hair gel on his fingertips, making it simple for him.

10. Faded Haircut with Design

Many young boys prefer the fade haircut because they may customize it with unique touches like the curved shaving lines shown here. Any way he wants - zigzags, letters, whatever - this is his opportunity to show off!

11. The Mullet

No longer is a mullet reserved for those rustic boys in the southern states. On nine-year-old boys, it can be very adorable; just make sure it doesn't get too long and wild lest he end up looking like a rag doll!

12. Braids for Natural Hair 

Does the youngster in your care, age nine, have long, natural hair? Try these medium-sized braids to change up his present daily hairstyle. When he is outside playing, they will keep his hair out of his face!

13. Slicked Back

The slicked back hairstyle is always in trend, whether it's picture day or you want your little man to look dapper at a wedding. For smooth locks, all you need is a little gel and a comb.

14. Suave Undercut

For a 9-year-old kid, an undercut is not very sophisticated, and he will adore how stylish he appears. Show him how to side split the longer hair by combing it up. He can maintain his nice looks all day long by adding a hair hold gel to the top!

15. Curly Carrot Top

Although little boys with red hair are adorable, they want to be viewed as adults. Let him have his shaggy curls, but teach him how to manage frizz and flyaways with a little style gel. This well-liked cut is given a touch of flair by a slight fading.

16. Simple Short Hairstyle

This is the ideal 9 year old boy hairstyle to ask for him at the salon if your little guy is a fairly basic young gentleman. If his hair is straight, he probably prefers short, straightforward hairstyles.

When he wakes up in the morning, things look tidy and don't require any work. His hair will still be in place and appear quite fashionable after a restful night's sleep.

17. Long Side Swept Haircut

There is simply no need to completely chop off your child's long hair if it is straight, he hasn't been to the salon in a while, and both you and he believe it looks good.

Simply shorten it a touch in the back, trim it in the front, sweep it to the side, and add a little hair product to make it sleek.

18. Gorgeous Shag

A shag haircut is without a doubt one of the coolest hairstyles out there, whether we're talking about guys or our little boys. It is both orderly and disorganized. And it appears to be totally appropriate for every situation.

Simply cut your nine-year-old boy's hair short on the sides and layered, a little longer on top, and swept to the side while still maintaining some volume and giving it the appearance of being effortlessly cool.

19. Side Swept Haircut

Do you ever have the impression that you always knew your small son was a music star? He then approaches you and declares his desire to resemble one. He will then like having the top of his head parted to the side and the sides cut short.

You can always use a small amount of hair product to hold his hair in place if it tends to become messy easily or if the occasion is slightly more formal.

20. Hairstyle with Front Swept Spikes

This is a timeless one. As a result, it is unquestionably among the greatest haircuts for fashionable 9-year-old boys with short hair. It is also useful. If your boy is able to do sports without having hair on his face while looking.

Make his hair go forward and up with your fingers while applying a small amount of hair product to keep it in place, and he will be ready to go.

10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No issue. speaking in public? Yikes! Your palms may start to perspire just thinking about public speaking, which is frequently cited as one of the biggest (and most frequent) concerns. However, there are numerous strategies to deal with this fear and develop a memorable speech.

I discussed techniques to help you communicate better in part one of this series, Mastering the Basics of Communication. I looked at how to use these strategies when interacting with coworkers and superiors at work in part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace. In the third and last installment of this series, I'll give you some advice on public speaking that will help you feel less anxious, bust some myths, and perform better.

Here Are My Top 10 Public Speaking Advices:

1. Feeling anxious is normal. Prepare and practice!

Everybody experiences certain physiological reactions, such as racing hearts and shaky hands. Do not connect these emotions with the fear of performing poorly or embarrassing oneself. Not all nerves are bad. You become more aware and prepared to perform at your best as a result of the adrenaline rush that causes you to sweat.

Preparation—preparation, preparation, and more preparation—is the best remedy for anxiety. Spend some time reviewing your notes multiple times. Practice a lot after you've gotten used to the material. Make a video of yourself, or get a friend to watch it and give you feedback.

2. Understand your market. They are the focus of your speech, not you.

Think on the audience for your message before you start to write it. As much as you can, find out who your listeners are. This will assist you in deciding on your word choice, informational level, organizational style, and motivating statement.

3. Arrange your information in the most useful way to achieve your goals.

Set up a structure for your speech. Topic, broad goal, detailed goal, main points, and central thought should all be noted. Aim to capture the audience's interest inside the first 30 seconds.

4. Pay attention to criticism and adjust.

Keep your audience in mind. Evaluate their responses, modify your message, and maintain flexibility. Even the most loyal listeners will become distracted or perplexed if you deliver a prefabricated speech.

5. Allow your personality to shine.

In any form of communication, stay true to yourself and avoid becoming a talking head. Your credibility will increase if your personality comes through, and your audience will believe you more if they can relate to you on a personal level.

6. Tell stories, use humor, and language that is effective.

If you include a humorous anecdote in your presentation, your audience's attention will be captured. In general, audiences appreciate speeches with a personal touch. That can be given in a tale.

7. Read only when necessary. Work off of a plan.

The interpersonal relationship is harmed when someone reads from a script or PowerPoint. By maintaining eye contact, you can retain the audience's attention on you and your message. A quick outline might help you stay focused and stimulate your memory.

8. Effectively use your voice and hands. Leave out tense gestures.

Most messages are communicated through nonverbal means. In contrast to drawing attention to itself, effective delivery simply and unobtrusively communicates the speaker's ideas.

9. Draw the audience in from the start and draw it in with a dynamic conclusion.

Are speeches that begin, "Today I'm going to talk to you about X," to your liking? The majority don't. Use a stunning statistic, a fascinating narrative, or a condensed quotation as an alternative. Put a strong message at the end of your speech that your audience will remember.

10. Make wise use of audiovisual aids.

Use them judiciously because using too many can sever the audience's direct line of communication. They should either improve or clarify your material, or grab and hold of the attention of your readers.

It Takes Practice to Get Perfect.

Nobody expects you to be flawless, and good communication is never perfect. But taking the necessary time to prepare will improve the quality of your speech. You might not be able to completely control your anxiety, but you can learn how to manage it.

10 Best Drawing Instruction Books (Reviews) for Beginners

There are many different drawing methods to learn, especially if you're just starting out. But if you want to improve your sketching talents, keeping a supply of all the essential supplies is insufficient. Utilizing the best drawing manuals will help you achieve your objectives more quickly and excel in all of your next tasks. If you're a beginner, you should take inspiration and examples from books authored by experienced artists who have had great success developing various drawing concepts throughout the years.

There are many books on the market for learning how to draw, but some of them are written in a style that is mainly consistent with experienced artists. Therefore, we gathered a selection of books that pretty well relate to the challenges faced by novices wishing to acquire the art of drawing from the very beginning.

Best Books for Learning to Draw for Novices

We took the time to look at the top beginner drawing instruction books, and we identified 10 of them—each having a unique set of methods that would shorten the learning curve. Here is a list of the books we think you should read, along with some highlights of the value each one adds.

1. Best for Concepts: Perspective Made Easy (Dover Art Instruction)

It sometimes seems that concept drawing is only the domain of highly trained experts like architects, interior designers, and engineers. But it couldn't be further from the truth. A notable book called "Perspective Made Easy" dispels the myth that drawing concepts is difficult, especially for beginners. You will study the fundamentals of honing your viewpoint on ideas because concepts are all about perspective.

Regardless of your level of concept experience, this book is more like a primer on three-dimensional drawings and bolters your study of design ideas. Additionally, you'll discover how succinct you must be while adding objects and diagrams to drawings.

2. Best for Travel Sketching: The Urban Sketcher—Techniques for Seeing & Drawing on Location

Is taking so many pictures starting to seem a little boring? Travel drawing could be able to fill the gap. And this book is at the top of the list for using travel sketching to record adventures. Why? Because it includes detailed instructions on how to create several types of suggestive drawings using a pencil, watercolor, pen, paint, and paper.

If you wish to work with a high degree of precision on all your projects, there are many professional viewpoints on the dos and don'ts of travel sketching. This book will provide you tips on the specific aspects to sketch, depending on what you'll find fascinating, if you're unsure, for example, about the type of terrain to focus on, whether it mountains, plateaus, or coastline lines.

3. Best for Real Objects: How to Draw What You See

On the surface, adjusting angles when illustrating actual things could appear to be a difficult chore for a novice. "How to Draw What You See" by De Rayna aims to provide artists with foolproof techniques for capturing what they see in their surroundings on paper. This book goes further than the conventional line drawings you would see in other publications that merely cover the basics. Additionally, it includes a practical orientation on how to develop perspective on modern drawing concepts and take inspiration from the environment.

This is the book to use if you want to brush up on your sketching abilities and stay on top of cutting-edge designs that look difficult to depict. This book is a famous collection that gives actual knowledge on how to draw real objects that you see in real life, despite the fact that it was first published in the early 1970s.

4. Best for Fantasies: Dragonart—How to Draw Fantastic Dragons and Fantasy Creatures

Since it explores thrilling mystical and magical themes, this category is a perennial popularity among children. You should set aside some time to master the principles of depicting the fantasy world if you want to build a mythological beast. Since all you need is an ink pen and some good pencils, it's also not too complicated.

This book has all the variables you need to implement, depending on the emotion you want your monster to express—disgust, fury, sadness, terror, or surprise—so your fantasy drawings can accurately capture the desired atmosphere in a fairy tale style. Every artwork in this book is easily understood by a fifth-grader and allows the reader to combine several concepts to create inventive figures through fantasy drawings.

5. Best for Realistic Drawing: Figure Drawing—Design & Invention

This book will provide you with the technical details of what to put in a figure, regardless of whether you want to pursue drawing as a pastime or want to improve your skill in gesture drawings. You'll also pick up some tips on how to improve your artistic abilities, particularly if you want to make realistic drawing your field of choice for employment.

After finishing this manual, you should be able to draw figures from your imagination with reasonable accuracy. The approach to anatomical drawings in this book is another interesting feature. The reader learns the best methods for depicting the human body without omitting crucial details that would betray the intended gesture.

6. Best for Versatile Drawing Skills: A Foundation Course in Versatile Drawing by Peter Stayner

Although this book contains extensive background information on landscape and abstract drawing, it is still a brilliant work of art for students or experienced artists who want to advance their drawing abilities by learning about a variety of techniques, including both traditional and cutting-edge ones. You could use the activities and other materials found in each chapter as a resource for upcoming projects.

These components will enlighten you on how to fancifully shape, draw, and brighten your works. Along with developing these adaptable skills, you also get to develop creative ideas and make them manifest through drawings. Most importantly, there is a chapter in this book with extensive research on best practices for making drawing systems easier to understand.

7. Best for Animation Sketches: The Sketchbook of Loish—Art in Progress

It may seem like an expensive proposition to create animation sketches on expensive equipment. You won't need to spend any money on a graphics tablet or a stylus pen to learn how to draw in this style. The Sketchbook of Loish is a manual for learning how to use animation to convey a concept or feeling. It features tutorials that have compiled valuable advice on the entire process of creating an animation.

After reading this book, you'll have a better understanding of the many shading techniques, line and brushwork, and how to transform your idea into a commanding work of art. Lois has a strong portfolio, and her work as a digital artist serves as a great source of inspiration for newcomers who want to understand everything there is to know about animation sketches.

8. Best for Exercises: Drawing for the Absolute Beginner—A Clear & Easy Guide to Successful Drawing

A little trial and error is necessary, particularly if you want to improve your drawing abilities. Setting aside some time to complete a lot of activities would be the best way to reduce the learning curve. A guide to understanding the cues that build value and make drawings appear much more realistic is provided in the book "Drawing for the Absolute Beginner."

This book is a must-have if you want to get inspired by the 24 mini-demo projects, each of which includes a step-by-step tutorial, and learn simple techniques like the proper materials needed for various types of drawings. You'll begin with easy tasks like drawing pets and coffee mugs before developing your abilities and perfecting the talent of drawing breathtaking portraits and outdoor scenes like landscapes.

9. Best for Basics: Keys to Drawing by Bert Dodson

Learning the fundamentals is the first step to becoming a proficient drawer. And this book concentrates on just what a beginner needs to know. Along with the fundamental processes outlined in this book, you'll have access to a ton of activities that will help you go a step closer to understanding which creativity tips, depending on the project you're working on, you want to use.

If you want to understand the fundamentals of organizing sketches, focusing razor-sharply on minute details, and outlining the key components of a design, this is one of the most helpful publications. If you wish to bridge the gap between beginner and intermediate level, think of this book as a 101 tutorial.

10. Editor’s Choice: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

You should purchase this updated edition if you wish to learn the fundamentals of drawing using traditional points. Betty Edwards, an experienced artist or someone learning the fundamentals, explains how to maximize your artistic potential in her book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." This book is still an excellent option compared to the majority of others on the market for instruction on sketching techniques using simple-to-follow examples.

In this book, Betty makes an effort to reveal the brain's capacity to derive value from environmentally friendly concepts and transform them into imaginative illustrations. Therefore, if you enjoy reading and can derive creative drawing inspiration from the context concealed in drawings, you're likely to find this book to be helpful.