It’s the most wonderful time of the year to make your home smell incredible. From luxury labels to fantastic finds ideal for white elephant gifts and even some unexpected ways you’d never think to scent your home, we found the best of the best home fragrance gifts to give and perhaps buy for yourself this holiday season. Le Labo Santal 26 Diffuser Of course, Le Labo makes candles, but if you are looking to give a luxurious home fragrance gift that doubles as a chic conversation piece, the Santal 26 Diffuser checks the box perfectly. Made from reclaimed redwood from…

For some time, Congress has tried to pass tax relief for wildfire victims. When a larger tax bill failed, the House passed a stand-alone bill, H.R. 5863. Now, the Senate has finally also passed—by unanimous voice vote—the “Federal Disaster Relief Act of 2023.” The bill goes straight to President Biden who is expected to sign the bill into law. The last decade has contained some of the largest and most destructive wildfires in California history, including the 2015 Butte fire, the 2017 North Bay Fires, the 2017 Thomas Fire, the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire, the 2018 Woolsey Fire, the 2019…

Entering the world of real estate investing can be both exciting and overwhelming. With its vast opportunities and inherent complexities, having the guidance of a seasoned mentor can be invaluable. A mentor can help you navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your growth by sharing their experience and insights. When I was starting my career, I was fortunate to have two incredible mentors, Bob Knakal and Paul Massey. By listening to them, I learned strategies that I continue to implement today. Follow these guidelines to find a mentor in real estate investing. The Value of a Mentor Real estate…

The rise of remote work, and a desire to be surrounded by nature, has caused many Americans to say goodbye to McMansions and hello to minimalist homes and a more relaxed lifestyle. Many of us grew up reading books and watching TV shows and movies about young people leaving small towns for the bright lights and bustling lifestyle found in big cities. But now, that trend seems to be reversing – in fact, even before the pandemic, people were moving from metro areas to more rural regions. However, a report by the Economic Innovation Group revealed that in 2021, over…

Smart Spending Tips discusses the possibility of mortgage rates and home prices stabilizing in late 2024. Mortgage rates have experienced unpredictable ups and downs in recent years, much like a roller coaster ride. Meanwhile, housing prices have shot up rapidly, more like a rocket launcher, increasing significantly in a short span of time. Elevated mortgage rates and fast-rising home prices have caused many would-be home buyers to delay their dream of owning a home. So far, waiting for conditions to improve has been frustrating. Waiting for better mortgage rates and lower home prices may be futile. However, recently, rates and…

Are you a Yelp user? I’m constantly clicking into the local business finder app on my phone and so are 32 million other users, according to the company’s latest posted fast facts. With “Home & Local Services” being their top category, accounting for 20% of the site’s reviews, it’s worth noting what’s trending there. These four search sets they’re seeing as 2025 home design trend predictions have wellness design connections and the potential to improve your home and personal wellbeing. 1. 1970s Reimagined “The conversation pit (up 369%), a hallmark of ’70s design that incorporates a sunken living area with…

With everything being so expensive these days, you might think it’s hard to find great home and decor gifts under $100, but we beg to differ. It’s easier than ever to find thoughtful presents that anyone will be happy to receive this holiday season. From statement decor to elevated essentials and holiday must-haves—here are the best gifts for the home under $100. Please note that these prices were accurate as of the time this article was originally published. Domani Home Missoni Face Towel Six-Piece Set For the person who loves designer everything, it’s hard not to add this Missoni Face…

As an architect and interior designer, Natalie Rebuck, principal designer at Re: Design Architects, adds a maximalist touch to Christmas decorating. She blends thoughtful collections with personal touches to create a festive and harmonious environment. Here’s how she transforms her home for the holidays: Collections Bring Joy Rebuck says she loves decorating with multiples of similar items, as it creates a striking, cohesive look. “Over the years, I’ve curated an assortment of decorative trees made of ceramic, glass, pipe cleaner, wood, metal, and more, displayed on my dining room sideboard.” She notes that this evolving forest of festive greenery feels…

The holiday season should be a time of joy, but many people report feeling less than elated this time of year. In fact, a Thumbtack survey reveals that 58% of Americans stress out when thinking about the holidays. At least 25% identify preparing for the holidays (cleaning, organizing) as their major source of stress. Also, 10% say decorating the home is their top stressor – and 25% have suffered injuries while either putting up or taking down decorations. On the other hand, some people are renters, and lament that they are limited in their holiday decorating efforts. Kendra Sinclair, Thumbtack’s…

This is not your grandmother’s ditsy floral pattern – unless you go for that sort of thing! The retro trend of cladding your rooms with wallpaper actually harkens further back to centuries past, when fine homes were showcases for pastoral murals in elegant gathering rooms. I was captivated by such features touring the 1819 residence turned Telfair Academy museum and other historic homes in Savannah last April. As Millennials and Gen Z embrace hosting, (as earlier generations of proud homeowners have since our nation’s founding), they’re also embracing the wallpaper revival. According to Grandview Research, the global market is expected…